Utah Valley University hosted its inaugural Play Therapy Conference on June 13, 2026, bringing together clinicians, students, and mental health professionals to explore therapeutic techniques for children, teens, and families.
Keynote presentation on childhood aggression
The conference featured a keynote presentation by Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, titled "Working with Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy." Dion, an international teacher and creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, discussed how play serves as a natural language for children to communicate trauma and emotions before they possess the words to explain them.
Breakout workshops and local professionals
The event at the Sorensen Center included several breakout workshops led by Utah-based professionals. Sessions covered topics such as beginning play therapy with Heather Stephenson, LCSW, RPT-S; ethical considerations in high-conflict divorce with Maggi Leavitt, LCSW, RPT-S and Sarah Stroup, LMF, RPT-S; and using play therapy to address grief with Holly Willard, LCSW, RPT-S.
Continuing education units and specialists
The conference provided attendees with six NASW and APT approved continuing education units. Presenters included specialists such as Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S, who led a session on selective mutism, and John Burr, LCSW, RPT-S, who presented on the transformative power of play.
Specialized training and clinical sessions
The program highlighted various specialized training areas, including EMDR integration and attachment issues. Speakers such as Maggi Leavitt and Sarah Stroup, who co-own the Monarch Training Center, participated in the clinical training sessions.
