Exploring Play Therapy: Navigating Assessment, Diagnosis, and Play Themes for Effective Intervention

This interactive and experiential workshop provides a foundation for utilizing play and play therapy approaches in assessment and treatment of childnre. Additionally, we will explore play themes in play therapy and how themes can better help caregivers and clinicians understand a child's inner world. This workshop is best suited for those who have a foundational understanding of play therapy and are using at least some play techniques in practice. This workshop is designed for mental health professionals, counselors, and therapists seeking to enhance their skills in understanding and utilizing play as a therapeutic tool. Education hours are available for those who are working towards their Registered Play Therapist credential.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore a variety of assessment methods specific to play therapy
• Learn and discuss strategies for gathering valuable information about a child's emotional and psychological well-being through verbal, written, and play-based techniques. 
• Understand the nuances of diagnosing and conceptualizing children's issues in the context of play 
• Develop a greater knowledge of integrating play-based observations into the assessment and treatment process
• Identify and describe established play themes observed in play therapy
• Increase their understanding of monitoring play themes and how children communicate through play over time
• Explore the ethical considerations and challenges unique to play therapy assessment and use of play themes

All content will be presented by Dr. Staci Born, EdD, LMFT, RPT-S. For more information about Dr. Born, please explore her profile on https://www.thebluecouchcounseling.com/about-5