When Worlds Split: A Play Therapist Role in Divorce Transitions
Description
Children who are often caught in the throes of their caregivers divorce experience emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges that require sensitive, developmentally appropriate interventions. Clinicians experience a parallel process becoming entangled with their child clients who are in the middle of a high conflict divorce which pose unique challenges clinically and ethically. Many times Clinicians are placed in the crossfire between parents, courts and children making it difficult to manage alliances, navigate the legal processes, and maintain neutrality.
This full-day interactive workshop is designed to deepen play therapists, counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals working with children impacted by contentious custody battles which often involve maltreatment allegations, and coercive control dynamics.
Deepen your understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities while equipping yourself with practical play therapy interventions which are effective and developmentally appropriate. An integrative approach that will work through a combination of experiential learning, case studies, and evidence-based interventions. Participants will gain hands-on strategies for creating therapeutic safety, navigating alliance issues, setting appropriate boundaries with parents, and documenting play therapy work for legal settings. Participants will leave with language for explaining their role to parents, strategies for responding to subpoenas or attorney requests, and a deeper understanding of the intersection between play therapy, attachment disruption, and family systems under stress. documenting in a legally sound manner, and setting boundaries with high-conflict parents.
This workshop will help clinicians reduce risk, increase competence in court-involved cases, and offer grounded, ethical therapeutic services to children experiencing the emotional toll of parental conflict.
Learning Objectives
Identify their scope of practice and boundaries to courts, attorneys and parents.
Discuss the impact of parental separation and divorce on children
Describe the continuum of parental separation in play therapy from mild estrangement to alienation.
Discuss ways to maintain neutrality, manage triangulation and avoid being in the middle of conflict
Demonstrate at least 3 play therapy interventions to help children process conflict, anxiety and divided loyalty.
Identify 3 ethical pitfalls play therapists face in high conflict cases.
Presenter
Danyale Weems, LCSW, RPT-S™
Danyale Weems is the founder of Waves Counseling in Carrollton, Georgia, where she has dedicated over 17 years to helping children, teens, families, and adults navigate life’s transitions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida (2001) and her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University (2008). A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Danyale serves as a Supervisor for Social Workers and Play Therapists in training and is an EMDR Approved Consultant, guiding clinicians in trauma-informed and experiential approaches to healing.
Danyale is no stranger to the Alabama Association for Play Therapy, having presented multiple breakout sessions over the years. Her passion for helping families through change—especially in the context of divorce and relational transitions—shines through her engaging and practical teaching style. She brings a wealth of experience, insight, and heart to every training she leads.
Schedule
Registration
8:00-8:30
Morning Session Part I
8:30-10:00
Morning Break
10:00-10:15
Morning Session Part II
10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own
12:00-1:00
Afternoon Session Part I
1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break
2:30-2:45
Afternoon Session II
2:45-4:00
All times are CST
Continuing Education Credit
Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.
Counselors:Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit.
Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.
Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284.
A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.
Scholarships
Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, January 22nd, and all day Friday, January 23rd, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Hannah Finley at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc).
Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after January 21, 2026. In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.
Membership Information
To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.
Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!
Attendees will be able to select either one-day (Friday only or Saturday only) or two-day (Friday and Saturday) registration.
Conference Schedule
All times are CST
Friday, June 20, 2025 (6 contact hours)
8:00-8:30
Registration
8:30-11:45
Dalena Dillman Taylor- Adlerian Play Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology
11:45-1:00
Lunch on your own (AAPT Member Meeting – 12:45-1:00 – All are welcome!)
1:00-4:15
Dalena Dillman Taylor – Attachment-Based Play Therapy for Trauma, Behavioral & Sensory Challenges cont’d
8:00-5:00
Exhibits Tables Open
Saturday, June 21, 2025 (6 contact hours)
8:00-8:30
Registration
8:30-11:45
Dalena Dillman Taylor- Playing with Parents: Conducting Parent Consultations with the Brain in Mind
11:45-1:00
Lunch on your own
1:00-4:15
Pre-selected Breakout Sessions
8:00-4:45
Exhibits Tables Open
Registration Information
Early Bird (Until May 30th)
Regular & Onsite
Member 2 Day- $250
Member 2 Day- $350
Member 1 Day- $150
Member 1 Day- $250
Non Member 2 Day- $325
Non Member 2 Day- $425
Non Member 1 Day- $225
Non Member 1 Day- $325
Student 2 Day- $200
Student 2 Day- $300
Student 1 Day- $100
Student 1 Day- $200
Groups of three or more must register together to receive the $10 off per person. Payment for all group members must be made in the same payment transaction. To receive the group rate email ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org
Cancellations:
Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before the conference will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee. All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds issued for any reason after June 17. In the unlikely event, the conference cannot be held, registrants will receive a full-value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.
