NO ONSITE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE.

NEAPT 2024 Annual Conference

April 26-27, 2024 | Hilton Mystic

Friday, April 26th | 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Choose One Session

Session 1: Family Play Therapy by Jill Forsberg, MA, LMFT, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Family Therapists often ask “what do I do with kids in the room?” This course will explore incorporating the philosophies, core elements and interventions of Family Therapy and Play Therapy. Students will learn how play in Family Therapy helps enhance communication, see systems in action and provides a fun atmosphere for creating change.

Intermediate| Play Therapy History, Play Therapy Skills and Methods

Participants will be able to…

1. Describe the history of and connections between Family Therapy and Play Therapy.
2. Describe how Play can help in assessing family structure, boundaries, hierarchies, roles and communication.
3. Demonstrate specific play based Interventions that align with Structural Family Therapy and Experiential/Humanistic Family Therapy.

Jill Forsberg is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ living and working in Seattle, WA. Jill graduated Antioch University Seattle in 2005 and hit the ground running working at various Community Mental Health Agencies. Jill left Agency life in 2015 and currently has an in home private practice where she sees children, teens and families. Jill also supervises Associate Level clinicians and clinicians working toward their Registered Play Therapist™ credential. In 2018 Jill returned to Antioch University Seattle, this time as fulltime Teaching Faculty in the Couple and Family Therapy Program. Jill loves living and working in the Pacific Northwest. She and her two yellow labs Stuart Little and Charlotte (Charlie) Web frequent beaches, trails, dog parks and more.

Session 2:  Helping Parents Support Their Transgender & Gender Expansive Children Using Play Therapy by Mary Beth Murray, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ 

Play therapists often face the important task of supporting parents and caregivers who have transgender, gender expansive and gender creative children.  This workshop will provide participants with tools to recognize barriers to parent acceptance of play therapy clients, clinical strategies to engage parents of play therapy clients in a positive change process, and family play therapy strategies to support parent affirmation and attachment with their transgender children using humanistic, attachment, identity development, family systems and systems theories.  Play therapists will also identify the challenges they face in working with parents of transgender children and use play therapy strategies to replenish themselves, in community. 

Intermediate| Play Therapy Special Topics

Participants will be able to...

1. List three barriers to parent acceptance of transgender, gender expensive and gender creative play therapy clients.
2. Name three play therapy strategies to engage parents in a positive change process to support their transgender, gender expensive and gender creative child.
3. Use two family play therapy strategies to support parent affirmation and attachment with their transgender children.
4. Name three ways play therapists can get community support for working with parents of transgender, gender expensive and gender creative play therapy clients.

Mary Beth Murray, LCSW, RPT-S™ is a queer-identified child and family therapist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and play therapy trainer.  She owns New Moon Therapy and has worked with children and families for 25 years with a focus on growth and recovery when there is stress, trauma or adversity.  She specializes in helping child therapists understand their and their clients’ identities for inclusive, effective practice.   

Friday, April 26th | 2:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. - Choose One Session

Session 3: Building Positive Relationships in Play Therapy Setting Utilizing The Nurtured Heart Approach by Dorothy Derapelian, LCMHC 

The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA®) is a best practice approach which transforms the relationship between adults and children who have intense and challenging behaviors. We know that children who have sustained trauma can be aggressive, defensive, and sometimes unapproachable. These are some of the behaviors that bring parents to seek the aid of play therapists. NHA® utilizes this intensity to help children see the greatness they have within themselves. It does so by presenting irrefutable evidence in real time when things are going right. When children start feeling noticed and appreciated for the right choices they make, their aggression, defenses come down and they are more approachable. This workshop will guide the participant through the 3 Stands® of the approach. The 3 Stands work soundly together to help the adult notice aloud and with real time evidence without simultaneously giving the negative behaviors the child is used to receiving. Schools that have embraced NHA® have few behavioral problems, fewer referrals for special education services, bullying reductions, just to name a few.

A brief introduction will be given on NHA® with statistics regarding its effectiveness. From there, many case examples will be provided so that a play therapist can use this method almost instantly with clients in the play therapy setting.

Foundational | Play Therapy Skills and Methods

Participants will be able to…

1. Identify The 3 Stands™ of The Nurtured Heart Approach®.
2. Describe how to utilize The Nurtured Heart Approach® in a play therapy setting.
3. Critique the impact of The Nurtured Heart Approach® in the play therapy setting.

Dorothy Derapelian, LCMHC has had a mental health practice in Meredith NH since 1986. She specializes in play therapy with a focus on foster/adopted children. She also teaches a college course on attachment and conducts adoption home studies. She is part of the trauma informed therapists working with the state Attorney General’s office. She is the creator of Core Attachment Therapy© and an advanced trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach.

