Involving Caregivers and Families in the Play Therapy Process

This course imparts to play therapists approaches to working with parents and caregivers to best support treatment of children engaged in play therapy from the very first phone contact through the conclusion of treatment. We examine many clinical considerations that inform how and when to involve parents in play therapy sessions and how and when to address parenting and behavioral concerns. Common clinical challenges to working with caregivers are addressed, including work with foster- and adoptive-parents, caregivers low in psychological-mindedness, caregivers with high levels of frustration or anger, and caregivers in high-conflict, separated, divorced, and blended families, and related legal and ethical considerations.