Accommodations, Special Needs, or Registration Questions:
Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, June 19th, all-day Friday, June 20th, and all day Saturday, June 21st to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup prior to the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Hannah at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, CMHC, etc).
Session Information
PLEASE NOTE-For those planning to attend Saturday Only or both Friday and Saturday, you will need to pre-select which Saturday Breakout Session you will be attending.
Friday, June 20- 6 CE
Adlerian Play Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology
The first six years of life are the most influential period of neuronal growth and the most vulnerable to maltreatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). This finding makes early childhood a critical and influential time in development and learning. Recent advancements in neuroscience provide evidence that the environment, early life experiences, and relationships contribute to overall physical and psychological health (Siegel, 2012). The IPNB model, founded in several neuroscience theories (e.g., memory encoding), the polyvagal theory [Porges, 2011], neuroplasticity [Kandel, 1998], the midbrain’s affective emotional motivational systems [Panksepp & Biven, 2012]), underscores the value of new experiences and interaction in the social environment to reshape and restructure both brain and behavior (Siegel, 2012). Further, principles emerging from IPNB provide theoretical support for many prevention and intervention strategies with children (Siegel, 2012). Likewise, Adlerian play therapy (AdPT) shares many conceptual similarities with IPNB and neuroscience research including emphasis on childhood experience, social interest and relationships, purposefulness of behavior, holism, and the internalized narrative (Wheeler & Dillman Taylor, 2016). Given that AdPT is one of the most widely used child counseling approaches (Kottman & Meany-Walen 2016), the integration of these two philosophies is critical for the future of helping children in an empirically-supported manner. The presenter will (a) develop connections from neurobiology to AdPT, (b) outline specific interventions from AdPT to compliment the neuroscience research that supports positive growth of children, and (c) guide participants in connecting these philosophies through interactive activities, case examples, and discussion.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to describe the four phases of Adlerian Play Therapy.
Participants will be able to describe the foundational skills of Adlerian Play Therapy.
Participants will be able to identify and draw connections between theoretical principles of Adlerian play therapy and principles of Interpersonal Neurobiology.
Participants will be able to describe specific play therapy techniques that are IPNB-focused within each phase of Adlerian play therapy.
Participants will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Adlerian play therapy treatment process (e.g., treatment goals and plans, documentation, intake/termination, and tracking of treatment progress)
Participants will be able to demonstrate play therapy treatment skills congruent with AdPT (e.g., conceptualization, interventions)
Focus Area: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories Play Therapy Special Topics
Saturday (AM), June 21 – 3 CE
Playing with Parents: Conducting Parent Consultations with the Brain in Mind
Advancements in neuroscience provide theoretical and conceptual support for principles and practices of play therapy for young children. These neurobiological underpinnings are helpful in therapists’ work with parents as well. Parent consultation is an integration component to Adlerian play therapy. In this interactive training, the presenter will walk you through the parent consultation process across the four phases of Adlerian play therapy, connecting each phase to neurobiology research. In particular, the presenter will unpack Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) across the four phases of parent consultations. Utilizing the integrated Adlerian play therapy and IPNB framework, the presenter will discuss case examples and show brief video examples to illustrate (a) session progress, (b) resistant parents, and (c) skills unique to connecting with parents of play therapy clients. Come ready to play, gain skills, and insight on how to walk alongside parents through the play therapy journey.
Learning Objectives:
Name the four phases of Adlerian play therapy
Describe at least two parent-specific skills for parent consultations in the play therapy process
Illustrate different personality priorities of parents of play therapy clients
Describe unique techniques to respond to the different personality priorities in parent consultations with parents of play therapy clients.
Focus Area: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories Play Therapy Special Topics
Saturday (PM), June 21 – 3 CEs
Attendees will select one (3hr) break-out session on various topics.
Breakout Sessions (1:00-4:15PM)
Breakout #1 Using Personality Priorities in Play Therapy Supervision
Dive into an experiential workshop that explores the development of the Crucial Cs – Connect, Capable, Courage, and Count – throughout play therapy supervision. Through interactive activities, reflective practices, and creative play-based techniques, participants will explore how to foster these core concepts supervisees and clients alike. This dynamic session invites supervisors and therapists to strengthen relationships, enhance clinical insight, and inspire confidence using hands-on strategies grounded in both theory and fun. Come ready to play, connect deeply, and leave with practical tools to support growth and resilience in yourself, your supervisees, and clients.
