When Play Meets Duty: Ethical Challenges of Mandated Reporting in CCPT

Title: When Play Meets Duty: Ethical Challenges of Mandated Reporting in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Description: Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) rests on the pillars of unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and therapeutic genuineness (Axline, 1947; Landreth, 2023). Yet, these core principles can feel in tension with the ethical and legal responsibilities of mandated reporting (American Counseling Association, 2014; Carnes-Holt et al., 2016; Forester-Miller & Davis, 2016). How do play therapists honor and protect the therapeutic relationship while also meeting their duty to report suspected abuse or neglect?

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the intersection of CCPT values and ethical obligations through experiential activities, case vignettes, and reflective dialogue. Using a child-centered lens with attention to cultural humility and responsiveness, attendees will engage in honest and reflective exploration of the tension that may be felt with mandated reporting, responding ethically to disclosures in the playroom, and communicating with caregivers while maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic relationship (Landreth, 2023; Ray, 2019). This session invites participants to explore how to hold both the spirit of CCPT and the weight of legal duty with authenticity, compassion, and ethical clarity.

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Articulate the unique tension that arises between CCPT philosophy and ethical mandated reporting requirements, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship in play therapy.
2. Reflect on personal values and emotional responses that influence how play therapists approach mandated reporting in child-centered practice.
3. Discuss considerations for determining suspected abuse related to play therapy behaviors and disclosures, with attention to cultural implications and trends in reporting.
4. Apply culturally responsive, ethical decision-making models within the CCPT framework to navigate real-world dilemmas related to mandated reporting in play therapy.
5. Demonstrate strategies for communicating with caregivers and families regarding ethical duties to report suspected abuse using CCPT principles, specifically genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy.

Meet the Speaker!

Tara Godhwani, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, RPT

Dr. Tara Godhwani is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Southern Methodist University and earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of North Texas (CACREP Accredited). She is the Clinic Director for the Center for Family Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. Prior to pursuing a career in counseling and counselor education, Dr. Godhwani worked with numerous nonprofit agencies supporting children. These experiences deepened her commitment to supporting the emotional well-being of children and their families, ultimately inspiring her to specialize in play therapy. Dr. Godhwani has clinical experience working with adults, families, children, and adolescents across diverse settings, including private practice, community agencies, elementary schools, and university clinics. She has extensive training and experience administering psychological and psychoeducational assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Godhwani’s scholarship and professional presentations promote her deep commitment and passion for advancing cultural responsiveness and social advocacy within counseling, specifically play therapy, and counselor education.

Fees, CEs, and Participation:

This online and live webinar is $50.

This fee gets you 3 Non-Contact CE hours. This training is sponsored by EmpathyWell, PLLC, an Approved APT Provider: 22-674. Participants must be present for entirety of workshop in order to receive CE credits and full completion of the course. Participants must also complete an exam and evaluation after the workshop in order to receive the CE credits and full completion of the course.

Complaints Review & Resolutions: Individuals may contact CCPT International at conference@ccptinternational.org if they would like to express a concern about a continuing education program provided by CCPT International. We will consider all complaints, make any necessary decisions or changes, and respond within 5-10 business days.

Confidentiality and Security of Participant Information: CCPT International will keep all participant information received during registration confidential and secure including participant name, phone number, email address, address, education level, and license/certification information. During any live webinar or in-person program, CCPT International will ask for verbal consent prior to taking photos involving participants or sharing photos including participant images on marketing materials or social media.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:

Registration is final and a refund will not be processed. CCPT International reserves the right to cancel this web series in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If such occurs, CCPT International will attempt to notify registrants prior to the workshop and refund all registration, workshop, and fees. In all instances, the liability of CCPT International is limited to refunding such fees.