Alexander JFS Play Therapy: A Time for Play - Season 4

Season 4 Passes on sale May 1, 2022

Registration for individual sessions begins June 1, 2022

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‍Summary:

The Alexander JFS A Time for Play Therapy Training Series is a curriculum of interactive and introductory level Play Therapy specific continuing education events.

The 2022 - 2023 series of trainings teaches practitioners the nine foundational theories of Play Therapy and specific skills and interventions for effective and transformative Play Therapy.

Series participants 153 hours of Play Therapy Instruction in the primary areas of focus that are required to obtain the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential.

The series is divided into 20 face-to-face contact-hour Continuing Education events and 6 non-contact homework assignments from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023.

The 2022-2023 series is designed to meet the Play Therapy instruction requirements for Play Therapy credentialing through the Association of Play Therapy.

Prior knowledge of Play Therapy is helpful but not necessary. These events are intended for licensed mental health professionals and hours apply towards maintenance of mental health license.

Download Full Course Details

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this series, students will be able to identify and apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the successful administration of Play Therapy as demonstrated throughout the series through practice activities, large group discussion, and completion of post-test exams. Participants will gain an understanding of the therapeutic powers of play and how to access them with clients using skills and interventions derived from evidenced based theories of Play Therapy.

Participants will specifically be able to:

1. Describe the major principals of utilizing Play Therapy as a treatment intervention
2. Recite the significant history and development of Play Therapy
3. Differentiate between historically significant theories of Play Therapy
4. Explain the therapeutic value and powers of play
5. Use basic Play Therapy skill, methods, and interventions
6. Use Play Therapy specific documentation of clinical services
7. Assess clients through different Play Therapy specific theoretical lenses
8. Identify ethical dilemmas that may arise in the practice of Play Therapy and identify strategies for navigating such ethical dilemmas
9. Use research to advance the practice of Play Therapy with special populations

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Primary Areas (Hours) of Focus Instruction:

• Play Therapy History:  6
• Play Therapy Seminal Theories: 60
• Play Therapy Skills & Methods: 55
• Play Therapy Special Topics: 26
• Play Therapy Culture & Diversity: 6
• TOTAL: 153 hours

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Total Credit Hours:

• Total Play Therapy Instruction CONTACT Hours: 123
• Total Play Therapy Instruction Non-Contact Hours: 30
• Total Play Therapy Instruction Credit Hours: 153

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Cost:

Season Pass - $2,500

On Sale May 1, 2022

Purchasing a Season Pass up-front grants participants admission to all 20 six-hour contact training classes AND eligibility to complete up to 6 homework assignments over the course of the series to earn an additional 30 hours of non-contact continuing education hours.  Those that purchase the Season Pass will also receive a binder of all course content and become eligible for up to 2 make-up assignments or make-up passes in case of an excused absence.

Season passes must be purchased in full by August 4, 2022.

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By Session - $150 each

Registration for individual sessions begins June 1, 2022

All courses are available for purchase individually.

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BIPOC Scholarship

Alexander JFS recognizes that historic inequities and systemic bias have limited the opportunities for BIPOC persons. Alexander JFS is proud to offer a scholarship to attend all Season 4 trainings. Learn More

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Terms & Conditions:

• Season Passes to the entire training series must be purchased in full by August 4, 2022.
• Only participants that purchase a Season Pass will be eligible to complete the following 6 homework assignments and submit them by the due date to receive Continuing Education Credit Hours.
• Homework Assignments must be completed by due date to receive these credit hours and no late assignments will be accepted. Participants that fail to submit assignments on or before the due date forfeit the opportunity to earn these credit hours.
• Participants that purchase a Season Pass are eligible for up to two make-up assignments in the event of a class absence. Each make-up pass will enable the participant to join a future training of the same or a similar topic. Make-up passes are available only to participants that have purchased the Season Pass.
• Alexander JFS reserves the right to cancel any of these training in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If such a cancellation occurs, JFS will attempt to notify registrants and offer an alternative training opportunity or refund all registration fees.
• Registration refunds must be requested at least 48 hours prior to the class date and only 75% of the purchase price will be refunded.
• Registration refunds will NOT be made to parties who register but do not attend.
• Participants requiring accommodations must submit a medical professional’s note specifying the required accommodations to PlayTherapyTraining@alexanderjfs.org a minimum of 7 days prior to any training for which they have registered.

