The 5th Annual Innovative Child Therapy Symposium
JOIN US FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL INNOVATIVE CHILD THERAPY SYMPOSIUM!
Join thousands of child therapists, play therapists, school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and mental health professionals for a week of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Over five days, you'll learn practical strategies, creative interventions, and innovative approaches from leading experts in play therapy, EMDR, sandtray therapy, attachment, grief, nervous system regulation, and child mental health.
Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, deeper understanding, or renewed inspiration, you'll find sessions designed to support your work with children, adolescents, and families.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Lisa Dion
Insights on Behavior and Effective Treatment for Child Therapists
Bianca Kisselburg, MS, LPC-S, RPT-Sā¢, ICST-P, GTC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisorā¢, Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist Provider, and Geek Therapy Certified clinician. She is the founder of Playful Connections Sandtray Institute, the owner of Serendipity Sand & Play Shop, and a practicing therapist at Olive Tree Counseling in Texarkana, Arkansas. Known for blending creativity, clinical depth, and a touch of fandom flair, Bianca is passionate about helping therapists harness the power of sandtray and play-based approaches to foster healing and transformation.
In addition to her clinical and training work, Bianca is deeply committed to advancing the field of counseling and play therapy. She actively serves on professional boards with Texas A&M UniversityāTexarkana and her stateās Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT) chapter, contributing to the growth and development of future therapists. Whether sheās mentoring clinicians, crafting one-of-a-kind miniatures, or teaching the neuroscience of play, Bianca brings authenticity, heart, and a playful spirit to everything she does.
ļ»æPlayful Connections Sandtray Institute has monthly webinars covering many areas and blends of sandtray, play therapy, and geek therapy topics. We are always looking to give therapists a platform to launch if they have a secondary passion to educate and help level up other therapists. more info at https://www.pcsandtray.com/trainings
Serendipity is starting to release monthly bundles of miniatures to make it easier to build collection. Each month there will either be a brand new bundle or a revamp of an old ones. Stay tuned! Check out what we have currently at: https://serendipitysand.shop/collections/bundles
Playful Connections Sandtray Institute:
www.pcsandtray.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCSandtray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcsandtray
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pcsandtray
Email: Bianca@pcsandtray.com or Support@pcsandtray.com
Serendipity Sand & Play Shop:
www.serendipitysand.shop
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SerendipitySandNPlay
Instagram: www.instagram.com/serendipitysandnplayshop
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@serendipitysandnplay
Email: Bianca@serendipitysand.shop or Support@serendipitysand.shop
Let Me Introduce You to Alzi
Alzi Faubion, LPC, RPT, is a seasoned play therapist with over 43 years of experience supporting children and families across the United States, Portugal, and Brazil. Early in her career, she taught developmental psychology at the university level in Brazil, bringing an educatorās insight into her clinical work. For ten years, she led the Children Therapy Center of Georgia, a thriving private practice where she designed and built seven fully equipped play therapy rooms and mentored a team of dedicated child therapists.
In 2023, Alzi co-founded Discovery Play alongside Dr. Grant and now serves as Partner and Clinical Director. She currently provides supervision to 17 provisional therapists, including seven working toward their Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and leadership, Alzi continues to shape the next generation of play therapists with clarity, presence, and heart.
To Learn More from Alzi
Website: www.alzifaubionlpc.com
Let Me Introduce You to Sabra
Sabra Starnes, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-Sā¢, is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, and therapist with over two decades of experience supporting children, teens, and families. She is the owner of Next Place Therapy Services, LLCāa group practice grounded in play therapy and trauma-informed careāand the founder of the Next Place Therapy Foundation, a nonprofit serving adoptees and adoptive families across the country.
Sabra is known for her engaging and practical trainings on adoption, foster care, cultural humility, and clinical supervision. She creates and designs her own continuing education courses and is an approved provider through APT, NBCC, and ASWB. Her clinical work and trainings draw from advanced training in Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sandtray Therapy, Theraplay®, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). She is also a Certified Daring Wayā¢ Facilitator.
An adoptee herself, Sabra brings both personal insight and professional wisdom to her work. She holds degrees from Bennett College, Catholic University, and American University, and is passionate about attachment-based, expressive, and culturally responsive therapies. She is also deeply committed to mentoring and supervising fellow clinicians.
To Learn More from Sabra
Here are just a few of the ways Sabra supports the field and shares her expertise:
ā Leads dynamic play therapy and Sandtray trainings through her training platform
ā Offers supervision, mentorship, and consultation to clinicians seeking growth and cultural depth
ā Designs continuing education content rooted in authenticity, resilience, and relational healing
ā Advocates for adoptees and adoptive families through her nonprofit foundation
Connect with Sabra
Website: www.sabrastarnes.com
Email: sabrastarnes@nextplacetherapy.com
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. KatySue
Kathleen (KatySue) Tillman, PhD, LP, RPT, is a Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist with over two decades of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. She is also a professor, researcher, professional presenter, and author. Dr. Tillman completed her pre-doctoral internship in child-clinical and pediatric psychology at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children through the Medical College of Virginia and earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology with a Child Development concentration from the University of North Dakota. She also holds masterās degrees in both Community Counseling and School Counseling.
A pioneer in the field of tele-play therapy, Dr. Tillman has been offering play therapy via telehealth since 2013. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed and delivered the first foundational trainings in tele-play therapy, reaching over 5,000 therapists worldwide. Her approach is grounded in developmentally and theoretically sound, evidence-based practices. Dr. Tillman continues to innovate through consultation groups, individual mentorship, and a growing body of work around physical tele-play therapy.
To Learn More from Dr. KatySue
Here are just a few ways Dr. Tillman shares her expertise and supports the field:
ā Offers consultation groups and individual mentorship in play therapy and tele-play therapy
ā Provides training on physical tele-play therapy and its developmental benefits
ā Combines research, clinical practice, and creativity in her teaching and writing
ā Authored the childrenās book Wiley the Walrus Finds His Light, available on Amazon
Connect with Dr. KatySue
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katysuetillman
Facebook: facebook.com/katysue.tillman
Book: Wiley the Walrus Finds His Light
Empowering Child Therapists
š MONDAY
On Monday, weāll explore the personal, practical, and relational foundations of child therapy, including therapeutic presence, professional confidence, supervision, authentic connection, nature-based approaches, grief support, self-worth, boundaries, and consent in play therapy.
Dr. David Crenshaw and Dr. Lisa Shadburn
Understanding the Difference Between Doing and Being in Play TherapyHeather Lyles
Tips for Entrepreneurial Therapists Moving Forward with Clarity and ConfidenceKelly Pullen and Karen Ewing
Journey to Connection: Exploring the Practice of Holding Space in TherapyDr. Janet Courtney
Practical Nature-Based Approaches in Play TherapyAnn Meehan
Play Therapy Supervision Described and DemonstratedDr. KatySue Tillman
Nurturing a Childās Self-Esteem and Self-Worth in Play TherapyCary Hamilton
What Is Play Therapy and How Does It HelpDr. Karen Fried
Fostering Authentic Connection in Play Therapy Through the I/Thou RelationshipTerry Kottman
THE Rules in Play TherapyLiana Lowenstein
Creative Interventions for Bereaved ChildrenAlyssa Meyer
Understanding Consent in Play Therapy: Knowing When and How to Obtain It
For Therapist Extraordinaire Pass holders, todayās bonus materials are also available:
š Dr. KatySue Tillman
PDF of Wiley the Walrus Finds His Light: Bibliotherapy Book for Self-Esteem
š Ann Meehan
Experiential Playful Activities to Use in Supervision
š Jackie Flynn
My Animal Imagery Therapy Cards: Downloadable PDF with 100 Cards
Upgrade to the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass for lifetime access to every Monday presentation, the Grief and Loss Companion Notebook, bonus integration resources, and the ability to revisit the material whenever you need it.
