Foster Care Training

During this course participants will be introduced to the theory and technique components of play therapy. The language of children has always been best represented through play. This premise is the basis for the emerging specialization of play therapy. This experiential workshop will introduce and explore play in a clinical context, particularly for use with children and adolescents who are in foster care. From building a trusting therapeutic rapport to gathering psycho-social history, play therapy can be a powerful tool and resource for those who utilize it in their clinical work with the children and adolescents they serve. Main areas of focus include: how foster care professionals can develop an individualized repertoire of play therapy skills-base , basic and popular creative arts interventions to employ i.e. sand tray, coloring therapy, basic interpretative skills and other techniques relative to play therapy.

Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the theory behind play therapy, and how to utilize client’s history to focus on issues through play.
2. Participants will be able to describe specific play therapy techniques in their work with youth in foster care.
3. Participants will be able to identify assessment and interpretation skills as related to play therapy. Identify appropriate toys for play therapy.