Summary:
There is an importance of family therapy being systemic in nature; children are often left out of this process. Family play therapy levels the playing field for all family members, and children are honored when treated as equal members of the system, combining play therapy and family systems therapy. Play therapy methods are established to enable those in the family who may have challenges expressing issues by distinguishing the client’s voice within a home andallowing all family members to be on equal footing in the clinical space. Psychologists and mental health professionals will explore the theory and rationale for using family play therapy when children are involved in the process and recognize the use and benefits for troubled and hurting families. Participants will discuss the bonds and binds that come into the therapy room that involve children while also recognizing how young family members are often forgotten in the session—or compelled to participate in the adult “talk therapy” process. A wealth of information will be provided to participants on how family play therapy can affect communication and relational dynamics within the family.
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling