High Conflict Divorce: Understanding the Whole Picture
Play therapists, because of their work with children, are often put in the position of maneuvering through parental conflict and high conflict divorces. At times, play therapists may be called as witnesses within custody disputes. Therefore, it is vital that play therapists are aware of how to successfully, therapeutically, and ethically maneuver the system to endeavor to act in the child's best interest. This presentation will explore the various roles play therapists may be called to fill and the other stakeholders that are likely to be involved in high conflict divorce cases. The presenter will also discuss how play therapists uphold their ethical duties to the child by remaining neutral and not succumbing to confirmation bias. As a play therapist, attorney and Guardian ad Litem, Dr. Etheridge will also explore how play therapists can gain confidence in their various roles within these difficult, yet common cases.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- differentiate between the different roles play therapists may be called to fill or engage with during involved in cases of high parental conflicts.
- identify which of the roles often asked of Play Therapists they are comfortable and competent to perform.
- explore the confirmation bias, and how play therapists can protect against it when working with child clients.
2 APT Contact CE | Play Therapy Special Topics
About our presenter: S. Lynn Etheridge is both an attorney and a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a PhD in Counselor Education. She is a Registered Play Therapist™ who has been working with children since 2002. During that time, she became aware of the difficulties that can occur when children have to be involved in the court system. The awareness of this issue is what inspired her to become a Registered Play Therapist™ and then to continue with her education, earning a PhD in Counselor Education, basing her dissertation on mental health professionals in courtrooms. She also participated in the training offered by the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL in Forensic Interviewing. She sees assisting children caught in high conflict custody situations as a social justice issue and is very grateful to be included as a presenter!.
NEAPT Members $35; Guests $40 | Limited to 40 participants
VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded CONTACT CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. Due to COVID-19 health concerns, this one-time online event has been approved by APT for 2 CONTACT CE Hours.
NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph (screen shot), video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote NEAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than September 1, 2021. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds or partial refunds after September 1, 2021.
By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
