Humor in Play Therapy

No doubt, therapists frequently engage in humorous interactions and fun with children in play therapy sessions. But there is little written, taught or studied about the uses or impacts of therapeutic, socially shared humor in the field --  or even how and under what circumstances it is implemented.

In this workshop, we review the scant research about the development of humor in children including neurodivergent children, and the even scanter research on humor in psychotherapy in general and in play therapy, specifically. We describe several forms of socially shared humor. We explore multiple potential benefits for children, parents and providers and describe  how to incorporate humorous interactions into play therapy, thoughtfully and intentionally. We discuss cautions, including the need for remaining aware of cultural, social, family and individual differences in humor preferences and acceptability. We discuss humor across two play therapy modalities, DIR/Floortime and play therapy for treating phobias. We include illustrative video clips and numerous case examples and  propose future directions for clinical and research work around the implementation and infusion of humor in play therapy.    

Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. List two potential benefits to children and families of incorporating humor into play therapy sessions
2. List two potential cautions around use of humor in play therapy sessions.
3. List two approaches to incorporating humor into play therapy sessions

2 APT Live Webinar CE | Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods

This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

About our presenters: Karen Levine, PhD, Lecturer on Psychiatry Harvard Medical School (part-time), is a practicing psychologist formerly in MA, now in Maine. She was the co-founder and co-director of the Autism program at Boston Children's Hospital in the 1990s, and of the Autism Center at Cambridge Health Alliance. With Naomi Chedd, she authored three books,  Replays: Using Play to Enhance Emotional and Behavioral Development for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (JKP, 2009), Treatment Planning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Individualized, Problem-Solving Approach (Wiley, 2012) Attacking Anxiety (JKP, 2015).  She is the recipient of the 2012 Lesley University Autism Hero Award, the 2010 Federation for Children with Special Needs Founders Award and the 2000 Award for Excellence from the Boston Institute for the Development of Infants and Parents (BIDIP).  She specializes in joyful, individualized, relationship-based treatments of young children with challenges impacting social and emotional development including Autism, Anxiety, Williams Syndrome and Selective Mutism.

Cindy Puccio, PhD, M.A, LCSW is a developmental psychologist, clinical social worker, and child therapist specializing in child-centered play therapy and therapeutic work with children who are on the Autism spectrum. She has studied, practiced, and taught Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime method for over 20 years and currently serves as a clinical advisor to the organization. Cindy is also on the child psychology faculty of Sarah Lawrence College where she teaches seminars in the developmental aspects of play and on early interventions approaches for young children and their families.

Naomi Angoff Chedd, LMHC, BCBA, LBA, is a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed and board certified behavioral analyst.  For the past 25 years she has worked with young children, adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges and consulted to schools and families on programming and services. She is the author of many articles on behavioral health challenges and solutions, is co-author with Karen Levine, PhD. of three books. Currently Naomi serves as the Director of Counselor Support Services, for Counslr (Counslr.com) a telemental health company serving high school and college students and working professionals.  

NEAPT Members $40; Guests $50 | Limited to 50 participants

VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. Participants will be awarded NON-CONTACT CE upon successful completion of a post test. Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

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 February 16, 2024. 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 February 16, 2024.

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.