Branch Trainings

Play therapists often state that involving parents is one of the most challenging aspects of their work (Ray, 2011). Through this workshop, attendees will review best practices for parent consultations as well as engage in preparatory activities that will strengthen this skill.

When children experience the death of a loved one, our presence and attunement can help anchor children through the overwhelming loss into a foundation for healing and growth. In this play therapy workshop, you’ll learn how to support grieving children by understanding how loss impacts their nervous system. We willl explore creative interventions—drawing from nature, sensory, and somatic play—that support regulation, connection, and felt safety. You will gain tools to reach children who “don’t want to talk about it,” support families navigating loss together, and reflect on your own grief stories as part of holding space. This workshop also includes guidance on engaging caregivers and honoring cultural context throughout the therapeutic process. Breakout rooms may be a part of the online learning.

Play therapists are trained to keep the relationship with both parents and the children they work with, but when they get a subpoena to be involved in a custody case the relationship becomes quite challenged. Participants will learn how to handle divorce cases from intake session and beyond to keep themselves out of court. Participants will learn how to integrate play therapy to decrease triangulation, assess the co-parenting relationship, and treat children dealing with divorce.

A three-hour course appropriate for all levels of Play Therapists focused on using play therapy with children under five to build resilience and regulation. This training will provide education on the developing nervous systems of pre-k children and an understanding of how to strengthen those nervous systems through play therapy. Strategies presented will include both directive and non-directive approaches that can be applied across the theories.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with an understanding of using play therapy as a therapeutic approach for children with ADHD. Participants will delve into the theoretical foundations of play therapy and its relevance in addressing ADHD symptoms. Practical strategies for creating engaging and effective play therapy sessions will be explored, including techniques for enhancing emotional regulation, attention, and social skills.