FAPT 2025 Pre-Conference Workshops

Playful Engagement: Enhancing Parent Engagement and Caregiver Support through Play Therapy with Brianna Desouza, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™ and Jennifer Erthal, LCSW

Foundational| Play Therapy Special Topics

When providing play therapy to children, caregiver participation is essential. Unfortunately, we often encounter lack of engagement or follow through from the parents/caregivers. In this presentation, you will learn ways to connect with parents and caregivers and increase their engagement in services to improve overall therapeutic outcomes. You will also learn how to apply Adlerian Play Therapy interventions and concepts like goals of misbehavior; to assist parents in strengthening their connection and communication. In this presentation we also dive into providing play therapy and parent consultation families with medically complex children and the special considerations to account for with this population.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe 2 ways to increase parent/caregiver engagement and confidence using Adlerian Play Therapy concepts

2. Describe 4 play therapy interventions parents/caregivers can utilize to manage emotions/behaviors at home

3. Describe 2 play therapy interventions to increase parent/caregiver engagement and confidence when parenting medically complex children

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Utilization of Dungeons and Dragons in Adlerian Play Therapy with Lindsay Pollen, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™

Intermediate | Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

Attendees will learn the history, cultural impact, and mechanics of Dungeons and Dragons. By learning the collaborative storytelling process with the D&D system, attendees will understand how they can utilize D&D as an individual or group intervention within the framework of Adlerian Play Therapy.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify how D&D can assist in the exploration of Life Tasks within Adlerian P Therapy.

2. Identify how to utilize collaborative storytelling through D&D while using Adlerian Play Therapy.

3. Describe at least one specific way to utilize D&D in each of the four phases of Adlerian Play Therapy.

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Registration will begin at 5:00 p.m. Choose your session. Sessions 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FAPT has a room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport. Reservations can be made directly with the HOTEL by calling 407-856-0100 or. Please request the GROUP rate for FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR PLAY THERAPY. Reservations due date March 26, 2025.

Cancellation Policy:

$20 is non-refundable. Written cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the start of the session will receive a full refund of the balance minus $20. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the conference will forfeit the total cost of registration.

In the very unlikely event that the workshop must be cancelled or postponed by the organizers, the Florida Association for Play Therapy will provide a full refund of the registration fees.

Registering for this event implies your agreement to the following COVID-19 policy.

2 hours of continuing education available

The Florida Association for Play Therapy (FAPT) is an approved provider for the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-115. Play therapy credit will not be awarded to non-mental health professionals. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 491 to offer continuing education for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 03/31/2027. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 490 to offer continuing education for Psychologists. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 05/31/2026.

About our presenters...

Brianna Desouza, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™ - is a licensed mental health counselor, Registered Play Therapist™ and qualified supervisor. She specializes in working with children, teens and caregivers. She is passionate about Adlerian play therapy and helping build connection between families. Most of her career has been spent working in the community mental health settings and she currently works in a pediatric office setting providing play therapy and working with families. In her free time she enjoys being active and spending time with friends and family.

Jennifer Erthal, LCSW - has worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds, from childhood to adulthood. Her background in medical social work has given her a unique perspective when supporting individuals with medial needs and healthcare professionals. She has extensive play therapy experience, which provides valuable tools and insights when working with children and parents.

Lindsay Pollen, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™ - has over a decade of experience in child and adolescent therapy, clinical supervision, and crisis management. As a Clinical Coordinator at LifeStream Behavioral Center, Lindsey specializes in risk assessment, group therapy facilitation, and the training and mentoring of mental health professionals. Passionate about promoting resilience, fostering inclusive mental health practices, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes through evidence-based interventions. Lindsey is committed to sharing knowledge and advancing the field of mental health through collaboration, education, and innovative therapeutic approaches.

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