Continue Learning Beyond the Event
Let Me Introduce You to Dora
Dora Henderson, LMHC, RPT-Sā¢, CST, EMDR Consultant, Certified Synergetic Play Therapistā¢, and TraumaPlayā¢ Supervisor, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who brings both deep clinical expertise and lived experience to her work with children, families, and fellow therapists. She is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisorā¢, Certified Sand Tray Therapist, EMDR Consultant, and an experienced guide in integrative trauma and neurodevelopmental care.
As a mother of three children with special needsāincluding autism, ADHD, and dyslexiaāand a proud grandmother of three, Dora understands firsthand the joys and complexities of parenting neurodivergent children. Her personal journey fuels her commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and helping families discover resilience and hope.
In private practice since 2017, Dora supports children with complex emotional needs, trauma histories, and neurodevelopmental differences. Her approach draws from neuroscience, play therapy, EMDR, somatic work, expressive arts, and sandtray therapy to offer safe, creative spaces for healing. Dora has also served as a District Mental Health Counselor in over 21 schools, supporting students, families, and educators.
Dora is co-founder of the Neuroscience of Therapy Conference, where clinical depth meets playful connection. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, she brings a multicultural lens and a heart for storytelling, puppetry, and global connection. Dora lives her values of love and joyful service, celebrating over 38 years of marriage and a lifelong commitment to healing work.
To Learn More from Dora
Here are just a few of the ways Dora shares her wisdom and creativity with the field:
ā Co-founder of the Neuroscience of Therapy Conference
ā Author of childrenās books that support nervous system education and regulation
ā Developer of innovative, neuro-informed tools for therapists, parents, and educators
ā Known for integrating relational play therapy, neurobiology, and expressive approaches
Books by Dora
ā The Vagus Nerve: My Special Friend! (Neuro & The Ception Force Friends)
ā Neuro & the Ception Force Friends: A Special Team of Receptor Neurons That Help Your Body & Brain with Regulation
ā Percy the Perspecto-Pus
ā Polly Vagale & the Ception Force Friends: The Vagus Nerve Super-Highway
Connect with Dora
Website: www.asafespacellc.com
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Roz
Dr. Roz, RPT-S, REST-C/T, ISST-TM (USA), CST-T, is a psychologist, Sandplay teacher, Registered Sand Therapist-Teacher/Consultant, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-Sā¢) who trains therapists nationally and internationally. She has served on the Executive Board of the Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) and is currently the President and a Founding Board Member of the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals.
She directs Pediatric & Family Psychology, P.A., in Cary, North Carolina, and has been working with children, adolescents, and families professionally since 1983. Dr. Roz is the author of A Therapistās Guide to Mapping the Girl Heroineās Journey in Sandplay (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018), and co-editor and author of Nature-Based Play and Expressive Therapies (Routledge, 2022) with Janet C. Courtney. She also contributed a chapter to The Embodied Brain and Sandtray Therapy: Stories of Healing and Transformation (Routledge, 2021), and has published chapters in works edited by Eliana Gil, Janet Courtney, Rita Grayson & Theresa Fraser, Lynn Wonders, and Eric Green.
To Access Some of Dr. Rozās Brilliance
Here are just a few of the ways Roz has shaped the field through her writing, teaching, and leadership:
ā Developed the Credentialing Program for www.worldsandtherapy.org
ā Wrote the Foreword for Lynn Wondersā upcoming 2025 book, Mindfulness-Based Play Therapy for Children and Families
ā Contributed a chapter on Kalffian Sandplay in the 2024 book Play Therapy Treatment Planning with Children and Families, edited by Lynn Wonders and Mary Affee
ā Served as co-editor alongside Janet Courtney and Lynn Wonders for the 2022 book Nature-Based Play and Expressive Therapies
ā Co-authored the 2019 Play Therapy Magazine article āJungian Analytic Play Therapyā with J. P. Lilly
ā Authored the 2018 book A Therapistās Guide to Mapping the Heroineās Journey in Sandplay, published by Rowman & Littlefield
Connect with Dr. Roz
Website: www.drheiko.com
Training & Credentialing: www.worldsandtherapy.org
Facebook: Dr. Roz Play Therapy & Sandplay Training
Instagram: (link or handle to be added)
Let Me Introduce You to Joyce
Joyce Wilkerson, LPC, RPT-Sā¢, SPE, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisorā¢, and seasoned clinician with over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, trauma, parenting, life transitions, ADHD, emotional regulation, and academic concerns. She brings a compassionate, skills-based approach to her work, rooted in strong clinical training and a deep belief in the power of connection.
In addition to her private practice, Wilkerson Counseling Group, LLC, Joyce serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the Play Therapy Institute at the University of Central Missouri. She is also an Instructor and Clinical Supervisor for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Counseling Branch of the Association for Psychological Counseling & Trauma Therapy in Ukraine. Joyce has taught Child Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) nationally and internationally for over 16 years, equipping caregivers and professionals to build more connected, emotionally attuned relationships with children.
To Learn More from Joyce
Here are just a few ways Joyce shares her knowledge and supports the field:
ā Provides play therapy and parent-child relationship training both nationally and internationally
ā Offers supervision and mentorship to clinicians seeking deeper skill and connection in child therapy
ā Teaches and consults on trauma-informed care, parent-child dynamics, and emotional regulation
ā Brings decades of experience and warmth to each teaching and therapy relationship she enters
Connect with Joyce
Practice: Wilkerson Counseling Group, LLC
Phone: 417-540-5145
Email: wilkersoncounselingllc@gmail.com
Schedule: wilkersoncounseling.janeapp.com
Psychology Today: Joyce Wilkerson Profile
Let Me Introduce You to Loni
Loni Fagel, MA, MEd, LPCC, RST, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Registered Sand Therapist based in Golden Valley, Minnesota. She works with individuals ages 8 and up, supporting those navigating grief and loss, chronic illness, trauma, anxiety, depression, and identity exploration.
Loniās approach is deeply person-centered and holistic, drawing from humanistic, existential, psychodynamic, and Jungian traditions. She integrates EMDR, sandtray, and expressive arts therapies to help clients access healing beyond words. As an EMDRIA Approved Consultant in Training, Loni also offers consultation and training in expressive therapies, historical trauma, and cultural responsiveness.
To Learn More from Loni
Here are just a few of the ways Loni shares her wisdom and supports the field:
ā Offers EMDR consultation for therapists seeking growth and confidence in integrative approaches
ā Facilitates trainings on expressive arts, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care
ā Specializes in sandtray therapy through a Jungian lens, blended with nervous system-informed practice
ā Engages in ongoing dialogue around historical and intergenerational trauma in clinical work
Connect with Loni
Website: www.lonifagel.com
Email: info@lonifagel.com
Let Me Introduce You to Jen
Jennifer Sims, LPCC, RPTā¢, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Play Therapistā¢ devoted to supporting the emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and families. She brings a trauma-informed, child-centered approach to her work, using nondirective play therapy techniques that honor each childās inner world and pace of healing. As Clinical Director at the Redwood Center for Children and Families in California, Jen mentors emerging therapists and fosters a practice culture rooted in compassion, curiosity, and authenticity.
Jen is also a play therapy educator, supervisor, and fierce advocate for accessible, culturally responsive mental health care. She integrates social justice principles into her work and is passionate about addressing the impact of systemic inequities on childrenās mental health. Through her widely followed TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube platforms, she shares parenting insights, therapeutic wisdom, and play-based strategiesāempowering millions to understand and honor the language of play.
