Play Therapy Series Workshop #1 : Creative Solutions: Using Expressive Arts

NOTE: APT play therapy credits are included at no additional cost.

FamPac Wellness will provide six (6) contact (live in-person) continuing education specific to play therapy for this training. APT Approved Provider 25-796 and maintains responsibility for the program.

This training meets requirements under the Association for Play Therapy categories: Theory- 1 hour; Cultural & Social Diversity -1 hour; Skills & Methods- 2 hours; Special topics-2 hours

Play therapy credits are awarded only to master's -level mental health practitioners/students who attend the entire training and submit the training evaluation.

REGISTRATION LINK

https://appserv7.admin.uillinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/UIC_J

ACSW/jacswsswp/training/

Description:

Expressive arts is a common technique used in play therapy to foster healing and growth. This experiential workshop will focus on integrating expressive arts in play therapy at each phase of the therapeutic process. Join us as we apply various expressive arts modalities to achieve the therapeutic powers of play.

Learning Objectives:

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

• Define expressive arts modalities and understand its therapeutic benefits.

• Identify at least 3 theoretical foundations connecting expressive arts to play therapy.

• Explain how expressive arts and play therapy can be used at various stages of the therapeutic process.

• Apply various expressive arts modalities in facilitating emotional expression and regulation, building social relationships, facilitating processing, and promoting wellbeing.

• Explain adapting expressive arts activities and play therapy to diverse populations.

• Integrate expressive arts approaches in play therapy at their own clinical or school-based settings.

REGISTRATION FEE: $85

(includes 6 CEUs/PDHs, 6 Play therapy contact CEs, continental breakfast & lunch)

Date/Time: December 11, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work, 4th Floor, 1040 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607

If you have questions, please send an email to: SkFDU1dTU1dQIHwgTElTVFNFUlYgISBVSUMgISBFRFU=

Meet the Presenters:

Michelle-Ann Rhoden-Neita, PhD, LCSW, RPT TMDr. Rhoden Neita has extensive practice experience working with children, youth, and families exposed to violence and/or dealing with childhood trauma. She has conducted state and federally funded research projects on trauma-informed care and strengths-based interventions supporting helping professionals and youth exposed to violence. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Currently, Dr. Rhoden-Neita is the Clinical Operations Director for a nonprofit mental health clinic, leads a group mental health practice, and mentors students in a doctoral social work program. She has been an LCSW for over 17 years and a Registered Play Therapist for over 11 years. She is a trained trauma psychotherapist and grief counselor, and passionate about promoting wellness as an everyday lifestyle.

Leah R. Jones, MAATC, LPC, ATR-PLeah is an art therapist, clinician, and doctoral student in Psychology with a specialization in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health at Saybrook University.Her clinical work centers on resilience, identityreconstruction, grief, self-worth, and life transitions, drawing from expressive arts,existential–humanistic perspectives, narrative approaches, and spiritually integrated practice.As the founder of Leah Renee Art, LLC, she facilitates therapeutic art workshops, leadsexpressive arts groups, and creates community-focused murals that incorporate symbolism, storytelling, and bold, detailed imagery. Her work includes two permanent murals at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)campus, including Black Excellence for the African American Academic Network and the UICCounseling Center Mural.Leah’s approach honors the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, and invites participants toengage creativity as a pathway to clarity, resilience, and renewed connection with their stories.

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