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Training Schedule: 

July 22, 2022: Introduction to Play Therapy (Optional half-day training, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; free to season pass holders; cost is $75)

• This continuing education event teaches participants the basic theories of Play,  Play Therapy, and the neurobiological impacts of play.  Participants will learn the core  Therapeutic Powers of Play and learn through case examples how Play  Therapists utilize the powers to achieve therapeutic treatment goals.  Participants will learn about the  Association for Play Therapy's credentialing process and requirements for  becoming a Registered Play Therapist.  Training will be live and in-person only.  Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for  participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

August 5, 2022: History & Ethical Practice of Play Therapy

• This continuing education event teaches participants an introductory history of Play Therapy and reviews the Association for Play Therapy’s Best Practices for Play Therapists. Space is limited due to the interactive learning format. Training will be live and in-person only. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

August 19, 2022: Basic Skills of Child Centered Play Therapy (Part 1 of 3)

• This continuing education event teaches participants the basic theory  and skills of Child-Centered Play Therapy. Participants will learn about the be with attitude and the specific non-directive skills for tracking play behavior and facilitating relationship  building within a therapeutic playroom. Participants will observe demonstrations, engage in live practice, and  receive coaching of the specific child-centered play therapy skills. Training will be live and in-person only.  Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for  participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

September 2, 2022: Advanced Skills of Child Centered Play Therapy (Part 2 of 3)

• This continuing education event teaches participants advanced skills related to Child-Centered Play Therapy including appropriate use and techniques for limit setting. Participants will also learn the theoretical specifications for constructing a therapeutic playroom and selection of therapeutic toys. Participants will receive live practice and coaching in practice child-centered play therapy skills. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

September 16 2022: Play Therapy Documentation & Practice (Part 3 of 3)

• This continuing education event teaches participants clinical practice skills related to Child-Centered Play Therapy including how to identify and recognize play themes and patterns and construct effective  treatment plans. Participants will  also learn the theoretical specifications for documenting play therapy sessions and receive templates for  writing notes and treatment plans. Participants will receive live practice and coaching in the practice child-centered play therapy skills. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

September 30, 2022: Adlerian Play Therapy (AdPT)

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and skills related to practice of Adlerian Play Therapy. Participants will learn about the Crucial C’s, the Goals of Misbehavior, and Adlerian specific Play Therapy skills such as use of metaphor, behavioral rehearsal, and more.  Participants will receive live practice and coaching in skills. Learn skills  for conceptualizing and treating children utilizing Adlerian Play Therapy. Training will be live and  in-person only. Completion of a  Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

October 14, 2022: Psychodynamic Play Therapy & the Neuropsychology of Play

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and skills of Psychoanalytic Play Therapy. Participants will learn about the psychoanalytic conceptualizations of pathology and development, play profiles, and ego  defenses. Participants will learn and practice the use psychoanalytical Play Therapy skills such interpretation and  uncovering interventions. Participants will also learn about the neuropsychological processes activated and changed by Play Therapy. Training  will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Karen Sullivan, LCSW-S, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

October 28, 2022: Gestalt Play Therapy

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and skills of Gestalt Play Therapy. Participants will learn about the Gestalt style of assessment and conceptualization of psychopathology. Participants will learn and practice Gestalt Play Therapy skills including use of expressive arts, creative arts, and crafts. Participants will learn therapeutic processing skills used  in Gestalt Play Therapy to facilitate psychological integration and healing. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants  to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

November 11, 2022: Jungian Play Therapy (JAPT) & SANDTRAY!

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and skills of Jungian Analytical Play Therapy and Sandtray interventions. Participants will learn about the process and skills used by Jungian Analytical Play Therapists to facilitate catharsis and therapeutic change.  Participants will also learn the history, theory, and specifications of constructing a Sandtray and selecting miniatures.  Participants will learn and practice skills in an interactive learning format. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details. ‍
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

December 2, 2022: Filial and Family Play Therapy

• This continuing education event reviews Family Systems Theory concepts and how they relate to Filial Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and  Family Play Therapy.  Participants will  learn to distinguish between the methods and skills unique to each of the Play Therapy models and differentiate when each may be most appropriate. Participants will practice family Play Therapy skills and interventions in an interactive learning format. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

December 16, 2022: Theraplay

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and foundational skills of Theraplay. Participants will learn the four Theraplay dimensions of  Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge and how they are selected to target children's needs and address behavior problems. Participants will practice Theraplay skills and interventions in an interactive learning format. Training will be live  and in-person only. Completion of a  Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved  Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Kirsten Rieck, LCSW, Certified Theraplay Practitioner
• Location: VIRTUAL