Session 4: Supporting Transgender & Gender Expansive Youth Through Play Therapy by April Megginson, PhD, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™ 

With an increase in legislation aimed to limit their rights (ACLU, 2024), transgender and gender expansive youth are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression (Trevor Project, 2023). In this workshop participants will learn about the unique mental health needs of this population. Tips for designing a gender inclusive play therapy practice will be shared. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a number of play therapy techniques to utilize with this population and their families. This workshop is informed by the presenter’s work and training with this population as well as her personal experience of being a parent of transfer youth.

Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills & Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics (cultural competence)

Participants will be able to:

1. Understand the unique stressors of transgender/gender expansive youth and their families in play therapy.
2. Design a gender inclusive play therapy practice.
3. Utilize play therapy techniques with transgender/gender expansive youth and their families.

April J. Megginson, PhD, LMHC, RPT™ is an Associate Professor at Bridgewater State University in the Counselor Education Department. She has spent over 20 years working with youth and their families in both school and clinical settings. Her passion for transgender mental health and advocacy began when her own child came out as nonbinary. Dr. Megginson owns SolQuest Therapy, PLLC (www.solquesttherapy.com) and utilizes play therapy with clients of all ages.

Saturday, April 27th | 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Fostering Connection and Building Healthy Bonds with Transracial Adoptive Families Using Play Therapy – Sabra Starnes, MEd, LICSW, LCSW-C, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

This will be a 3-hour in-person training led by Sabra Starnes, a transracial adoptee and adoptive mother. This transformative session, enriched with hands-on activities, videos, and dynamic small and large group discussions, delves into the powerful impact of play therapy. Sabra will share her personal and professional experiences, providing unique insights into the joys and challenges of working with transracial adoptive families.

Explore crucial elements such as race, culture, attachment, and family bonds, gaining practical tools for important conversations, improved communication, and enhanced resilience within adoptive families. Learn to create a therapeutic space that embraces diversity and fosters secure attachments, navigating the distinct nuances of transracial adoption. 

Foundational|Play Therapy Seminal/Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Special Topics

Participants will be able to…

1. Demonstrate play therapy techniques tailored to address challenges in transracial adoptive families, promoting secure attachments and addressing cultural nuances.
2. Discuss ways for creating a therapeutic space that embraces diversity and navigates sensitive conversations around race and culture in transracial adoption.
3. Analyze the intersection of play therapy, attachment, and family systems to enhance communication and resilience in transracial adoptive families, contributing to overall family well-being.

Saturday, April 27th | 1:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Cultivating Compassion: Play Therapy and Cultural Humility for Therapists - Sabra Starnes, MEd, LICSW, LCSW-C, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

This 3 hour training will allow you to immerse yourself in this transformative session to support your practice through the infusion of compassion and cultural humility. Engage in hands-on activities, participate in dynamic small and large group discussions, and delve into interactive learning experiences—all aimed at actively nurturing a compassionate mindset.

Guiding you from understanding to action, this immersive training provides practical insights for navigating diverse cultural contexts within your play therapy sessions. Explore the seamless application of these principles in your therapeutic practice to foster a deeper connection with your clients. Join us for a dynamic and enriching 3-hour experience, as we navigate the nuanced journey of play therapy with a dedicated focus on compassion, cultural sensitivity, and practical application, crafted specifically to enhance your role as a play therapist. 

Foundational| Play Therapy Cultural and Social Diversity Topics

Participants will be able to…

1. Discuss the influence of our personal and professional values, beliefs, and life experiences on establishing a safe and collaborative therapeutic rapport with clients in play therapy sessions.
2. Analyze the implications of current and historical racial injustices on clients' possible physical and emotional reactions during play therapy sessions.
3. Demonstrate techniques and activities in play therapy that foster empowerment, support, and constructive therapeutic bonds with both clients and their families.

Sabra Starnes, MEd, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S™ is an independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia, and Ohio. She is also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Clinical supervisor. She is a national speaker, author, trainer, and digital creator.

Sabra is known for her work in creating and delivering training consultations on adoption-related issues using both a professional and personal perspective as a transitional adoptee and adoptive mother. Sabre prayings a personal and professional view around the adoption area and amplifies the adoptee's voice.

Sabra owns Next Place Therapy Services, a group practice in Largo, MD, that serves clients ages 3 to 18 and their families using play therapy and expressive therapies. She also owns Next Place Lounge, which offers hybrid training to mental health clinicians nationally and internationally. she creates and delivers her training on adoption play therapy and sand tray. Along with offering therapy enter practice, she provides clinical and play therapy supervision to mental health therapists.

Sabra ensures that training, supervision, and consultation bring in the work as a therapist to work on cultural humility, understanding intersectionality, and working with all clients.

Sabra earned her Bachelors of Social Work from Bennett College, her Master's in Social Work from Catholic University, and her Master's in Education from the American University. She has training in IFS, EMDR, Brainspotting, Trust Behavior-Related Intervention, Sandtray, and Theraplay.

For CE, participants will need to download the form by clicking here, complete and mail to ICE with payment of $30.