Learning Objectives:
Name the four personality priorities
Utilize a quick tool to assess personality priorities
Learn 2 strategies to adapt the supervision process to meet the supervisee’s need
Focus Area: Play Therapy Supervision
Breakout #2 Bridging the Gap: Integrating Sensory Integration Theory and Retained Reflexes into Play Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients
Steffani Hammitt, LMFT
Overview:
Play therapy is a powerful intervention for children, yet many play therapists overlook the critical role that sensory processing and retained primitive reflexes play in emotional regulation, behavior, and therapeutic engagement. While play therapy focuses on emotional expression, relationship-building, and cognitive processing, many neurodivergent children experience underlying sensory challenges and reflex integration difficulties that significantly impact their ability to engage in therapy. This presentation will explore how play therapists can incorporate Sensory Integration Theory and an understanding of Retained Reflexes into their practice to better support neurodivergent clients. Attendees will learn to recognize signs of sensory processing difficulties and retained reflexes, understand their impact on emotional regulation and behavior, and discover ways to integrate sensory-informed interventions into play therapy sessions. By expanding our approach, we can bridge the gap between play therapy and sensory-based interventions, creating a more effective, holistic model of care.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key sensory processing challenges and retained reflexes that impact therapeutic engagement in neurodivergent children.
Understand the relationship between sensory integration, emotional regulation, and play therapy.
Learn practical strategies to incorporate sensory-informed interventions into play therapy sessions.
Focus Area: Play Therapy Skills and Methods Play Therapy Special Topics
Breakout #3 Unpacking Culture, Color, and Connection: Creative Approaches with Black Youth
Shannon Treadwell, LPC and Vernitra LaShay Dobbins, EdS, LPC
Overview:
“Unpacking Culture, Color, and Connection: Creative Approaches with Black Youth” explores the intersection of identity, lived experience, and healing. This interactive session offers culturally responsive, creative strategies to engage Black teens and young adults in therapy while honoring their voices, stories, and strengths in navigating mental health and social-emotional growth.
Learning Objectives:
Increase Cultural Awareness: Participants will deepen their understanding of the cultural and social factors impacting Black teens and young adults, including racial identity development, systemic barriers, and lived experiences.
Enhance Clinical Practice: Participants will learn and apply at least three culturally responsive play therapy techniques that affirm identity, foster emotional expression, and build trust with Black youth.
Promote Reflective Practice: Participants will engage in self-reflection to identify personal biases and explore ways to create more inclusive, affirming, and empowering therapeutic spaces for diverse clients.
Focus Area: Play Therapy Cultural and Social Diversity Topics
Breakout #4 Healing Through Connection: Play Therapy and the Power of Caregiver Integration in Healing Trauma
Danyale Weems, LCSW, RPT-S™
Overview:
This experiential workshop explores the transformative power of Play Therapy and emphasizes the essential role caregivers play in a child’s healing journey from trauma. Rooted in attachment theory, neurobiology, and the Transtheoretical model, this training equips clinicians with practical tools to help children process trauma while strengthening the caregiver-child relationship as a secure base for emotional recovery. Utilizing creative modalities such as art, music, drama, movement in play therapy Participants will learn how to safely guide children through trauma narratives using developmentally appropriate creative modalities in play therapy and how to skillfully involve caregivers in sessions to co-regulate, attune, and repair relational ruptures.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key principles of trauma-informed play therapy
Describe at least three play therapy techniques for integrating caregivers into trauma treatment
Demonstrate at least 2 co-regulation strategies within play therapy sessions which support caregiver-child healing and attachment
Focus Area: Play Therapy Skills and Methods Play Therapy Special Topics
Breakout #5 Harmonizing Healing: Integrating Movement & Play Therapy with EMDR for Comprehensive Therapeutic Transformation
Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, LPC, RPT-S™, FT and Meredith Hammond, MA, LPC, RPT-S™, ACS
Overview:
In this interactive presentation, we will explore the fundamental role of sensory experiences and their significant impact on the effectiveness of play therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Attendees will gain valuable practical insights on how to incorporate movement and sensory elements into play-based EMDR techniques, thereby deepening their understanding of these therapeutic processes and enhancing treatment outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Develop a foundational understanding of the role of sensory experiences in therapeutic interventions and their impact on play-therapy-based EMDR outcomes.
Participants will acquire skills to assess client’s state of arousal, and guide client to appropriate sensory input during the history and preparation phases.
