Utah Valley University hosted a play therapy conference on June 13, 2026, featuring specialized workshops designed to help clinicians manage intense psychological symptoms and ethical considerations in child therapy.
Keynote on managing aggression
The conference program included a keynote session by Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, focused on working with aggression and intensity in play therapy. The presentation addressed how therapists can facilitate intense play without inadvertently promoting aggression or experiencing practitioner exhaustion.
Specialized breakout session topics
Breakout sessions held during the June 13 event covered several specialized topics, including the use of play therapy for grief and selective mutism. Other sessions addressed the ethics of treating minors in high-conflict divorce situations and introductory techniques for beginning play therapy.
UVU Master of Social Work details
The conference aligns with Utah Valley University's Master of Social Work program, which provides training in trauma-conscious and research-informed practices. The university's MSW curriculum prepares students for licensure as a Certified Social Worker in Utah and covers interventions related to mental health and substance use disorders.