SEATING IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 26, 2024

8:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Sessions Begin (Choice of #1 or #2)

12:15 p.m. Lunch on Own 

2:00 p.m. Sessions Begin (Choice of #3 or #4)

5:15 p.m. Sessions End

Saturday, April 27, 2024

8:00 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast and Coffee

8:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:00 a.m. Session Begins

12:15 p.m. Lunch, Annual Meeting (all invited)

1:45 p.m. Session Begins

5:00 p.m. Conference Concludes

HANDOUTS: In an effort to reduce paper waste and be more “green,” our policy is to email all handouts. Please include a valid email address with your registration to receive the handouts.

PARKING: Complimentary parking is available at the hotel for participants.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: At NEAPT, your safety is a priority. As NEAPT moves forward with producing live meetings and conferences, we will continue to monitor the continually evolving guidance released by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as all federal, state, and local government mandates, to provide an environment that is as safe as possible for all event participants. By participating in person, I agree to follow the meeting’s health and safety policies. Attendees of NEAPT events voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19 and its variants, and are advised to undertake precautions deemed necessary, to include those recommended by the CDC and the State of Connecticut. NEAPT will provide hand sanitizers and will allow for social distancing. Let us know if you need something to make you feel more comfortable.

PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this conference, you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NEAPT deems appropriate and desirable. Photographs may be used on the NEAPT website, social media pages, and/or newsletter for any purpose. By completing the registration, you are also consenting to waive any rights to the photographs indefinitely. If you do not wish to have your photo used, it is your responsibility to notify registration of your request to be omitted.

CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than April 1, 2024. Cancellations are subject to $35 processing fee. No refunds after April 1, 2024. Substitutions (allowing another person to attend in your place) may be made in writing for no additional cost. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.  

HOTEL INFORMATION: Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355. Attendees are responsible to make hotel reservations. The hotel number is 800-445-8667. Please mention NE Play Therapy Room Block when making reservations. Online booking link may be accessed here. Hilton Mystic website may be accessed here. 

New England Association for Play Therapy: NEAPT is a professional organization striving to advance the theory and practice of play therapy through activities such as conferences, seminars, and networking in order to serve the mental health needs of New England children, families, schools and communities. For more information on the Conference visit our website at www.newenglandplaytherapy.org.

EXHIBITS: Exhibitors will be welcome to provide books and therapeutic materials for sale Friday & Saturday. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION: This program  is co-sponsored, by the New England Association for Play Therapy and The Institute for Continuing Education. The Conference offers a total of 12.00 CE Hrs. (6.00 hrs. per day), with full attendance required for the days you attend.     

Continuing education credit is awarded on a daily basis, with full attendance required for the days attended. The CE processing fee is $30.00, to be paid by participants who wish to submit application for CE credit for their participation in the program. Application forms and other required CE materials will be available for download for submission to The Institute for Continuing Education. If you have questions regarding the program, continuing education learning objectives, faculty, contact The Institute at: 800-557-1950 / email: instconted@aol.com

NOTE: To receive continuing education credit, applicants must complete all CE materials, sign in/out at designated locations, and submit an evaluation form for the sessions attended. 

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if CE credit offered by The Institute for Continuing Education meets the regulations of their state licensing/certification board(s).  

NOTE: This program offers no “ethics hours”. The program workshops are not academic and may not be used toward fulfillment of a degree.

Psychology: Not offered for this training.

Counseling: The Institute for Continuing Education and the New England Association for Play Therapy are co-sponsors of this program. This co-sponsorship has been approved by NBCC. The Institute for Continuing Education is an NBCC approved continuing education provider, ACEP Provider No. 5643. The Institute for Continuing Education solely is responsible for this program, including the awarding of NBCC credit.

New York: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors.  Provider MHC-0016.

Social Work: This program has been approved for up to  9.00 social work continuing education hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program. Authorization D-92539-1 / D-92539-2.

New York: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers, Provider SW-0025.

New Jersey: This program will NOT  be submitted for pre-approval for New Jersey social workers.

Marriage/Family Therapy: The Institute for Continuing Education is a recognized provider of continuing education by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for MFT, Provider MFT-0012. 

Massachusetts: This program has not been submitted for pre-approval  for MA MFTs. 

Play Therapy: The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by The Association for Play Therapy to sponsor continuing education specific to play therapy. The Institute maintains responsibility for the program. APT Provider 98-040. 

Non-U.S. Professionals: The Institute for Continuing Education holds no CE provider status with Canadian or other Non-U.S. licensing/certification boards.  It is your responsibility to check the regulations of your licensing/certification board to determine CE requirements for training activities.

Non-Credit Events: Breakfast, lunch, reception events, committee/business meetings, networking sessions.

Skills Level:  Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced. Attendees are urged to review the session descriptions to determine appropriateness for professional and personal needs.

Instructional Methodology: May include lecture, demonstration, audio/visual, experiential practice of techniques, case examples, large and small group discussion.

ADA: If you have special needs, please contact NEAPT at neapt@newenglandplaytherapy.org.