January 13, 2023: Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) - Part 1: Behavioral Interventions

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and basic skills of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and specifically focuses on behavioral interventions.  Participants will learn methods for developmental assessment and selection of appropriate Play Therapy behavioral interventions to target treatment goals.  Participants will practice  behavioral Play Therapy skills and interventions in an interactive learning format. Training will be live and in-person only.  Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation  are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

January 27, 2023: Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) - Part 2: Cognitive Interventions

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and  basic skills of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy and specifically focuses on cognitive interventions.  Participants will learn methods for developmental assessment and selection of  appropriate Play Therapy cognitive interventions to target treatment  goals.  Participants will practice  cognitive Play Therapy skills and interventions in an interactive learning  format. Training will be live and in-person only.  Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

February 10, 2023: Trauma, EMDR, & Play Therapy

• This continuing education event focuses on the theoretical intersection and differences between Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy and Play Therapy. Specific skills and case examples of blending the two interventions will be presented. Participants will learn through discussion of case examples and interactive activities. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Claudia Mustafa, LCSW-S, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

February 24, 2023: Group Play Therapy

• This continuing education event reviews various Play Therapy theories that can be utilized in the context of Play Therapy Groups. Participants will learn methods and skills for forming, assessing, facilitating, and evaluating Play Therapy Groups. Participants will practice group Play Therapy skills and interventions in an interactive learning format. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation  are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

March 10, 2023: Ecosystemic Play Therapy & Play Therapy Ethics

• This continuing education event teaches participants the theory and skills of Ecosystemic Play Therapy. Participants will learn about the Ecosystemic Play Therapy assessment processes intervention selection processes used to conceptualize and treat clients.  Participants will also review Play Therapy ethics through examination and application of the P3 ethical model.  Participants will learn through interactive skills practice and discussion of case examples. Training will be live and in-person only.  Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

March 31, 2023: Multicultural Play Therapy

• This continuing education event teaches participants theories and skills to develop a multicultural framework for Play Therapy practice. Participants will learn Cultural Humility and other practice skills to be culturally responsive to families from backgrounds that differ from the Play Therapist. Training will include discussion of supremacy within mental health care practice and strategies for identifying  and dismantling systemic racism and bias. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

April 21, 2023: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Part 1: Child Directed Interventions (Part 1 of 2)

• This continuing education event reviews Attachment Theory as it relates to the practice of Play Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Participants will learn to  use the DPICS Coding System to assess parent-child interactions. Participants will learn and practice Child-Directed Interaction skills for facilitating healthy attachment within  parent-child dyads. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

May 5, 2023: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Part 2: Parent Directed Interventions (Part 2 of 2)

• This continuing education event teaches the Parent-Directed Interaction skills in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Participants will learn skills for coaching parents to develop an empowered authoritative parenting style and set limits  effectively. Participants will practice integration of Play Therapy knowledge into PCIT coaching strategies to achieve child treatment goals. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

May 19, 2023: Child Psychopharmacology

• Participants will learn in the afternoon about commonly prescribed psychotropic medications for children and how to collaborate effectively with prescribing  physicians. Training will include practice resources and discussion of case examples. Training will be live and  in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Jeffrey Moore, Ph.D.
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

June 2, 2023 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Introduction to Play Therapy Supervision

• This continuing education event teaches participants basic theories and skills of Play Therapy Supervision. Participants will learn methods and skills of assessment and development of supervisee  competency and learning. Training will include practice resources and discussion of case examples. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

June 2, 2023 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Integrative Practice of Play Therapy

• This continuing education event teaches participants a theoretical framework for integrating different Play Therapy theories and skills into a coherent practice approach. Participants will  review core Play Therapy theories and use self-reflection skills to monitor treatment progress and adjust orientation as necessary to achieve treatment  goals. Training will be live and in-person only. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn APT Approved Play Therapy CE hours. Download full course details.
• Presenter: Steven L. Parks, LCSW, RPT-S
• Location: Alexander JFS (4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX, 77025)

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Credentialing Process:

For questions regarding the credentialing process please refer to the APT Credentialing Standards for the Registered Play Therapist by the Association for Play Therapy. Please check the website regularly for updates to the credentialing requirements and process.

It is the responsibility of the participant to review and follow the instructions and guidelines of Association for Play Therapy to apply for and attain all requirements for Registered Play Therapist credential. JFS is not responsible for completing the credentialing applications of participants and cannot guarantee that participant’s applications will be approved.

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