EIU Master of Science in Counseling

(Check in begins at 8:00 AM)

Regular Fee: $60  Student Fee: $30

Conference Description: 

This conference will integrate play and family therapy, exploring the rationale for doing so and the contra-indications. Case illustrations and techniques will be provided, as well as opportunities to play through experiential application of principles covered. We will be making things, we will be playing, we will have fun and learn lots of things in a short amount of time. 

Therapists working with children and families often struggle in determining when and how to integrate the principles of individual play therapy and traditional family therapy models. Using both didactic and experiential methods, this training will provide participants with guidelines for making treatment decisions that draw from the best of what both fields have to offer, and provide a variety of techniques to use in advancing specific treatment goals.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify a minimum of 10 reasons to utilize play in family therapy;
2. Identify when to use family therapy versus individual therapy;
3. Recognize indicators that suggest family therapy is contraindicated;
4. Describe how to adapt play therapy principles for family use;
5. Discuss ways to reduce barriers to adults playing in family therapy;
6. Illustrate a minimum of 10 techniques that can be used in family play therapy; 
7. Apply knowledge learned through experiential activities; 
8. Demonstrate an ability to play and discuss the impact of having done so; 
9. Recognize the healing power of play in strengthening relationships

PLEASE NOTE:  Participants will be required to complete an evaluation upon conclusion of the workshop to receive 6 CEUS thru NBCC. This conference provides an additional 6 APT CEs approved provider 07-200.

About the Presenter:  

Heather Maritano, LCSW, RPT-S,  founder of Inner Resources Counseling & Training, has been supporting the growth and healing of clients, colleagues, and community for over 25 years through therapy, education, mentoring, and advocacy. She creates soothing spaces, relationships, and experiences that invite exploration and discernment. Heather has clinical specialties in play, sandtray, & expressive arts therapies. 

She maintains a sense of awe, regularly practices her belief in the healing powers of play, and is particularly fond of dancing. 

For more information on Inner Resources Training Institute please visit:  https://innerresourcestraining.org 

Target Audience:

Graduate level mental health students & licensed mental health practitioners. This seminar is a beginning level course. This workshop is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. 

It is the responsibility of each professional to check with their state or national licensing board to obtain continuing education credit for this seminar. Most state and national licensing boards will approve continuing education courses which cover clinical topics, practice management skills, legal and ethical responsibilities and stress management. It is your responsibility as the license/certificate holder to be aware of and abide by the continuing education rules and guidelines set forth by your licensing board.