To Learn More from Jen
Here are just a few of the ways Jen shares her expertise and invites others into the work:
ā Offers consultation for therapists seeking guidance in play therapy and child-centered practice
ā Provides trainings and educational talks for clinics, schools, and professional groups
ā Shares parenting tools, child therapy insights, and educational content on social media
ā Accepts new clients at the Redwood Center for Children and Families in California
Connect with Jen
Website: www.theredwoodcenter.org
Consultation & Training Inquiries: hello@theredwoodcenter.org
TikTok: @redwoodcenterforchildren
Instagram: @redwoodcenterforchildren
YouTube: @redwoodcenterforchildren
Resourcing Parents in Child Therapy
š TUESDAY
On Tuesday, weāll explore ways to support and resource parents in child therapy, including helping parents of teens in crisis, strengthening caregiver involvement, supporting avoidant parents, attachment-centered play therapy, and balancing the personal and professional demands of therapeutic work.
Katie May
Ways to Help Parents of Teens in CrisisMaria Arias
Empowering Parents: Navigating Play Therapy with Young ChildrenDayna Sykes
Ways to Support Parents and Caregivers in Play TherapyDr. Rachel Altvater
Finding Equilibrium: 3 Strategies for Balancing Family and Career as a TherapistClair Mellenthin
Attachment Centered Play TherapyHeather Fairly Denbrough
Building Bridges: Supporting Avoidant Parents in Play Therapy
For Therapist Extraordinaire Pass holders, todayās bonus materials are also available:
š Maria Arias
1 Hour Video on The Setup / Offering Exploring Synergetic Play Therapy Concepts
š Dr. Rachel Altvater
Shift Your Perspective Framework Downloadable PDF
š Jackie Flynn
Printable My Animal Imagery Therapy Cards (100 cards)
Upgrade to the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass for lifetime access to every Tuesday presentation, the Play Heals Attachment Companion Notebook, bonus integration resources, and the ability to revisit the material whenever you need it.
Continue Learning Beyond the Event
Let Me Introduce You to Terry Kottman
Terry Kottman developed Adlerian Play Therapy, an approach to working with children, families, and adults that blends the principles of Individual Psychology with the creative, relational power of play. She is the founder of the League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists (LEAPT) and the creator of the certification program in Adlerian Play Therapy. Known for her engaging teaching style and deep clinical insight, Terry regularly writes and teaches on the topic of play therapy across the country.
Terry is the co-author (with Kristin Meany-Walen) of Doing Play Therapy: From Building the Relationship to Facilitating Change and Partners in Play: An Adlerian Approach to Play Therapy, as well as the author of Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond and several other influential texts. She has received three Lifetime Achievement Awardsāfrom the Association for Play Therapy, the Iowa Association for Play Therapy, and the North American Society for Adlerian Psychology. In 2024, she was honored with the Innovation in Counseling: Practice and Clinical Service Award from the National Board of Certified Counselors. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Terry is proud of her 46-year marriage to her husband Rick and her son Jacob, who brings her great joy.
Learn More About Terryās Work
League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapy (LEAPT): https://leapt.arlo.co/w/
Website: www.adlerianplaytherapy.com
Let Me Introduce You to Waldo Winborn
Waldo Winborn, LPCC, RPT, RST-C/T, is a licensed professional clinical counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified/Trainer in Sand Therapy through the World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals. Based in New Mexico, Waldo brings decades of experience in trauma-focused work with children and families. He is also an EMDR Consultant-in-Training and a recognized clinical supervisor by both the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board and the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners.
Waldo is the co-founder of Winborn Wellness & Counseling, where he and his partner have built a multi-county agency offering trauma-informed care across Southern New Mexico. His work is rooted in presence, depth, and creative integration. He teaches extensively on EMDR, Sand Therapy, Play Therapy, and attachment-based work, and serves as a long-time consultant for the New Mexico Early Education and Care Department's SEED program. Waldo is known for his soulful, grounded approach to clinical education and his deep commitment to healing across generations.
To Learn More from Waldo
Waldo shares his insights and training through multiple platforms, including:
ā Workshops and consultation in Sand Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR
ā Special focus on trauma integration through expressive, somatic, and attachment-based approaches
ā Co-leads immersive retreats and creative healing experiences
Connect with Waldo
Website: www.WinbornWC.com
Sand Therapy Trainings: www.sandandplaytherapy.com
Email: waldo@winbornwc.com
Let Me Introduce You to Heather FD
Heather Fairlee Denbrough [she/her/hers] is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist Supervisorā¢, and Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor. For the past 16 years, she has worked in community mental health at Childrenās Center in Vancouver, Washington, where she serves on the leadership team, is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Engagement (DEE) team, and offers clinical supervision. Heather provides play therapy to children ages 2ā13 and their families, with a focus on deepening connection through creative, expressive, and relationship-based approaches.
Heatherās specialties include working with aggression, developmental trauma, attachment wounds, and suicidal ideation in young children. Through her private practice, Playful Integration, she offers case consultation and teaches workshops for play therapists and helping professionals who want to integrate play-based principles into their work.
Explore Heatherās Resources
ā Play Therapy Documentation Support Packet:
training.wonderscounseling.com/courses/playful-integration-play-therapy-documentation-support-packet
ā On-Demand Training Library:
training.wonderscounseling.com/courses-by-heather-fairlee-denbrough-lcsw-rpt-s-cspt-s
Connect with Heather
Website: www.playfulintegration.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PlayfulIntegrationwithHeatherFD
Let Me Introduce You to Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S
Liana Lowenstein is a Toronto-based Registered Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT Therapist who has been working with children and families since 1988. She is internationally known for her engaging training style and her ability to bring clinical wisdom to life with creativity and heart. Liana has delivered workshops across North America and around the world, including in China, South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
She is the author of 14 beloved books on child and family therapy, widely used by clinicians seeking practical and effective interventions. Liana is also the recipient of the prestigious Monica Herbert Award, honoring her exceptional contribution to the field of play therapy.
Learn More About Lianaās Work
Visit: www.lianalowenstein.com
Look for her books and bonus resource in the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass.
Let me know if you want to include the book image or add a second offering.
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Kristin Wallace
Dr. Kristin K. Wallace is a licensed mental health professional in Florida with over 20 years of experience in the field and more than 15 years supporting families directly. She holds a PhD in General Psychology with a dissertation on the lived experiences of marriage therapists, in addition to a Masterās degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelorās in Rehabilitation Counseling. Dr. Wallaceās career has spanned a wide range of clinical settings, including crisis stabilization units, school-based counseling, residential treatment for children with Autism, and private practice.
A dedicated advocate for children and families navigating high-conflict divorce, Dr. Wallace brings both personal and professional insight to her work. She currently serves on the board of her local collaborative divorce practice group in Brevard County and integrates a mental health lens into collaborative family law. Her experience also includes clinical research, including a study on avatar-based virtual reality interventions through the University of Miami and UCF. She is currently collaborating with the Life Aid Research Institute to support the mental health of service members.
To Learn More from Dr. Wallace
Dr. Wallace combines a systems perspective with grounded, compassionate care. She offers:
ā A 5-CEU course: Foundations of Working with High Conflict Families
ā Clinical and systems-level insights for working with divorcing families, with special attention to the emotional needs of children
Connect with Dr. Wallace
Email: kristinxwallace@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinwallace
Course info available upon request
Let Me Introduce You to Paris Goodyear-Brown
Paris Goodyear-Brown, MSSW, LCSW, RPT-S, is a renowned child trauma therapist, author, and international speaker. She is the creator of TraumaPlayā¢, the Executive Director of the TraumaPlay Institute, Clinical Director of Nurture House, and an Adjunct Instructor in Psychiatric Mental Health at Vanderbilt University. Paris is also an EMDR Approved Consultant, a TEDx speaker, and the recipient of the APT award for Play Therapy Promotion and Education.
