Play It Forward: Elevating Play Therapy through Education and Service

A One-Day Virtual Summit Empowering Therapists While Supporting Play Therapy Training Scholarships – JOIN US LIVE OR REGISTER FOR THE 7-DAY HOME STUDY OPTION!

“Play It Forward” is how therapists maximize their impact for clients, for themselves, and for their community of therapists around the world. Led by mental health professionals for mental health professionals, this educational summit offers online workshops on a variety of distinct topics by leaders in their fields and specialties. And, it provides another unique benefit: making professional development available to all clinicians!

Hosted by the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute (SPTI), the Play It Forward Virtual Summit supports the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation in offering scholarships for mental health professionals in need of financial assistance for training and education. Summit presenters donated their time and expertise as a vehicle for fundraising for our global community of therapists. *All proceeds from this virtual summit will be donated to the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation to fund play therapy scholarships! 

The content of each course is diverse, yet there is one common vision – a future where play therapy education and training are more widely accessible and attainable for clinicians in need! Join us and invest in your professional growth while supporting this broader goal!

You have the option to join this virtual summit for the Morning Session, the Afternoon Session, or for the Full Day of learning! Each “session” contains two courses on separate topics. (See the topic descriptions below to select the session(s) that most interests you!)

Morning Session (Two Courses):

Course #1 – Understanding the Intersection of Reflections and Reflective Functioning in Sandtray Therapy
Presented by Marshall Lyles, LPC, LMFT-S, RPT-S

Sandtray therapy prominently features the art of reflecting. In fact, it may be the therapy skill most associated with the craft. However, we can become so accustomed to the language of reflecting that we can lose contact with its intent. 

This workshop will look at the skill of reflecting through the lens of the attachment theory concept of reflective functioning. The examples given for honoring this intersection will feature the use of the sand tray.

Course #2 – Playing by the Rules: Navigating Legal Processes for Play Therapists
Presented by Val Bruno, LPC, RPT-S

When play therapy intersects with the legal system, Play Therapists often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Navigating legal processes can be daunting without proper guidance, leaving therapists feeling uncertain and ill-prepared to advocate for their clients effectively.

Learn what you need to know to steer through the legal system with ease and confidence. You’ll leave this presentation empowered to effectively advocate for your clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Afternoon Session (Two Courses):

Course 1 – Play Therapy with Sexually Traumatized Children
Presented by Dr. Jodi Mullen, LPC

Children who have been sexually traumatized are often in need of our clinical services. Both directive and non-directive play therapy approaches provide these traumatized children with healing and the repair of losses associated with sexual trauma, such as innocence, trust, and appropriate boundaries.

Develop your expertise and become a more effective advocate for your child clients with the knowledge and insight offered through this presentation. Learn about sexual development in children, the psychological markers of sexual trauma, and the special issues these children present in play therapy, including: consulting with non-offending parents, dealing with the powerful impact of countertransference, and setting limits.

Course 2 – Creating an Affirming Play Therapy Space for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Their Families
Presented by Jennifer Shivey, LPC, RPT-S

Transgender and gender-diverse children face unique challenges in navigating their identities and experiences. Their families also face unique challenges, but many are fearful of voicing them because of how others might perceive them. And well-meaning clinicians can unintentionally create harm when working with this population if they’re unaware of certain blind spots.

Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to provide this much-needed support. This presentation will empower you to leverage play therapy as a dynamic and effective approach to support these children and their families in understanding and expressing themselves in a safe and affirming environment. 

For more information keep scrolling!

 

Use the dropdown menu below to select your attendance option. You may select to attend the Morning Session courses, Afternoon Session courses, or Full Day to attend them all!

*If you are attending live, select the “Live Event” option from the dropdown menu below. 

*If you are unable to attend live, select the “Home Study” option from the dropdown menu below. (Must be completed within 7 days following the live event)

SKU: N/A Category:

Description

What: Experience a day of learning and reciprocity, where clinicians expand their skills while contributing to play therapy scholarships worldwide. Delve into enriching workshops led by leading play therapy clinicians including renowned Marshall Lyles, Val Bruno, Jodi Mullen, and Jennifer Shivey. Together, we educate, empower, and support accessibility in play therapy. Each course will be 90 minutes in length with 30 minute breaks in between to reset! If you choose to join us for the Full Day, we will also be breaking for 1 hour in between the Morning and Afternoon sessions.

Students have the option of registering to attend the Morning Session courses, the Afternoon Session courses, or the Full Day of learning!

*If you are attending live, select the “Live Event” option from the dropdown menu. 

*If you are unable to attend live, select the “Home Study” option from the dropdown menu. (Must be completed within 7 days following the live event)

When: July 25th, 2024, 9 AM – 5 PM (Mountain Time, Denver)

Morning Session (9 AM – 12:30 PM, Mountain Time, Denver):

  • Course 1 – Understanding the Intersection of Reflections and Reflective Functioning in Sandtray Therapy, Presented by Marshall Lyles, LPC, LMFT-S, RPT-S
  • Course 2 – Playing by the Rules: Navigating Legal Processes for Play Therapists, Presented by Val Bruno, LPC, RPT-S

Afternoon Session (1:30 PM – 5 PM, Mountain Time, Denver):

  • Course 1 – Play Therapy with Sexually Traumatized Children, Presented by Dr. Jodi Mullen, LPC
  • Course 2 – Creating an Affirming Play Therapy Space for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Their Families, Presented by Jennifer Shivey, LPC, RPT-S

Where: Wherever you are! This virtual summit will be held via Zoom.