Participants will develop a customized sensory toolbox using play therapy foundations to enhance cognitive balance through vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile input.
Focus Area: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories Play Therapy Special Topics
Breakout #6 Sandtray Work Across the Lifespan
James Jackson, Ph.D, LPC-S, RPT-S™
Overview:
This program will examine characteristics of Sandtray work with clients across Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development. The emphasis will be on developmental themes that may emerge in builders’ work in the tray.
Learning Objectives:
The participant will review Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development and how these may manifest in the Sandtray work of clients.
The participant will experience building a Sandtray representing their own unique stage of development.
The participant will practice witnessing the building of a developmentally-themed Sandtray and holding space for the exploration of the builder’s Sandtray work.
Focus Area: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
CE Information
Contact Hours will be awarded for each full day of attendance. No partial credit will be awarded.
Counselors: Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves courses that are NBCC approved for CE credit.
Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.
Hotel Information
Homewood Suites by Hilton Birmingham-South/Inverness ($149 a night 6/19-6/22). Click on the “Book Your Room Now” below to be access the discounted rate!
We hope you will consider being a vendor during this wonderful event. The vendor fee is $50, which includes one table and chair. Each additional table is $10. We request that each vendor also donate one raffle gift per day (two total).
Ethical Excellence in Play Therapy: Principles, Challenges, and Best Practices
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Description
Ethics form the foundation of effective and compassionate play therapy practice. This interactive six-hour workshop equips play therapists with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical challenges with confidence and integrity. Participants will explore foundational ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—and apply them to the unique dynamics of the playroom. Through discussions, case studies, and role-playing, attendees will learn to address common dilemmas such as confidentiality, dual relationships, and boundary-setting while developing strategies for inclusive and culturally responsive care. Special emphasis will be placed on cultural and diversity considerations, highlighting strategies for providing inclusive and equitable care to clients from diverse backgrounds.
Using an ethical decision-making framework, participants will practice resolving complex scenarios and strengthening their ability to balance client needs with professional responsibilities. Additionally, the workshop will emphasize the importance of ethical self-reflection and professional growth, empowering participants to sustain ethical excellence in their practice. This training is ideal for mental health professionals, registered play therapists, and graduate students seeking to enhance their ethical competence in play therapy.
Learning Objectives
Participants will explore key ethics as they apply to the practice of play therapy.
Participants will learn to recognize common ethical challenges in play therapy and how to address them effectively.
Participants will develop skills to navigate cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors ethically, ensuring inclusive and equitable play therapy practices.
Participants will gain strategies for maintaining client confidentiality in play therapy while managing communication with parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders.
Participants will practice applying an ethical decision-making framework to real-world scenarios encountered in play therapy.
Participants will learn techniques for ongoing ethical self-reflection, supervision, and consultation to enhance their professional practice and ensure adherence to ethical standards in play therapy.
Presenter
Amy Davis, PhD, LPC, NCC, is a School Based Registered Play Therapist specializing in school counseling and counseling children and adolescents. She has a PhD in counselor education from the University of Alabama and an MA in school counseling from the University of North Alabama. Amy Davis is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair in Counselor Education at the University of North Alabama. In addition to teaching, Dr. Davis has been seeing children and adolescents part time in private practice as a play therapist since 2021 at her private practice, Sweetwater Counseling and Consulting. Dr. Davis is a past president of the Alabama Association for Play Therapy and an active member of many counseling organizations. Her research interests include school counseling, play therapy in the school settings, aggressive toys in play therapy, and bibliotherapy. Dr. Davis has presented on these topics at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels.
Schedule
Registration
8:00-8:30
Workshop Session I
8:30-10:00
Morning Break
10:00-10:15
Workshop Session II
10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own
12:00-1:00
Workshop Session III
1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break
2:30-2:45
Workshop Session IV
2:45-4:00
All times are CST
Continuing Education Credit
Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.
Counselors:Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit.
Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.
Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284.
Registration Fees
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration March 10, 2025- April 23, 2025
AAPT/APT Member
$125
Non-Member
$150
Full-Time Student (with proof of enrollment)
$100
Space is not Guaranteed Until Your Registration is Processed.
Group Discount
A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.
Scholarships
Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, April 24th, and all day Friday, April 25th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Shay Dobbins at pres-elect@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc).
Location
True Divine Baptist Church | 4601 Troy Highway, Montgomery, AL 36116
Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after April 23, 2025. In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.
Membership Information
To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.
Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!
Restoring Hope to Youth in Play: Suicide Assessment, Treatment & Prevention
Description
Participants will assess for suicide risk via Prescriptive play, integrated expressive play into care, and suicide prevention tools.