With a passion for helping children tell their hardest stories, Paris has trained thousands of therapists around the world. Her dynamic teaching style blends deep clinical expertise with playful, attachment-based interventions. She has authored more than twenty chapters and articles and written thirteen books including Play Therapy with Traumatized Children, Trauma and Play Therapy, Big Behaviors in Small Containers, and the newly released Polyvagal Power in the Playroom. Her latest manuscript, Big Behaviors in All Containers, features over 100 interventions for caregiverāchild dyads in TraumaPlayā¢.
To Learn More from Paris
Paris is committed to equipping clinicians to become powerful storykeepers and safe containers for trauma processing. You can connect with her work through:
ā Trainings and certification in TraumaPlayā¢
ā Resources for working with caregivers and children in complex trauma
ā Her growing body of work on integrating EMDR, play therapy, and nervous system-informed care
Connect with Paris
Website: www.traumaplay.com
Clinical Site: www.nurturehouse.org
Instagram: @traumaplay
Books available through major booksellers
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Dana Wyss
Dana Wyss, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified clinical art therapist, and coauthor of The Invisible String Workbook. She holds a doctorate in expressive therapies and has spent over two decades designing programs that weave together art, music, poetry, movement, and animal-assisted therapy to support healing in both clients and clinicians. Her approach blends creativity with clinical depth, offering powerful tools for trauma recovery and relational repair.
Dr. Wyss has worked extensively in psychiatric hospitals, group homes, and nonpublic schools, where she has led crisis response teams, supervised clinicians, and trained staff in trauma-informed care. Currently, she serves as a Corporate Clinical Training Specialist and Clinical/Art Therapy Supervisor at Stars Behavioral Health Group. She also consults nationally through the Center for Trauma Training and provides awareness trainings on the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Whether in private practice, a training room, or a therapeutic setting, Dr. Wyss brings a grounded, creative presence to everything she does.
To Learn More from Dr. Dana Wyss
Here are a few ways Dana shares her expertise and supports the field:
ā Offers trainings on art-based interventions in family therapy and trauma treatment
ā Specializes in the use of expressive therapies to support relational healing and staff well-being
ā Coauthored The Invisible String Workbook, a creative resource for working with grief and attachment
Connect with Dr. Dana Wyss
Instagram: @blue_girl_art
Book: The Invisible String Workbook
Let Me Introduce You to Jessica Crunkleton
Jessica Crunkleton, LMFT, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CADAC II, is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and EMDR Trainer, specializing in trauma-informed care for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Jessica integrates modalities such as EMDR, Sandtray Therapy, Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients across the lifespan.
Passionate about serving diverse populations, Jessica works extensively with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent individuals, and first responders. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in authenticity, cultural attunement, and a commitment to creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces for healing. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica provides EMDR Basic Trainings and consultations, bringing a playful and experiential style to her teaching. She is also an ACE Master Trainer and has experience in various settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, residential programs, and correctional facilities.
To Learn More from Jessica
Jessica offers a range of services and resources, including:
EMDR Basic Trainings and Refreshers (virtual and in-person)
Consultations for EMDR certification and integration of expressive therapies
Workshops on trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and creative therapeutic modalities
Connect with Jessica
Website: Anchored Counseling Services
Email: JessicaCrunkletonEMDR@gmail.com
Instagram: @resourcequeen1913
LinkedIn: Jessica Crunkleton
Supporting Foster and Adoption Families in Child Therapy
š¤ WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, weāll explore attachment trauma, disenfranchised grief, adoption and foster care experiences, and compassionate ways to support children and families through grief, loss, and major life transitions.
Ana Gomez
Exploring Attachment Trauma: Impact on Adoptive Children and FamiliesJanet Nordine
Understanding Disenfranchised Grief and Supporting Children and FamiliesJeanette Yoffe
Ways to Support Adoptive and Foster Families in TherapyTheresa Fraser
Supporting the Child Through the Grief of Death of a Pet in Play Therapy
For Therapist Extraordinaire Pass holders, todayās bonus materials are also available:
š¤ Theresa Fraser
Downloadable PDF Grief Workbook
š¤ Jackie Flynn
Downloadable PDF Emotion Cards
Upgrade to the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass for lifetime access to every Wednesday presentation, the Beyond Words Companion Notebook, bonus integration resources, and the ability to revisit the material whenever you need it.
Continue Learning Beyond the Event
Let Me Introduce You to Clair
Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S, is a renowned play therapist, international speaker, and clinical supervisor known for her heartfelt approach and deep expertise in attachment and child development. She is the creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy, a model that has transformed the way clinicians support connection and healing through play. Clair is also the author of several best-selling books, including Attachment Centered Play Therapy, and is a trusted voice in both academic and media spaces. She has spent decades teaching, mentoring, and guiding therapists in the art and science of play.
Clair's work is rooted in warmth, attunement, and a passion for helping children and families heal. She speaks and teaches across the world, drawing on a rich background in clinical work, research, and lived experience. Whether sheās leading a training, offering supervision, or sharing insights on earned security and attachment repair, Clair brings wisdom and clarity to some of the most complex areas of therapeutic work. She is also known for her annual play therapy retreat and for creating resources like My Many Colors of Me, now available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
To Learn More from Clair
Here are just a few of the ways Clair supports therapists and families around the world:
ā Teaches Attachment Centered Play Therapy through courses, retreats, and international trainingsā Offers clinical supervision and consultation for therapists seeking depth and clarity in their work
ā Speaks widely on topics including attachment, earned security, and emotional expression in children
ā Develops creative therapeutic tools, including books and downloadable resources for clinicians
Connect with Clair
Website: www.clairmellenthin.com
Instagram: @clairmellenthinplaytherapy
Email: clair@clairmellenthin.com
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Grant
Dr. Robert Jason Grant is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy. He is a therapist, supervisor, and consultant and utilizes several years of advanced training and his own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. He is an international trainer and keynote presenter and multi-published author of several articles and books.
To Learn More from Dr. Grant
Here are just a few of the ways Dr. Grant shares his knowledge and supports the field:
ā Created AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative play therapy model used worldwide
ā Offers trainings, consultation, and resources grounded in neurodiversity-affirming care
ā Publishes books and articles to help clinicians support autistic and neurodivergent children
ā Advocates for inclusive, strengths-based mental health practices for families and providers
Connect with Dr. Grant
Website: www.autplaytherapy.com
Email: drgrant@robertjasongrant.com
Let Me Introduce You to Robyn
Robyn Gobbel, MSW, has 20 years of practice in family and child therapy, specializing in complex trauma, attachment, and adoption. She integrated her diverse clinical training to offer an attachment-rich, sensory-sensitive, and relational neurosciences supported healing environment for children and families. Robyn now consults, teaches, and trains extensively throughout the US and is the founder of The Baffling Behavior Training Institute. She is the host of The Baffling Behavior Show podcast and author of Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work.
