Presented by Melissa Wetterlund and hosted by Encompass Mental Health
Eligible for up to 6 APT Approved Contact CEs
Integrating parents into the therapeutic process is one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of working with children. Research consistently demonstrates that achieving meaningful change in a child’s behavior and emotional well-being requires active parent engagement and support.
This live, in person training will identify and explore the critical components necessary for fostering parent involvement and ”buy in” to the play therapy process. Participants will learn strategies to enhance collaboration with parents, address common barriers to engagement, and create a unified approach to supporting the child’s growth and healing.
In addition, we will discuss the pros and cons to inviting parents into the play with the child and how to structure this in a way that is therapeutically beneficial.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to
Effectively communicate the principles of play therapy to parents in a way that fosters understanding, encourages buy-in, and strengthens their commitment to the therapeutic process.
You will gain strategies for discussing a child’s play with parents that respect confidentiality while providing meaningful insight into their child’s emotional challenges. When done correctly, this approach builds parental trust and enhances their motivation to support the therapeutic process.
You will learn to clearly differentiate the roles of the therapist and the parents, highlighting how both are essential in facilitating meaningful change. It is crucial for parents to understand that their active involvement is a necessary component of their child’s healing journey.
You will acquire techniques for setting clear boundaries with parents by outlining our expectations. Oftentimes, a lack of clarity around what is needed from parents hinders accountability and follow-through. This training will equip you with tools to ensure clear communication and foster greater parental responsibility.