Workshop Description
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for school counselors, psychologists, mental health counselors,
social workers, psychiatrists, graduate students and other experienced professionals who work with children and families. The workshop is designed to be of interest to beginning and intermediate child and adolescent therapists of all theoretical orientations. To attend at a reduced rate, please consider joining either the Virginia Counselors Association at
http://www. vcacounselors.org or the Virginia Association for Play Therapy at
http://vapt.cisat.jmu.edu
Workshop Description
Play Therapy is the treatment of choice for many children and can be a very effective tool for teens, as well. In order to help children and teens express their feelings and concerns, therapists need to be trained to use the many valuable techniques that are available. This presentation provides the participants with an overview of the role of play in the development of children, the way in which this relates to therapeutic play, and the history of the development of play therapy. In addition, there will be an exploration of a variety of approaches to play with emphasis on the development of the basic skills and techniques of child-centered play therapy.
Rationale and Objectives
The workshop will introduce the theoretical foundations of play therapy, assist in the development of the skills and techniques to be an effective child-centered play therapist, and provide exposure to a variety of therapeutic interventions related to play therapy.
Participants will:
- Cite the historical development of play therapy and explain the therapeutic process related to play
- Describe child development in relationship to play therapy
- Identify major types of play therapy and describe the skills of an effective play therapist
- Explain the basic theory underlining child-centered play therapy
- Describe a developmentally appropriate play environment
- Identify the “language” of children’s play and how to set limits
related to play - Tell of a variety of techniques related to play therapy such as filial play, sand tray, art therapy, and group play
- Identify professional resources