To Learn More from Robyn
Here are just a few of the ways Robyn shares her expertise:
ā Offers an immersion program for professionals supporting parents of kids with baffling behaviors
ā Leads The Baffling Behavior Training Institute, blending neuroscience, attachment, and relational practice
ā Hosts a popular podcast on parenting and behavior through a brain-body lens
ā Writes and teaches with clarity, compassion, and a deep respect for the complexity of childrenās experiences
Connect with Robyn
Website: www.robyngobbel.com
Podcast: The Baffling Behavior Show
Let Me Introduce You to Andrea
Andrea Greer is the founder of Nurturing Relationships and a nationally awarded social worker in New Zealand, recognized for innovative practice in 2023 and excellence in research in 2018. She holds a Masterās in Social Work with distinction, endorsed in mental health practice. In 2015, Andreaās Trauma Responsive Care Model, developed through her masterās thesis, was adopted nationally as the therapeutic model of practice in all Oranga Tamariki residential group homes. Her work blends research, heart, and hands-on experience to support system-wide change for children and families impacted by trauma.
Andrea is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and EMDR-trained clinician with over 18 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. Her approach is playful, creative, and grounded in strengths-based, trauma-informed care. Whether in practice, training, or resource development, Andrea is passionate about supporting healing and resilience. She lives in rural Southland, New Zealand, and continues to share her work through her Nurturing Relationships platform.
To Learn More from Andrea
Here are just a few of the ways Andrea supports healing and growth
ā¢ Offers courses and clinical resources through her online platform
ā¢ Shares creative, trauma-informed insights through her Nurturing Relationships social channels
ā¢ Brings over 18 years of experience to her work with children and families
ā¢ Developed a nationally adopted trauma-responsive model for group care
Connect with Andrea
Website: nurturingrelationships.thinkific.com
Instagram & Facebook: Nurturing Relationships
Let Me Introduce You to Traci
Traci W. Pirri, LCSW-S, is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, speaker, and founder of Hope For The Journey, a private group practice with two locations in the Austin, Texas area. With a clinical focus on sexual trauma, complex and attachment trauma, dissociative disorders, and EMDR, Traci brings decades of specialized experience to her work. She was among the first clinicians trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the U.S., and continues to integrate emerging knowledge with grounded, practical approaches to healing.
Traci is passionate about helping other clinicians feel confident in their work with complex trauma and dissociation while minimizing the risk of burnout. She teaches from a place of deep experience, humility, and practicality, creating spaces for learning that are both insightful and sustainable. Through her trainings and resources, Traci equips therapists to navigate dissociation and trauma with clarity, skill, and heart.
To Learn More from Traci
Here are a few ways Traci shares her work with the field
ā¢ Offers in-depth trainings on dissociation and complex trauma, including The Therapistās Field Guide to Dissociationā¢ Created the free Therapistās Ultimate Cheatsheet to Dissociation for quick, practical reference
ā¢ Provides consultation for therapists looking to build competence in EMDR and trauma work
ā¢ Leads a group practice devoted to trauma-informed, client-centered care
Connect with Traci
Trainings: hopeforthejourney.org/therapist-trainings
Free Resource: hopeforthejourney.org/dissociationcheatsheet
Let Me Introduce You to Dayna
Dayna Sykes, LPC-S, MHSP, RPT-S, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisorā¢ based in Tennessee. She is also a TraumaPlayā¢ Certified Supervisor and an EMDR Consultant in Training. Dayna owns a private practice on her family farm, where she offers play therapy for children ages three and up, integrating EMDR, sandtray therapy, and trauma-informed care. She also works with young adults and adult women, creating space for deep healing through creative, relational approaches.
Dayna provides supervision and consultation for Play Therapy, EMDR, TraumaPlayā¢ certification, and LPC licensure, with a special focus on supporting therapists in working with parents. Passionate about the power of the parent-child relationship, Dayna helps clinicians learn how to meaningfully engage parentsāeven those navigating their own trauma histories. Her work is rooted in authenticity, presence, and a deep belief in the healing power of connection.
To Learn More from Dayna
Here are just a few of the ways Dayna supports the field
ā¢ Leads supervision groups for Play Therapy and provides consultation for EMDR, parent work, and licensureā¢ Offers trauma-informed therapy to children, teens, and women in a peaceful farm setting
ā¢ Integrates EMDR and sandtray into developmentally appropriate, attachment-focused care
ā¢ Helps clinicians build confidence in engaging parents who carry their own trauma histories
Connect with Dayna
Website: www.daynasykeslpc.com
Email: dayna@daynasykeslpc.com
Let Me Introduce You to Theresa
Theresa Fraser, CYC-P, CPT-S, MA, RP, RCT, is a trauma specialist and Canadian Play Therapy Supervisor with a strong international presence in the field. She is the owner of Maritime Play Therapy Centre in Nova Scotia, offering foundational and continuing education for play therapists, and also runs Changing Steps Child and Family Counselling in Prince Edward Island and Ontario. Theresa is well known for her Sandtray work across the lifespan and was honored in 2021 by becoming a member of the Lowenfeld Trust.
Theresa and her husband were treatment foster parents for nearly thirty years and are adoptive parents. Her clinical work draws from EMDR, Brainspotting, SSP, and Theraplay-informed approaches. She is also a consultant for children's mental health programs and provides supervision across modalities. In 2022, she co-authored The Embodied Brain and Sandtray Therapy: Stories of Healing and Transformation with Rita Grayson. Her work bridges research, experience, and heartfelt dedication to systems of care for children and families.
To Learn More from Theresa
Here are a few of the ways Theresa continues to impact the field
ā¢ Offers a Sandtray Practitioner Certificate through Maritime Play Therapy Centre
ā¢ Co-authored The Embodied Brain and Sandtray Therapy
ā¢ Provides clinical supervision and consultation for therapists and programs across Canada
ā¢ Supports therapists working with adoptive families through a family systems lens
Connect with Theresa
Website: www.maritimeplaytherapycentre.com
Counseling Services: www.changingstepsfamilycounselling.com
Email: maritimeptc@gmail.com
Book: The Embodied Brain and Sandtray Therapy
Certificate Program: Sandtray Practitioner Certificate
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Lisa
Lisa Shadburn, Psy.D., RPT-S, is a licensed psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with over two decades of experience supporting children, families, and clinicians. She has served as a program director, supervisor, and play therapy practitioner across community mental health, school-based settings, and private practice. A past President of the California branch of the Association for Play Therapy, Dr. Lisa is also a seasoned educator who has taught at the University of California, San Diego, Alliant International University/CSPP, and Phillips Graduate Institute.
In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Dr. Lisa has led trainings in play therapy and child interventions for over twenty years. She is the author of the therapeutic childrenās book Iāve Got This: A Childās Guide to Lifting Yourself Up When Youāre Feeling Down, which helps children learn self-encouragement to manage stress and worry. Her work reflects both clinical depth and a heartfelt commitment to childrenās emotional growth.
To Learn More from Dr. Lisa
Here are a few ways Dr. Lisa shares her work
ā¢ Offers workshops and trainings in play therapy and child mental health
ā¢ Teaches therapists through university programs and professional development courses
ā¢ Author of Iāve Got This, a therapeutic book for children on emotional resilience
ā¢ Provides supervision and leadership within the play therapy community
Connect with Dr. Lisa
Facebook: Dr. Lisa Shadburn Play Therapy
Book: Iāve Got This: A Childās Guide to Lifting Yourself Up When Youāre Feeling Down
Fostering Nervous System Regulation
š THURSDAY
On Thursday, weāll explore nervous system regulation through mindfulness, sensory integration, movement, sandtray therapy, relational safety, expressive arts, EMDR preparation, polyvagal theory, and approaches that honor the bodyās resilience.
