Working with children and adolescents on the spectrum can often be scary and overwhelming. This is in large part to the lack of specialized training with this population that is received in graduate school. Play Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Spectrum aims to decrease the anxiety associated with treatment and improve outcomes with this population for practitioners. In this 1-day training, trainees will be exposed to all aspects of working with children and adolescents on the spectrum, including assessment and treatment planning, working phase interventions, and steps to termination. Multiple theoretical orientations will be explored and opportunities to practice useful therapeutic skills will be provided. Attendance in this training will allow you to add essential tools to your therapeutic toolbox in a formalized, yet relaxed environment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Trainees will gain a basic understanding of the history of play therapy with children and adolescents on the spectrum.
2. Trainees will learn the play therapy tenets of multiple theories that can be implemented in working children and adolescents on the spectrum.
3. Trainees will learn about the research that exists supporting the use of specific play therapy methods in the treatment of children and adolescents on the spectrum.
4. Trainees will learn the play therapy skills used and tools implemented during the assessment phase of working with children and adolescents on the spectrum.
5. Trainees will learn the play therapy skills used and tools implemented during the working phase of treatment with children and adolescents on the spectrum.
6. Trainees will learn the play therapy skills used and tools implemented during the closing phase of working with children and adolescents on the spectrum.
7. Trainees will practice crucial play therapy skills in working with children and adolescents on the spectrum, with the opportunity to receive feedback.