**IN PERSON** Play Therapy Training | Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 9am – 12:15pm
While there is TONS of research on working with step-families or blended families, many mental health programs fail to address the complexity of working with these types of families which differ significantly than nuclear families.
30% of children will live in step or blended families before reaching adulthood so it’s likely that clinicians will encounter a step or blended family during their career. This training aims to give clinicians the basic understanding of typical step/blended family dynamics, how to apply this psychoeducation in therapy sessions, and how to help families start their restructuring process – all while looking at these steps through a play therapy lens.
This training will pull from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay ®, and Expressive Art Therapies. Clinicians will gain directive play therapy-based activities that they can immediately implement with their clients.
Presenter: Paige Frasso, LMFT
Virtual Play Therapy Training | Friday, June 14th, 2024 from 9am – 12:15pm
This workshop is designed for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their skills in play therapy when working with resistant parents and children.
Resistance can present unique challenges in therapeutic settings, hindering progress and communication. Through a combination of theoretical exploration, experiential activities, and case studies, participants will gain practical tools to break through resistance and create meaningful connections with their clients.
Participants will delve into the nuances of play therapy, exploring how to tailor interventions to the unique needs of resistant clients.
The workshop will provide a safe space for learning and experimentation, allowing attendees to practice and refine their skills in a supportive environment. Cultural competence and collaborative approaches with parents will be emphasized, ensuring that participants leave with practical skills to apply in their own practice.
Objectives:
- Participants will identify common signs and manifestations of resistance in the therapeutic process.
- Participants will develop strategies for establishing and strengthening therapeutic alliances with resistant parents and children through play.
- Participants will explore a variety of creative and play therapy interventions designed to engage resistant parents and children in the therapeutic process.
- Participants will develop strategies for involving resistant parents in the therapeutic journey of their children.
- Participants will address cultural considerations and diversity in the context of play therapy with resistant clients.
Presenter: Kristian Owens, LCSW-C, RPT, Reiki Master
**IN PERSON** Child Centered Play Therapy, 6 week Workshop Series | Saturdays: 6/8 – 8/17 from 9:30am-11:30am
Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) was derived from the principles of person-centered therapy and developed for children ages 3-10. In CCPT, play therapists understand that the natural language of children is play and believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the healing agent of change.
Play therapists create a warm, empathetic, and understanding space while utilizing a set of skills that honors the development of the child and facilitates self-directed healing through child-led play therapy.
Throughout six separate workshops that build upon each other, participants will be provided with an overview of the theory, skills, and the six basic conditions of CCPT. Additionally, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the primary skills of CCPT through a process of learn, see, and do. The use of case studies, videos, and live practice will strengthen the participants’ understanding of how to implement CCPT skills into their work with clients.
Participants will develop their skills on explaining the effectiveness of CCPT to caregivers, track progress of clients, and prepare for both planned and unplanned termination sessions. Throughout the workshop series, emphasis will be placed on self-reflection in order for participants to find their congruent and authentic way of being present in the play therapy room.
Presenter: Michelle Walker, LCSW, RPT
Crossroads Family Counseling Center is a proud supporter of The Heart Leaf Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve access to high quality play therapy mental health services for children and families through low-cost services and professional education.
All proceeds from Training are donated to The Heart Leaf Center
Crossroads Family Counseling Center is proud to be an approved provider by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. CFCC maintains responsibility for the program. APT Approved Provider 13-360.