Ally Boothroyd
Resetting the Nervous System with Yoga Nidra for ChildrenBeth Moore
Boosting Clinician Energy and Wellness with Ultradian RhythmsLynn Louise Wonders
Ways to Integrate Mindfulness into Therapy with ChildrenLaurie Belanger
Ways to Support Neural Integration Through the Senses in Play TherapyJocelyn Fitzgerald
Art Directives Supporting Neural Integration with Kids in TherapyWaldo Winborn
Contemplating the Intricate Neural Processes and Dynamics of Sandtray TherapyMarshall Lyles and Jovanny Mercado
Understanding and Respecting the Bodyās Resilience Beyond Desirable BehaviorsParis Goodyear Brown
Eyes of Delight: Strengthening Synaptic Connections Through Relational Safety in Play TherapyDora Henderson
Puppet-Based Approaches for Nervous System Regulation in Play TherapyTara Marshall
EMDR, Phase 2: Preparation with Children Described and DemonstratedJackie Flynn
Polyvagal Theory in Play Therapy
For Therapist Extraordinaire Pass holders, todayās bonus materials are also available:
š Lynn Louise Wonders
Mindfulness Meditation for Kids Downloadable Audio
š Jackie Flynn
PDF of the āIn My Body, I Feelā Polyvagal Inspired Body Scans
š Paris Goodyear Brown
Delighting-In Dice Worksheet
Delighting in Story Starters Script
š Clair Mellenthin
Coupon Code for Digital Copy of My Many Colors of Me Book
Upgrade to the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass for lifetime access to every Thursday presentation, the Play Documents Change Companion Notebook, bonus integration resources, and the ability to revisit the material whenever you need it.
Continue Learning Beyond the Event
Let Me Introduce You to Lisa
Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, is an international teacher, author, creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute, creator of the Business of Therapy, and host of the Lessons from the Playroom podcast. She is a contributing author in the field of play therapy, as well as the author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity. Lisa is the 2015 recipient of the Association for Play Therapyās Professional Education and Training Award of Excellence.
Known for her visionary work in the field of play therapy and regulation, Lisa brings clarity and depth to some of the most challenging aspects of clinical work with children. Her trainings reflect a blend of neuroscience, heartfelt presence, and practical tools, empowering clinicians to expand their capacity for connection while staying regulated in the face of intensity.
To Learn More from Lisa
Here are a few ways Lisa shares her work with the field
ā¢ Teaches Intro to Synergetic Play Therapy ā a foundational course that has reached clinicians worldwide
ā¢ Author of Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach for Integrating Intensity
Connect with Lisa
Website and trainings: https://synergeticplaytherapy.com
Podcast: Lessons from the Playroom
Book: Aggression in Play Therapy ā available wherever books are sold
Let Me Introduce You to Ann
Ann Meehan, MS, LPCC, RPT-S, is a mental health therapist who specializes in helping children, adolescents, and families heal, grow, and move forward from lifeās difficulties, big emotions, and challenging behaviors. She is a Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor and an EMDR Consultant.
Ann helps other therapists feel inspired and thrive in their practices through her writing at The Playful Therapist Blog and her offerings through Meehan Mental Health Services Training Center. She is the owner of Create Wellness Center for Child and Adolescent Therapy in Cloquet, Minnesota, and currently serves as the president of the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy.
To Learn More from Ann
Here are a few ways Ann shares her work with the field
ā¢ The 5 Minute Note ā A practical tool for efficient, focused clinical documentation
ā¢ Play Therapy Documentation Training ā Covers diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and progress notes in a play therapy setting
Connect with Ann
Website: www.meehanmentalhealth.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MeehanMentalHealth
Email: ann@meehanmentalhealth.com
Let Me Introduce You to Jocelyn
Jocelyn Fitzgerald, LMFT, ATR, EMDR Consultant, is an Art Therapist, EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant, and accomplished author. With a passion for integrating creativity and trauma-focused therapy, she has co-authored EMDR and the Creative Arts Therapies and the childrenās book Colorful Place: Mindful Story and Art for Kids. Jocelyn specializes in using art and EMDR to help clients of all ages manage anxiety, process trauma, and build resilience. Based in Vancouver, WA, she also mentors clinicians in incorporating EMDR into their practice, emphasizing its transformative potential for healing and self-awareness.
To Learn More from Jocelyn
Here are a few ways Jocelyn shares her work with the field
ā¢ Co-author of EMDR and the Creative Arts Therapies and Colorful Place: Mindful Story and Art for Kids
ā¢ Offers training, consultation, and creative tools for therapists integrating EMDR and art
ā¢ Maintains an online shop for expressive therapy tools
ā¢ Provides clinical supervision and mentorship grounded in creativity and trauma-informed care
Connect with Jocelyn
Website: www.jocelynfitzgerald.com
Book site: www.emdrcat.com
Etsy Shop: Colorful Therapy Tools
Let Me Introduce You to Alisha and Catherine
Alisha Denham, LCSW, RPT-S, and Catherine Denham, LCSW, RPT-S, are the creative force behind Momma Owls Minis, a small family-owned business with big heart. Established in 2019, Momma Owls Minis was born from their shared love of Sandtray Therapy and a desire to bring more hope and healing into the worldāone handcrafted figure at a time. As seasoned therapists, they understand the power of image and metaphor in a healing journey and have built their business around creating pieces that hold meaning and magic.
What started in their home kitchen has since expanded into a dedicated backyard studio where imagination, healing, and a bit of paint splatter still go hand in hand. Through their artful creations, Alisha and Catherine continue to support therapists and clients across the globe, offering handmade miniatures that are as thoughtful as they are transformative.
To Learn More from Alisha and Catherine
Here are a few ways they share their work with the field
ā¢ Create handcrafted miniatures designed with Sandtray Therapy in mind
ā¢ Infuse clinical experience into every design, bridging art and healing
ā¢ Support therapists in finding just-right symbols for client work
ā¢ Celebrate creativity as a core part of the therapeutic process
Connect with Alisha and Catherine
Website: www.mommaowlsminis.com
Let Me Introduce You to Debora
Debora McManus, LCSW, RPT-S, CAAPT, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist based in Lafayette, California. With over two decades of experience, Debora specializes in helping children and families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Her approach integrates play therapy and animal-assisted interventions, creating a nurturing environment for healing and growth.
Debora is also a mixed media artist whose creative work is deeply influenced by her therapeutic lens. Her art reflects themes of healing, identity, and presenceāoften emerging from the same attuned, relational space she brings to her clinical work. Through her studio practice, she creates art that is expressive, layered, and alive with meaning, offering yet another way to explore what it means to feel and to heal.
To Learn More from Debora
Here are a few ways Debora shares her work with the field
ā¢ Provides play therapy and animal-assisted interventions for children and familiesā¢ Supports therapists as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
ā¢ Maintains an active studio art practice informed by her clinical perspective
ā¢ Offers art that explores emotion, story, and the embodied experience of being human
Connect with Debora
Therapy Site: www.mcmanus-therapy.com
Art Studio: www.delmar-studio.com
Email: deboramcmanus@gmail.com
Let Me Introduce You to Claudia
Claudia Ocampo, MS, LPC-S, RPT-Sā¢, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisorā¢, and EMDRIA-Approved Consultant with over 25 years of experience across educational and clinical settings. She is an Approved Continuing Education Provider for both the Association for Play Therapy and the EMDR International Association. Claudia brings a depth of knowledge and cultural attunement to her work, supporting adults, teens, and children through an integrative, trauma-informed lens.
Her approach weaves together EMDR, Sand Therapy, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Internal Family Systems, offering clients a path toward meaningful change and personal growth. Known for her dedication to inclusive practices, Claudia is also an active volunteer and committee member, continually advocating for equity, access, and representation within the mental health field.
