Presenter: Sharolyn Wallace, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S, & Katherine Conner, MSW, LCSW

Explore the importance of relationships in the play therapy process with infants/toddlers and parents/caregivers through increased understanding of protective factors and the therapeutic powers of play. Presentation of common developmental/normative themes with infants/young children with relevance to play therapy.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define and discuss the role of play therapy in infant mental health work with a Registered Play Therapist.
2. Design a play therapy intervention with a specific goal.
3. Identify the importance of relationship building within the play therapy modality.

Level: Intermediate
Primary Area: Skills and Methods
Content Focus: Attachment, Family
Theoretical Basis: Attachment | Integrative | Prescriptive

Continuing Education:
2 Hrs

Presenter: Kristie Opiola, PhD, LPC, RPT

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the importance of tailoring responses in child centered play therapy
2. Identify at least two barriers play therapists face when personalizing responses.
3. Create a plan of conceptualization that includes individualized play therapy responses for child clients.

Level: Advanced Discussion Group
Primary Area: Skills and Methods
Content Focus: Theory / Process, Trauma
Theoretical Basis: Child-Centered

Continuing Education:
2 Hrs

Presenter: Natalya Lindo, PhD, LPC

In addition to facilitating skill development, culturally responsive play therapy supervision incorporates culturally-attuned interventions, acknowledging cultural dimensions of each member of the supervision triad. Participants will explore their dimensions of diversity and the impact of intersecting identities on the supervision relationship and the play therapy process.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the key components of intersectionality theory and the socio-emotional impact of policies and institutional practices on supervisees and clients with marginalized identities.
2. Examine the cultural dimensions and the potential impact of their salient identities on the supervisory relationship and therapeutic progress.
3. Identify at least 2 specific strategies for engaging in culturally responsive supervision.

Level: Intermediate
Primary Area: Special Topics
Content Focus: Supervision, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Theoretical Basis: Various

Continuing Education:
2 Hrs

Presenter: Pam Dyson, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S

Social media has changed how we communicate. Our online activity can blur the line between our personal and professional lives. It’s our responsibility to manage social media ethically when considering its impact on our relationships with our play therapy clients.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the benefits and risks of using social media within a play therapy practice.
2. Identify ways to protect your personal and professional play therapy identity while using social media.
3. Explain what to include in a social media policy.

Level: Introductory
Primary Area: Special Topics
Content Focus: Ethics
Theoretical Basis: Integrative

Continuing Education:
2 Hrs

Presenter: Pam Dyson, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S

Social media has changed how we communicate. Our online activity can blur the line between our personal and professional lives. It’s our responsibility to manage social media ethically when considering its impact on our relationships with our play therapy clients.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the benefits and risks of using social media within a play therapy practice.
2. Identify ways to protect your personal and professional play therapy identity while using social media.
3. Explain what to include in a social media policy.

Level: Introductory
Primary Area: Special Topics
Content Focus: Ethics
Theoretical Basis: Integrative

Continuing Education:
2 Hrs