The Language of Play: Parent Consultations through a Child-Centered Lens

This four-hour training is both educational and application-focused, utilizing direct examples and case conceptualizations to support an integrated understanding of parent consultations through the lens of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). While designed as an intermediate-level training, presenters will review the theoretical rationale underlying CCPT and examine how its philosophy extends into effective parent consultation practices. Participants will explore how CCPT’s core principles, therapeutic attitudes, and foundational philosophy can be thoughtfully translated into work with caregivers. The training will address the logistics of parent consultations while emphasizing how the CCPT stance of being-with, returning responsibility, and holding a deep belief in the child’s capacity for growth informs conversations with caregivers. 

Emphasis will be placed on helping clinicians clearly and confidently explain CCPT to caregivers in ways that are developmentally attuned, strengths-based, and accessible. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating CCPT-consistent language into parent consultations, including tracking progress and subtle therapeutic shifts, addressing barriers to treatment, teaching CCPT-informed parenting skills, and weaving play themes into collaborative discussions. Through case examples and guided application, participants will practice communicating the why and how of CCPT to caregivers while maintaining therapeutic integrity and relational depth.

Our guest presenter, Samantha Renner, LMFT, will provide a focused application of these concepts when working with children diagnosed with ADHD in play therapy. This segment will address the increased pressure play therapists may experience to shift modalities, emphasize skill-based interventions, or prioritize behavioral compliance. Participants will explore how to maintain fidelity to CCPT while supporting caregivers in understanding their child’s needs, navigating relational and systemic challenges, and advocating effectively within school settings.

*30 minute lunch break built into training time*

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Describe the core philosophy, foundational principles, and therapeutic attitudes of CCPT and how this modality can be extended beyond the playroom into parent consultation and caregiver collaboration. 

1. Identify meaningful indicators of therapeutic progress including subtle shifts and emerging play themes. 

1. Examine the application of CCPT when working with children diagnosed with ADHD by identifying common clinical pressures, understanding caregiver concerns, and articulating a CCPT-informed rationale for maintaining a child-centered approach.

1. Demonstrate how CCPT principles can be preserved while supporting caregiver and child advocacy within school systems, including collaborating with educators, reframing behavioral concerns through a CCPT lens, and promoting developmentally appropriate, relationship-centered supports. 

This training meets the standards for APT NON-CONTACT WORKSHOP and participants will be credited (4) Non-contact CEUs following the completion of an 80% passing rate quiz and feedback survey

Cancellation Policy: All training purchases are final. Integrated Play Connections does not provide a 100% refund. However, if canceled at least 72 hours before the event, you may receive 50% of the non-refundable amount in the form of a discount to put towards a future Integrated Play training.

Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, PLLC is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 24-746 Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, PLLC. maintains responsibility for the program.

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Dr. Samantha Long, PhD, LPC, RPT, NCC

Samantha is a faculty professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-owner of Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Since 2018, she has specialized in working with children impacted by trauma, adversity, and stress, with particular experience supporting families navigating separation or divorce.

Samantha cares deeply about supporting children’s mental health through approaches that are humanistic, attachment-focused, trauma-informed, and culturally attuned. She is dedicated to equipping counselors and play therapists with developmentally sensitive, evidence-based practices that foster healing, resilience, and healthy relationships for children and their families.

Michelle Walker, LCSW, RPT-S holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2011) and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Southern California (2014). She is a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor awarded by the Association for Play Therapy. Her clinical work is rooted in humanistic theory, with a focus on early childhood and elementary-aged children (ages 0–12). She specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, providing developmentally appropriate interventions that honor each child’s innate capacity for growth and healing. She believes that, within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment and through a genuine therapeutic relationship, children are naturally inclined toward positive self-direction. Her approach supports increased self-concept, emotional awareness, regulation, and expressive emotional vocabulary. As Co-Owner of Integrated Play Connections Therapy Center, Michelle provides supervision and training for those working towards their Registered Play Therapy credential.

Samantha Renner, LMFT