To Learn More from Claudia
Here are a few ways Claudia shares her work with the field
ā¢ Offers professional trainings in Play Therapy, EMDR, and integrative trauma careā¢ Provides consultation and supervision for therapists seeking advanced support
ā¢ Advocates for culturally responsive care in clinical and community spaces
ā¢ Serves as an educator and leader in both APT and EMDRIA circles
Connect with Claudia
Website: www.evergreenjourneycounseling.com
Email: ocampo@evergreenjourneycounseling.com
Let Me Introduce You to Stacy
Stacy Schaffer, MA, LPC, is a compassionate and dedicated childrenās therapist based in Arvada, Colorado, with more than twenty years of experience helping kids navigate grief, emotional challenges, and behavioral struggles. Specializing in Synergetic Play Therapy and grief work, Stacy creates safe, nurturing spaces where children, teens, and young adults can breathe deeply, feel heard, and begin to heal. She also serves as the Youth and Family Program Director at The Refuge, a non-profit community center focused on collective healing and belonging.
Stacyās clinical work is rooted in both professional training and personal integrity. She continues to do her own inner work to stay present and genuine in her practice. Outside the therapy room, youāll find her loving on her golden retriever Willow, reading, kickboxing, traveling, or dreaming of a second career in stand-up comedy. Her heart stays focused on one core missionāmaking sure young people feel empowered, supported, and never alone in their pain.
To Learn More from Stacy
Here are a few ways Stacy shares her work with the field
ā¢ Author of With Love from a Childrenās Therapist: #lessonsihavelearnedalongtheway ā now available in print, with the audiobook releasing soon
ā¢ Leads therapeutic programs for children, teens, and families through The Refuge in Colorado
ā¢ Offers Synergetic Play Therapy and grief-focused care in private practice
ā¢ Speaks and teaches from a place of lived compassion and clinical depth
Connect with Stacy
Email: stacymichelle@msn.com
The Refuge: www.therefugeonline.org (for program details)
Book: With Love from a Childrenās Therapist (check major platforms for availability)
Neurodiversity Affirming, Cultural Humility in Parent Consultation, and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Child Therapy
š©·FRIDAY
On Friday, weāll explore affirming and culturally responsive approaches in child therapy, including supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families, working with children with ADHD, understanding neurodiversity-affirming care, and cultivating cultural humility in parent consultation.
Kurt Oster
Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth and Families in Play TherapyLeslie Doctor
Ways to Support Children with ADHD in Play TherapyDr. Robert Jason Grant
Understanding What It Means to Be Neurodiverse AffirmingClaudia Ocampo
Strategies for Cultivating Cultural Humility in Parent Consultation
For Therapist Extraordinaire Pass holders, todayās bonus materials are also available:
š©· Deb McManus
Video: āHow to Respond to Kids Hard Questionsā
Upgrade to the Therapist Extraordinaire Pass for lifetime access to every Friday presentation, the From Survival to Safety Companion Notebook, bonus integration resources, and the ability to revisit the material whenever you need it.
Continue Learning Beyond the Event
Let Me Introduce You to Lindsey
Lindsey Biel, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with a private practice in New York City where she evaluates and treats children, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, and other challenges. She is co-author of the bestselling Raising a Sensory Smart Child and author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids and Teens. She has conducted trainings for thousands of teachers, parents, therapists, and others. She has appeared in the New York Times, Autism Advocate magazine, Parent magazine, and other publications.
To Learn More from Lindsey
Here are a few ways Lindsey supports families and professionals:
ā Offers consultations, evaluations, and occasional limited openings for ongoing interventions
ā Provides in-person workshops and virtual webinars for parents and professionals
ā Writes and speaks on sensory processing with clarity and depth rooted in real-life clinical work
ā Shares practical tools for working with sensory differences across age groups
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.sensorysmarts.com
Email: Lindsey@sensorysmarts.com
Free Resource: Sensory Checklist
Let Me Introduce You to Dr. Rachel
Dr. Rachel Altvater (Psy.D., RPT-Sā¢) is a multi-award winning, pioneering expert, leader, researcher, international trainer, author, and supervisor in the field of play therapy. She is a licensed psychologist and holds national certifications as a Registered Play TherapistāSupervisorā¢ and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is the owner of Creative Psychological Health Services, past president of the Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy, editorial advisory board member for the International Journal of Play Therapy®, clinical advisory board member for PlaySpace, and clinical consultant for Hopscotch. Dr. Altvater authored the book Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities, published her research in the International Journal of Play Therapy® on technology use in play therapy, and is a contributing author in numerous scholarly texts on implementing digital technologies in play therapy practice.
To Learn More from Rachel
Here are some ways Rachel brings insight and transformation to the field:
ā Author of Perspective, a book inviting readers into a deeper understanding of how our views shape reality and relationship ā International trainer and speaker on the integration of digital technologies in play therapy
ā Offers supervision, consultation, and advanced training for play therapists
ā Leads Creative Psychological Health Services, providing psychologically safe, innovative therapeutic care
Connect with Rachel
Website & Links: https://beacons.ai/docvater
Book: Perspective on Amazon
Email: dr.rachelaltvater@gmail.com
Let Me Introduce You to Katie
Katie K. May is a licensed therapist and founder of Creative Healing Teen Support Centers. As a national speaker and trainer, she empowers parents and professionals to radically shift teen emotions and behaviors through proven and practical coping skills. Katie is a board-certified self-harm specialist and an expert in DBT, the gold-standard treatment for life-threatening behaviors. Katie is committed to helping teens feel accepted for who they are while teaching them skills to build a life they love.
To Learn More from Katie
Here are a few ways Katie supports teens and those who care for them:
ā Author of You're On Fire, Itās Fine, a practical guide for parenting teens in crisis ā Founder of the Teen Therapist Conference, a hands-on training event for clinicians
ā Specializes in DBT and self-harm prevention through a strengths-based lens
ā Offers engaging trainings that blend clinical depth with real-world application
Connect with Katie
Websites:
www.youreonfireitsfine.com
www.teentherapistconference.com
www.creativehealingphilly.com
Email: katie@creativehealingphilly.com
Book: You're On Fire, It's Fine
Let Me Introduce You to Danielle
Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She has been applying the therapeutic powers of play since 2017 and has worked professionally with children as young as 2.5, both individually and in groups. She is a certified AutPlay Therapist and provides neurodivergent-affirming services to children and families through a nervous system-informed lens.
To Learn More from Danielle
Here are some of the ways Danielle supports children and families:
ā Founder and Clinical Director of Capital Childrenās Wellness Center in Bethesda, Maryland
ā Offers play therapy services that affirm neurodivergent identities and honor the nervous system
ā Works with young children using developmentally grounded, play-based approaches
ā Certified AutPlay Therapist with a strong commitment to child-led healing
Connect with Danielle
Website: www.capitalchildrenswellness.com
Instagram: @capitalchildrens_
Facebook: Capital Children's Wellness Center
Email: danielle@capitalchildrenswellness.com
Let Me Introduce You to Mali
Maria has been in the education field for 30 years as a Montessori teacher, a public school early childhood educator, and most recently a play therapist and parent coach. Maria is fascinated by child development and helping parents understand their child, connect with their child and have the family life they dream of. Maria coaches parents nationwide and across the world. Sheās also available to consult with schools and other mental health providers.