Learning Objectives by Course:

  • Understanding the Intersection of Reflections and Reflective Functioning in Sandtray Therapy Learning Objectives
    • Describe the components of different sandtray therapy reflecting skills.
    • Discuss how to offer sandtray therapy reflections with reflective functioning in mind.
  • Playing by the Rules: Navigating Legal Processes for Play Therapists Learning Objectives
    • Identify the various professionals within the legal system who interact with the client, such as Guardian ad Litems (GALs), judges, attorneys, and other court personnel. Explore their respective roles and how they impact the client’s experience within the legal system.
    • Develop the ability to identify and understand who holds privilege for minor clients within the legal context. Explore the nuances of confidentiality and privilege in play therapy sessions and learn how to navigate these considerations ethically and effectively.
    • Develop skills to articulate therapeutic insights and advocate for clients effectively in legal settings, ensuring confidentiality and legal compliance. Gain proficiency in translating therapy notes into clear, concise testimony that accurately represents the client’s needs and progress.
  • Play Therapy with Sexually Traumatized Children Learning Objectives
    • Identify sexualized play in play therapy.
    • Assess techniques suitable in play therapy for children who have traumatized sexually.
    • Utilize skills to alleviate issues of countertransference.
  • Creating an Affirming Play Therapy Space for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Their Families Learning Objectives
    • Identify the unique needs and experiences of transgender and genderdiverse children in the context of play therapy.
    • Develop skills for creating a supportive and affirming play therapy environment for both children and their families.
    • Recognize ethical considerations and challenges specific to play therapy with transgender and gender diverse children and their families.

Cost: $100 USD for the Morning OR Afternoon Courses, $175 USD for the Full Day!

*All proceeds from this virtual summit will be donated to the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation to fund play therapy scholarships! 

Registration Deadline: July 24, 2024, 12pm Mountain Time (Denver)

Presenters: Marshall Lyles, LPC, LMFT-S, RPT-S, Val Bruno, LPC, RPT-S, Dr. Jodi Mullen, LPC, and Jennifer Shivey, LPC, RPT-S

Marshall Lyles, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, has over 20 years of practice in marriage and family therapy and expressive/play therapies. Drawing on lessons learned from working with attachment trauma in a variety of settings, Marshall regularly teaches on sandtray therapy and family work around the globe.

Val Bruno is experienced with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, Val has worked closely with the Department of Human Services providing support and therapy to children in foster and kin-like placements. She also serves as an expert witness for the 4th judicial district in the areas of child development, attachment, family therapy, and childhood trauma. Val has extensive training in parent child-contact issues, working with families with high conflict divorce, and completing Parent-Child Interactional Assessments (PCIs). She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, synergetic play, experiential play, AutPlay® Therapy, directive play and non-directive play therapy modalities and is a registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Certified Autism Specialist, Certified AutPlay® Therapist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, and licensed professional counselor (supervisor).

Dr. Jodi Ann Mullen, PhD LMHC NCC RPT-S CCPT-Master, is a professor at SUNY Oswego in the Counseling & Psychological Services Department and the coordinator of the Graduate Certificate Program in Play Therapy. She is the Director of Integrative Counseling Services, with several offices in Central New York. Jodi is an international speaker, author, credentialed play therapist and play therapy supervisor. She has 30 years in the field of counseling and has authored books on play therapy, counseling children and adolescents, grief counseling and parenting.

Jennifer Shivey is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families, particularly transgender youth. She emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of ongoing education and offers practical insights for professionals. This discussion highlights the importance of gender diversity and advocates for inclusive practices, empowering listeners to approach their work with compassion and commitment to equity.

CE Credit Hours: Each course offers 1.5 CE Credit Hours with the opportunity to earn up to 6 CE Credit Hours for the Full Day of teaching. Partial attendance will not be awarded credit. NBCC Content Areas: Counseling Theory/Practice and the Counseling Relationship; Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues; Social and Cultural Foundations

Synergetic Play Therapy Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7450. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Synergetic Play Therapy Institute is also an Approved Provider for the following associations:
*Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) Approved Provider
*British Columbia Play Therapy Association (BCPTA) Approved Provider 23-01

Continuing education credit hours may be awarded to graduate-level counselors or students enrolled in a graduate-level mental health program. If you do not qualify for continuing education credit hours and would like to receive a certificate of completion for this course please contact the Institute directly.

Refund Policy: Fees are non-refundable. Please contact the Institute should you have any questions or concerns. 


The Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation is dedicated to helping make play therapy trainings accessible and affordable to clinicians worldwide, as well as to fund research initiatives in Synergetic Play Therapy®.

Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s efforts and ways to donate!

Additional information

Select your Virtual Summit option:

Morning Session (Live Event) – $100 USD, Afternoon Session (Live Event) – $100 USD, Full Day (Live Event) – $175 USD, Morning Session (Home Study) – $100 USD, Afternoon Session (Home Study) – $100 USD, Full Day (Home Study) – $175 USD

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