10:00 AM EST -1:00 PM EST
Description
This seminar, Working with Children: The Theory and Practice of Play Therapy, provides an overview of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of play therapy in working with children presenting with a variety of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. It explores the relationship between play, psychosocial development, parenting, and the developmental stages of childhood, highlighting how play serves as a natural medium through which children communicate feelings, express conflicts, and process experiences. The seminar introduces several major approaches to play therapy, including psychoanalytic, Jungian, developmental, Gestalt, cognitive-behavioral, Adlerian, family systems, and child-centered theories. Particular attention is given to understanding the developmental needs of children and adapting therapeutic interventions to their individual circumstances and client populations.
In addition to its theoretical components, the seminar emphasizes the practical aspects of establishing and conducting play therapy. Topics include the intake process, initial meetings with parents and children, professional and administrative requirements, informed consent, confidentiality, and the development of a therapeutic relationship. Participants are introduced to a range of play therapy techniques and materials, including puppets, dolls, sand, clay, games, and creative activities, as well as the therapeutic stages through which children may progress during treatment. Through case presentations, clinical examples, and discussion of specific childhood difficulties, the seminar aims to strengthen participants' ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical therapeutic skills. Ultimately, it provides a framework for understanding and applying play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach to supporting children's emotional well-being, adaptive functioning, and psychological growth.
About the Presenter:
Allan M. Gonsher earned his M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University in 1980. He founded Kids, Inc., a family and children's counseling practice in Omaha, Nebraska, and Overland Park, Kansas, and served as its president from 1985 to 2021. His clinical and teaching experience includes play therapy, child development, family therapy, and supervision of child therapists. He has taught graduate courses at MidAmerica Nazarene University, the University of Nebraska School of Social Work, and Creighton University, and has been a guest lecturer at the Hebrew University School of Social Work.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the Theory and Practice of Play Therapy.
- Analyze Individual Play Therapy and its relationship to Family Therapy.
- Demonstrate several techniques for engaging children and families.
Agenda:
Describe the Theory and Practice of Play Therapy. ( 1 hour)
Analyze Individual Play Therapy and its relationship to Family Therapy. (1 hour)
Demonstrate several techniques for engaging children and families. (1 hour)
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Hours
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Therapy Express seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Therapy Express ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by Therapy Express is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program