PLAY THERAPY TRAININGS

Title: The Language of Play: Parent Consultations through a Child-Centered Lens

Presenters: Samantha Long, PhD, LPC, RPT, NCC

Michelle Walker, LCSW, RPT-S

Samantha Renner, LMFT (Special Guest)

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Virtual Via ZOOM

Time: 9:00AM-1:30PM EST (30 minute break built-in)

Cost: Regular Rate $100, Student Rate $45 (with valid student ID- Emailed to connect@integratedplayconnections.com)

This training is developed to support an integrated understanding of parent consultations through the lens of Child-Centered Play Therapy.

This four-hour training is both educational and application-focused, utilizing direct examples and case conceptualizations to support an integrated understanding of parent consultations through the lens of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). While designed as an intermediate-level training, presenters will review the theoretical rationale underlying CCPT and examine how its philosophy extends into effective parent consultation practices. Participants will explore how CCPT’s core principles, therapeutic attitudes, and foundational philosophy can be thoughtfully translated into work with caregivers. The training will address the logistics of parent consultations while emphasizing how the CCPT stance of being-with, returning responsibility, and holding a deep belief in the child’s capacity for growth informs conversations with caregivers. 

Emphasis will be placed on helping clinicians clearly and confidently explain CCPT to caregivers in ways that are developmentally attuned, strengths-based, and accessible. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating CCPT-consistent language into parent consultations, including tracking progress and subtle therapeutic shifts, addressing barriers to treatment, teaching CCPT-informed parenting skills, and weaving play themes into collaborative discussions. Through case examples and guided application, participants will practice communicating the why and how of CCPT to caregivers while maintaining therapeutic integrity and relational depth.

Our guest presenter, Samantha Renner, LMFT, will provide a focused application of these concepts when working with children diagnosed with ADHD in play therapy. This segment will address the increased pressure play therapists may experience to shift modalities, emphasize skill-based interventions, or prioritize behavioral compliance. Participants will explore how to maintain fidelity to CCPT while supporting caregivers in understanding their child’s needs, navigating relational and systemic challenges, and advocating effectively within school settings.

*30 minute lunch break built into training time*

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the core philosophy, foundational principles, and therapeutic attitudes of CCPT and how this modality can be extended beyond the playroom into parent consultation and caregiver collaboration. 

1. Identify meaningful indicators of therapeutic progress including subtle shifts and emerging play themes. 

1. Examine the application of CCPT when working with children diagnosed with ADHD by identifying common clinical pressures, understanding caregiver concerns, and articulating a CCPT-informed rationale for maintaining a child-centered approach.

1. Demonstrate how CCPT principles can be preserved while supporting caregiver and child advocacy within school systems, including collaborating with educators, reframing behavioral concerns through a CCPT lens, and promoting developmentally appropriate, relationship-centered supports. 

This training meets the standards for APT NON-CONTACT WORKSHOP and participants will be credited (4) Non-contact CEUs following the completion of an 80% passing rate quiz and feedback survey