A comprehensive schedule for a play therapy conference has been announced, featuring a variety of educational workshops designed for mental health professionals. The program includes keynote presentations and breakout sessions focused on specialized clinical techniques and developmental support for children.
Keynote on aggression and intensity
The conference features an opening keynote by Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, titled Working with Aggression and Intensity in Play Therapy. This presentation aims to help therapists understand aggression and death play through a neurobiological and Synergetic Play Therapy lens to support nervous system regulation.
Additional workshops and breakout sessions
A follow-up workshop, also led by Lisa Dion, will provide practical application of these concepts in Part 2 of the session. Other breakout sessions include Heather Stephenson, LCSW, RPT-S, presenting on beginning play therapy, and a session regarding ethical considerations during high conflict divorces led by Maggie Leavitt, LCSW, RPT-S and Sarah Stroup, LMF, RPT-S.
Specialized training for specific conditions
Additional specialized training sessions will cover topics such as play therapy for selective mutism with Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S, and the use of play therapy to address grief with Holly Willard, LCSW, RPT-S. An experiential workshop titled Play First, led by John Burr, LCSW, RPT-S, will focus on the transformative power of play from a clinician's personal experience.
Conference goals and clinical outcomes
The conference program is structured to provide both foundational knowledge for new practitioners and advanced clinical strategies for experienced therapists. The sessions aim to equip clinicians with tools to manage complex therapeutic situations, including trauma integration and navigating legal and ethical risks in family dynamics.
