2023 Continuing Education Series

Presented by Julie Nash, Ph.D., RPT-S

 

Sponsored by:

Riverside Psychological Associates, LLC

90 Main Street

Centerbrook, CT 06409

Be sure to check back regularly as new content is being added!

New this year: Two training “tracks!”

Take trainings to build your knowledge and understanding of play therapy, play therapy supervision, or both! Pick and choose which work best for you, or sign up for a bundle (see the bottom of the page for details). All trainings will be live through Zoom and meet APT’s definition of “Live Webinar.” Costs are listed in each description. To register, email [email protected] and you’ll receive confirmation and instructions on how to submit payments.

Scroll down for details!

 

Play Therapy Trainings:

• An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Child Centered Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy
  • 2 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
• An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Adlerian Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
  • 2 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
    
• An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Gestalt Play Therapy and Jungian Play Therapy
  • 2 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
    
• An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy
  • 2 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
    
• An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Theraplay and Ecosystemic Play Therapy
  • 2 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
    
• The History of Play and Play Therapy
  • 3 hours, Play Therapy History
    
• Creating Powerful Play Therapy: The Therapeutic Powers of Play in Action
  • 4 hours, Play Therapy Special Topics
    
• Introduction to Using Sand, Sandtray, and Miniatures in Play Therapy
• 4 hours, Play Therapy Skills and Methods
• Child-Centered Play Therapy
  • 6 hours, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
  • ** This training is held through the Play Therapy Training Institute on 9/27/23 and 9/29/23. Both dates must be attended for credit. Visit ptti.org for details and registration!**

Play Therapy Supervision Trainings:

• Utilizing the Integrative Developmental Model of Supervision to Supervise Play Therapy
  • 3 hours, Model of supervision
• Supervision in the Sand: Utilizing the Sandtray to Enhance Play Therapy Supervision
  • 2 hours, Techniques of supervision
    
• Managing the Tough Stuff of Play Therapy Supervision
  • 3 hours, Clinical issues related to supervision
    
• Play Therapy Supervision and the Play Therapy Competencies
  • 3 hours, Play therapy competencies

 

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Child Centered Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy

Wednesday July 12, 2023

9:00 a.m. EST – 11:00 a.m. EST

Child Centered Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds. This training is $60 (see below for discount deal!).

 

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Child Centered Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core tenets of Filial Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Child Centered Play Therapy and Filial Play Therapy.

 Program runs 9:00 to 11:00 with one 15 minute break.

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Adlerian Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy

Tuesday July 18, 2023

9:00 a.m. EST – 11:00 a.m. EST

Adlerian Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds. This training is $60 (see below for discount deal!).

 

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Adlerian Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Adlerian Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy.

 Program runs 9:00 to 11:00 with one 15 minute break.

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Gestalt Play Therapy and Jungian Play Therapy

Monday July 24, 2023

2:00 p.m. EST – 4:00 p.m. EST

Gestalt Play Therapy and Jungian Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds. This training is $60 (see below for discount deal!).

 

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Gestalt Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core tenets of Jungian Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Gestalt Play Therapy and Jungian Play Therapy.

 Program runs 2:00 to 4:00 with one 15 minute break.

 

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy

Monday July 31, 2023

12:00 p.m. EST – 2:00 p.m. EST

Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds. This training is $60 (see below for discount deal!).

 

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Object Relations Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core tenets of Developmental Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy.

 Program runs 12:00 to 2:00 with one 15 minute break.

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Theraplay and Ecosystemic Play Therapy

Monday August 7, 2023

2:00 p.m. EST – 4:00 p.m. EST

Theraplay and Ecosystemic Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds. This training is $60 (see below for discount deal!).

 

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Theraplay.
2. Identify the core tenets of Ecosystemic Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Theraplay and Ecosystemic Play Therapy.

Program runs 2:00 to 4:00 with one 15 minute break.

The History of Play and Play Therapy

Wednesday August 9, 2023

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

The history of play and play therapy is rich with stories and knowledge of how the field as a whole has developed. This workshop is intended to introduce play therapy trainees and practitioners to a timeline of the development of play and play therapy, along with introductions to the people who made it possible. We will learn how the understanding of the importance of free play has developed and changed across cultural groups throughout history and where play therapy fits in over time, including theories, approaches, and settings. This training is $75.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this training, participants will be able to…

1. Participants will be able to identify at least ten key figures in the history of play therapy.
2. Participants will be able to identify when and how at least five theories of play therapy developed.
3. Participants will be able to discuss how free play adapted over at least three historical cultural groups and identify the impact on the development of play therapy.

 Program runs 1:30 to 4:30 with one 15 minute break.