This workshop will address diverse populations’ needs. This workshop will address issues of diversity by elucidating the unique risks and warning signs for many populations, including vulnerable ones, as well as provide assessments and interventions that are culturally sensitive and aware of the need for diversity.
Learning Objectives
Describe 3 risk factors to identify suicidal behavior in youth in play settings.
Describe 3 warning signs to identify suicidal behavior in youth & adults in play settings.
List 1 or more screening assessment tools for youth coping with suicidal thoughts/ideation and/or suicidal behaviors that can be integrated into play.
List 2 or more play based prevention strategies for youth coping with suicidal thoughts/ideation and/or suicidal behaviors.
Examine and apply at least 3 play-based strategies for working with youth with suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behaviors.
Identify at least 5 myths about the assessment and treatment of suicidality in youth.
Presenters
Mary Ruth Cross, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S
Mary Ruth Cross, a compassionate and empathetic Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, has dedicated over 30 years to the mental health field. As the Owner and CEO of Treehouse Family Counseling Services in San Ramon, CA, she and her staff provide counseling to children and families, with a special focus on play therapy. Mary Ruth’s treatment team model, which supports the whole family, is a testament to her understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to healing. The practice harnesses the healing power of play to bring about healing for children, teens, couples, adults, and families, reflecting Mary Ruth’s deep empathy and care for her clients.
Mary Ruth is a California State University East Bay graduate and has been on faculty at John F. Kennedy University and the University of Phoenix, teaching in the counselor education programs. Mary Ruth is a Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor™, and a sought-after workshop leader in the field of play therapy, suicide, grief and loss, high conflict families and trauma as well as other related mental health issues. Mary Ruth is a member in good standing with the Association for Play Therapy, the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Board-Certified Counselors, American Psychological Association and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Mary Ruth co-facilitates a grief support group in Livermore, CA. She is also co-author of a children’s book on trauma called “Snug and Rug and the ‘No Good Very Bad Thing’: A Story of Coping, Calming & Courage for Children” and is co-author and co-editor of the book ASSESSING AND TREATING SUICIDAL THINKING AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A Play Therapy Guide for Mental Health Practitioners.
Leslie Baker, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S™
Leslie Baker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, National Board-Certified Counselor, Gottmann Certified Therapist, and a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor™. She is the CEO and Owner of Therapy2Thrive® Ruby Hill Marriage and Family Counseling Center. Leslie has over 30 years of practical experience as a clinician and supervisor. She has presented workshops on the topic of suicide for 11+ years. Her background includes more than 13 years as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Phoenix in the College of Social Sciences, Master of Counseling program, and nine years as the Lead Area Chair for the Master’s in Counseling Program. For an additional ten years, she has been an Adjunct Faculty and Associate Professor for John F. Kennedy University in Campbell, CA, and an Adjunct Professor for Antioch University in Santa Barbara, CA. Leslie is an active member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), East Bay Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (EBCAMFT), Association for Play Therapy (APT), and the California Association for Play Therapy (CALAPT) and World Association of Professional Sandtray (WAPT) and Mental Health Virtual Reality (MHVR).
Leslie served on the Committee for Technology as a clinical member of the San Francisco Chapter of the CALAPT. Recently, Leslie has presented to local, national, and international groups focusing on using play therapy and integrating expressive play-based therapies for trauma treatment, treatment of suicide, and incorporating technology into treating youth. A Certified Suicide Bereavement-trained Clinician since 2017, Leslie has worked with suicide loss survivors, treating those who cope with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Leslie is the author of a children’s book Healing Feelings a story of coping with a grown-up mental illness and co-author of a children’s book Snug and Rug and the ‘No Good Very Bad Thing to assist youth in coping, calming and courage. She is also a contributing author to two book chapters on advancing technology use in play therapy. Leslie is the co-editor and co-author of Assessing and Treating Suicidal Children and Adolescents: A Play Therapy Guide for Mental Health Professionals and School-Based Settings published by Taylor and Francis.
Schedule
Registration
8:00-8:30
Workshop Session I
8:30-10:00
Morning Break
10:00-10:15
Workshop Session II
10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own
12:00-1:00
Workshop Session III
1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break
2:30-2:45
Workshop Session IV
2:45-4:00
All times are CST
Continuing Education Credit
Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.
Counselors:Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified. Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit.
Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.
Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284.
A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.
Scholarships
Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, January 23rd, and all day Friday, January 24th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Dorian Bayles at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc).
Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after January 22, 2025. In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.
Membership Information
To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.
Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!
Alabama Association for Play Therapy 