Introduction to Play Therapy: Skills and Strategies to Get Started Today

Co-hosted with USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Presenter:  Sara Mestas, LMFT

2 CEUs

Cost: Member/USC Alum - $40 | Nonmember - $65 | Students and First Year Graduates - $10

The presentation will run 2 hours and will address the objectives below. Participants will receive a small “Starter Packet” of interventions (5-6 with Sandtray prompts as well) that can be utilized in a variety of ways, which will be discussed during the presentation. Breakout rooms will be utilized at least once to provide opportunity to practice learned skills with support by instructor. Instructor will also facilitate a hands on intervention during the training as well as provide examples of play therapy cases.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the neurobiology of Play Therapy to gain a better understanding of how Play is transformative and effective.
2. Learn how to distinguish the difference between Directive and Non-Directive Play Therapy as well as various modalities of Play.
3. Take part in specific interventions that can be applied to individual, group, and family Play Therapy.
4. Gain understanding of utilizing Play with various ages, from young children to adults.
5. Examine and discuss key elements in a Play Therapy Relationship.
6. Cultivating cultural awareness in Play Therapy.

About the Presenter:

Sara Mestas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Clinical Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist working in the Mental Health Field for over 10 years. She began her career as a line staff in a Residential Treatment Center caring directly for children with emotional disturbances, trauma, mental health issues including many children in the Foster Care System. These experiences led her to pursue a career as a LMFT working in that same Residential Treatment Center as well as in Private Practice. Throughout her time as a clinician and working with a variety of clients and families, it became more and more clear how impactful and transformative Play Therapy is. She utilized Play Therapy in conjunction with Trauma Focused treatment and EMDR. Sara enjoys working with clients of all ages and has witnessed the power that Play Therapy can have in children, adolescents and adults.

Workshop Logistics: After registering you will receive a link to the ZOOM meeting.