Creating Powerful Play Therapy: The Therapeutic Powers of Play in Action

Tuesday August 15, 2023

9:00 a.m. EST – 1:00 p.m. EST

How does play therapy actually create change while improving mental health and overall functioning? While the therapeutic relationship and other qualities of therapy are necessary, this workshop will teach what it is about play specifically that leads to change. The relationship between individual therapeutic powers of play (or change agents) and the primary traits of play will be explored, while relating to the basic tenets of major theories of play therapy. Understanding these relationships and how to implement them allows for effectively choosing techniques or interventions to give the desired observable outcomes. This process will be described and practiced using didactic and experiential exercises, helping participants to solidify their understanding of play therapy theory and practice. Participants will learn how to match presenting problems with the change agents of play and techniques to achieve desired outcomes, and be better equipped to answer the question “So you just…play?” when speaking with parents, referral sources, and other professionals, as well as when writing treatment plans. This training is $100.

 

 Learning Objectives:

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to…

1. Identify the 20 therapeutic powers of play seen through play therapy.
2. Identify the eight primary traits of play as used in play therapy.
3. Demonstrate at least three examples of how to connect basic tenets of theories with specific therapeutic powers of play to use in play therapy to achieve a desired outcome.
4. Discuss how to choose an intervention to promote a desired observable outcome from play therapy, given a specified therapeutic power of play and trait of play.

 Program runs 9:00 to 1:00 with two 15 minute breaks.

 

Introduction to Using Sand, Sandtray, and Miniatures in Play Therapy

Monday August 21, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST

There are many ways to utilize sand in play therapy including traditional individual sandtrays, family and group trays, using miniatures without sand, and using sand in a school play therapy setting. In this training, participants will learn about the history of sandtray in play therapy as well as many modifications of the original work that are prevalent today. As we discuss how to integrate sand into play therapy, participants will be introduced to a model for introducing the sand, processing the session, and utilizing metaphors. These concepts will be presented from the view of multiple theoretical orientations. We will also discuss optimal collections of miniatures, set up, and storage of equipment, as well as ways to make these work within multiple budgets and settings. This training is $100.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this training, participants will be able to…

1. Identify at least 4 ways to incorporate sand into play therapy.
2. Discuss the primary stages of sandtray work in play therapy and how to adapt as needed.
3. Discuss the benefits of using sand in play therapy for a variety of client presentations as well as at least 2 types of presenting issues that warrant additional preparation.
4. Identify the primary miniatures used in sandtray in play therapy and why these are important to a collection of miniatures.

Program runs 9:00 to 1:00 with two 15 minute breaks. 

 

Supervision in the Sand: Utilizing the Sandtray to Enhance Play Therapy Supervision

Wednesday July 26, 2023

2:00 p.m. EST – 4:00 p.m. EST

Play therapy supervision should include play-based experiences, and the sandtray is an accessible way to explore non-verbal understanding of play therapy sessions. In this workshop, participants will learn why sandtray should be a vital part of play therapy supervision as well as multiple ways to utilize this method in various phases of play therapy supervision. Sandtray can be used to explore what the play therapist trainee brings to supervision as well as aspects of specific play therapy cases. This is a hands-on, experiential training as well as didactic. Participants should plan to have miniatures available during the workshop, and should have a working understanding of sandtray principles. This training is $60.

 

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and utilize at least 3 sandtray-based techniques for general play therapy supervision.
2. Describe the difference between using sandtray-based techniques for professional development of a play therapist during supervision, and using techniques to explore a play therapy case.
3. Utilize a sandtray-based technique for each of the phases of play therapy supervision, specific to professional development of the play therapist.

 Program runs 2:00 to 4:00 with one 15 minute break.

Utilizing the Integrative Developmental Model of Supervision to Supervise Play Therapy

Tuesday August 1, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST

The Integrative Developmental Model (IDM) of supervision focuses on the levels of training and understanding of new clinicians to help them grow across various domains. This workshop will explain and explore this model, and provide a framework for how to use the core tenets to supervise play therapy supervisees. Understanding what knowledge and experience licensed or unlicensed clinicians bring to their play therapy training is vital to help them develop their play therapy knowledge base and to provide well rounded supervision. This training will cover the theoretical base of the IDM and provide concrete ways to utilize the supervision model with play therapy trainees with various levels of experience. This training is $75.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Participants will be able to identify the structures and domains of the IDM and relate them to play therapy supervision needs.
2. Participants will be able to identify at least two ways to assess the levels and training needs of the play therapy supervisee within the IDM model.
3. Participants will be able to identify at least three techniques (supervision mechanisms) to use at each level of play therapy supervision under the IDM model.

 Program runs 12:00 to 3:00 with one 15 minute break.

Managing the Tough Stuff of Play Therapy Supervision

Monday September 11, 2023

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Play therapy supervision is more than simply teaching skills to aspiring play therapists. In solid clinical supervision, the supervision can hear about many challenging and distressing topics and must support the play therapist through these experiences. Compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, burnout, transference/countertransference, and dealing with the imposter phenomenon are all real aspects of play therapy supervision. This workshop is intended to introduce these topics and provide ways to understand and manage these normal reactions to support the professional development of the play therapy supervisor.  This training is $75.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout, how the three are related and how these can present in play therapy supervision.
• Describe transference and countertransference from a supervision perspective, and how these can present in play therapy supervision.
• Describe at least 3 ways in which the play therapy supervisor can be aware of these reactions in the moment and over time, and how the play therapy supervisor can create a self-supportive environment to manage reactions appropriately.

 Program runs 12:00 to 3:00 with one 15 minute break.

Play Therapy Supervision and the Play Therapy Competencies

Monday September 18, 2023

12:00 p.m. EST – 3:00 p.m. EST

The process of play therapy supervision through the Association for Play Therapy includes assessing applicants’ abilities across three major categories of competencies: Knowledge and understanding of play therapy, Clinical play therapy skills, and Professional engagement in play therapy. This workshop will guide play therapy supervisors through understanding these competencies and introduce ways to assess the three major categories in supervision sessions. This will include didactic as well as hands on, play-based ways to address the competencies which can then be used in play therapy supervision sessions! A basic assessment and tracking tool to address the competencies has been created by the presenter and will also be shared. This training is $75.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least 2 play-based ways to address the knowledge and understanding of play therapy competency in play therapy supervision.
2. Identify at least 3 play-based ways to address the clinical play therapy skills competency in play therapy supervision.
3. Utilize a basic assessment and tracking tool to monitor trainees’ growth in the play therapy competencies during play therapy supervision.

 Program runs 12:00 to 3:00 with one 15 minute break.

 

Want to register for all five theory trainings, and complete 10 continuing education credits? Email [email protected] saying you want to sign up for all five and receive a discount of $10 per training, for a total of 10 CE hours for $250! This is a limited time offer, so sign up today!

 

Want to register for all four supervision trainings? Email [email protected] requesting the supervision series, and receive a discount of $10 per training, for a total of 11 CE hours for $245! This is a limited time offer, so sign up today!

About the Presenter: Julie Nash, Ph.D., RPT-S

Dr. Nash is a licensed clinical psychologist and registered play therapist-supervisor. She obtained her Ph.D. at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and completed her internship and postdoctoral residency at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT. Dr. Nash is the author of multiple book chapters on play therapy and is awaiting publication of her first book, “Nature-based Play Therapy: A Prescriptive Approach to Integrating the Therapeutic Powers of Nature and Play.” She has presented at national and international conferences on play therapy and has been trained in using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to work with children facing the results of a variety of traumas. Dr. Nash is now in private practice as the owner of Riverside Psychological Associates, LLC in Centerbrook, CT where she provides individual and family therapy sessions for people across the age range, as well as continuing education trainings. Dr. Nash is the former president of the New England Association for Play Therapy, and is involved on multiple committees with the Association for Play Therapy.

Registration

To register: Visit our website at www.drjulienash.com or email ([email protected]).

 

Participants

These workshops are appropriate for psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, school counselors, and other mental health professionals who hold at least a master’s degree in a counseling related field. Maximum enrollment is 50 participants per workshop. Participants will be asked to complete a program evaluation form at the completion of the workshop. To obtain continuing education credit, participants must successfully complete a post-test. See “Continuing Education” for more details.

Continuing Education

Continuing education credits will be offered through the Association for Play Therapy. Partial credit cannot be given. Participants must be present for the entire workshop to receive credits. Riverside Psychological Associates, LLC is a Continuing Education Provider for the Association for Play Therapy; APT Approved Provider 14-380. For more information on APT or Play Therapy see www.a4pt.org. Play therapy credit is only awarded to mental health professionals. Participants must be present with video on for the entire workshop, and a quiz completed with a passing score of at least 80% to be eligible for credits. These workshops meet APT’s definition of “Live Webinar.”

Fees; Cancellation and Refund Policy; Complaint Process

$20 of the registration fee is nonrefundable. Registration will be taken on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 50 participants per session. Written requests for cancellation will be accepted up to three weeks prior to the workshop, and will receive a refund minus the $20 nonrefundable portion. For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Nash directly at [email protected]. You should expect a response within 2 business days, otherwise please email [email protected]. If we cannot come to a satisfactory agreement, you are able to file a written complaint with the APT Education & Training Manager. Complaints should first be filed with the Approved Provider as outlined above.

Special Needs

If you have special needs, please inform Riverside Psychological Associates, LLC prior to registration.