To Learn More from Mali
Here are a few ways Maria supports families and professionals:
ā Creator of The Parent Lab: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Families, a unique approach to parenting support ā Offers global coaching for parents seeking more connection, clarity, and confidence
ā Shares tools like her free parent resource guide to help caregivers better understand intense children
ā Consults with schools and mental health providers seeking family-centered solutions
Connect with Mali
Website: www.mariathefamilycoach.com
Free Resource: Seeing Your Intense Child More Clearly
Instagram: @mali_arias
Facebook: Maria Arias on Facebook
Email: maria@mariathefamilycoach.com
Let Me Introduce You to Darlene
Darlene is the owner of Authentic Healing LLC and a passionate advocate for self-care, trauma-informed practices, and sustainable careers. She holds dual licensure in Colorado as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Additionally, Darlene is an approved clinical supervisor and a nationally recognized trainer in Motivational Interviewing. She serves as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Social Work at Denver University and is an EMDR Consultant, currently working toward becoming an EMDR trainer.
Darleneās approach to wellness and recovery is innovative and holistic, incorporating animal-assisted interventions, somatic healing, and sound healing. She is trained in NADA Acudetox, POCA 5 Point Protocol, and ear seeding. A certified group fitness instructor, she teaches a variety of formats, including Zumba, Mixxedfit, Socafit, and Tai Chi. She is also a 500-hour registered yoga teacher with training in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Pranayama, and Nidra. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Darlene is committed to providing accessible and inclusive care to diverse communities.
To Learn More from Darlene
Here are some ways Darlene supports clinicians and the wider community:
ā Leads EMDR consultation groups with a focus on somatic and attachment-informed integration ā Offers clinical supervision with an emphasis on sustainability and nervous system awareness
ā Available for workshops and public speaking on yoga in therapy, trauma-informed care, and more
ā Brings movement and mindfulness into healing work through her background in fitness and yoga
Connect with Darlene
Website: www.darlenebrace.com
Consultation: Attachment and Somatic Clinical Supervision
Workshops & Speaking: Explore Services
Instagram: @authentic_healing
Facebook: DarleneBraceLCSW.LAC
TikTok: @attachment_therapist
Email: dar.brace@gmail.com
Let Me Introduce You to Cary
Cary M. Hamilton is an LMHC-S, CMHS, CAPS, RPT-Sā¢, CDWFā¢ (Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor, Child Mental Health Specialist, Certified AutPlay Therapy Supervisor, Registered Play Therapy Supervisor, Certified Daring Way Facilitatorā¢). Cary is the Director of Play Therapy at Antioch University Seattle for 11 years, Owner of a Group Practice Clinic, Olympia Therapy, and Past-President of the Washington Association for Play Therapy 2022ā23 and 2015ā16. She is an author and international presenter on Play Therapy Theory, Child-Centered Play Therapy, skills and methods, trauma, neurodiversity, sensory sensitivities, and play therapy in various settings. More information can be found at www.olympiatherapy.com
To Learn More from Cary
Here are some of the ways Cary brings depth and leadership to the play therapy field:
ā Launching a training platform as an NBCC and APT-approved provider, focused on neurodivergent-affirming therapy
ā Creator of Playful Wisdom, a parenting program that blends compassion, insight, and clinical expertise
ā Leads Olympia Therapy, a group practice clinic supporting children and families in Washington
ā Regularly teaches and presents internationally on trauma, play, and neurodiversity-informed care
Connect with Cary
Website: www.olympiatherapy.com
Training & Parenting Program: www.playfulwisdom.net
Email: caryh@olympiatherapy.com
Instagram: @carymhamilton
Practice Social Media: @olympiaplaytx
Parenting Program Social Media: @playfulwisdom
Let Me Introduce You to Joye
Joye Newman earned her M.A. in Education and Human Development with a specialty in Perceptual Motor Development from The George Washington University. Integrating studies in behavioral optometry, occupational therapy, and psychology into her graduate work, she developed a unique method of movement therapy.
Joye founded and directed Kids Moving Company (KMC), a place for children to move, play, and think in a developmentally appropriate environment. After 30 years, Joye closed the studio to focus on individual evaluations and consultations with parents to help their children become more confident and competent in everything they do.
Joye is co-author with Carol Kranowitz of the In-Sync Child series, including their newest creation, MOVE! The In-Sync Child's Antidote to Screen Time.
To Learn More from Joye
Here are a few ways Joye helps bring movement back into the lives of children:
ā Co-author of the In-Sync Child series, blending playful movement with developmental wisdom ā Creator of MOVE!, a practical guide to replacing screen time with joyful, body-based activities
ā Offers parent consultations to support childrenās sensory and motor development
ā Brings decades of expertise in perceptual motor development, movement therapy, and early childhood education
Connect with Joye
Website: www.insyncchild.com
Book: MOVE! The In-Sync Childās Antidote to Screen Time
Email: joye@insyncchild.com
šLet Me Introduce You to Karenš
Karen Fried, Psy.D., M.F.T. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Educational Therapist and consultant in Los Angeles, California. She has a private practice in Psychotherapy. Karen uses the Oaklander Model of Child Therapy in her practice and is the President of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation. She trains child and adolescent therapists and educators in the US and internationally. Training, online tools, and many resources can be found at karenfried.com. Karen can be reached at karen@karenfried.com.
To Learn More from Karen
Here are some of the ways Karen shares the Oaklander Model and supports the field:
ā Former president of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation, preserving and expanding Violetās legacy ā Developer of tools like the Oaklander Model Projective Cards and free clinical quizzes
ā Creator of trainings and online resources for play therapists and educators worldwide
ā Brings decades of experience in child and adolescent psychotherapy, education, and creative expression
Connect with Karen
Main Site: www.karenfried.com
Foundation: www.vsof.org
Courses: Oaklander Training on Teachable
Projective Cards: Oaklander Model Projective Cards
Bookstore: Karen's Books
Apps & Tools: www.playtherapyapps.com
Free Quiz: Executive Functioning Quiz
YouTube: Oaklander Training Channel
Email: karen@karenfried.com
Let Me Introduce You to Jackie and Nidhi
I am the host of the annual Innovative Child Therapy Symposium and the Play Therapy Community Podcast. As an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Trainer, I specialize in integrating EMDR with play therapy and expressive arts to support healing in children and families. I offer EMDR trainings and consultations to therapists worldwide, focusing on developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed care. My publications include EMDR with Kids Flip Chart: A Play-Based Tool for Trauma Processing, Nervous System Regulation, and the Transformation of Adaptive Behaviors, Little Gecko's Broken Tail, In My Body, I Feel, Being Human, and Animal Imagery Inner Resource Development, among others. Through my work, I aim to empower clinicians to harness the power of play and EMDR in their practice.amazon.com+4emdria.org+4ebay.com+4
Nidhi Kirpalani is a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist based in Trinidad and Tobago. She is the founder and director of the Caribbean Sandtray Institute, established in August 2019, where she offers comprehensive sandtray therapy training across the Caribbean. As an International Credentialed Sandtray Therapist-Provider (ICST-P #006), Nidhi integrates neuroscience and expressive modalities to support healing in children and adults. Her work emphasizes connection and cultural responsiveness, and she collaborates with child protection agencies, conducts forensic interviews, and provides adoption assessments.
To Learn More from Jackie and Nidhi
Here are some ways we contribute to the field:
ā Host and co-facilitator of the Innovative Child Therapy Symposium, bringing together experts in child mental health ā Providers of EMDR and sandtray therapy trainings, emphasizing integrative and culturally responsive approaches
ā Authors and contributors to resources that support therapists in working with children and families
ā Advocates for trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, and expressive therapies
Connect with Jackie and Nidhi
Jackieās Website: www.jackieflynnconsulting.com
Nidhiās Website: www.caribbeansandtray.com
Nidhiās Email: nidhi@caribbeansandtray.com
LIFETIME ACCESS TO THE ENTIRE SYMPOSIUM
The free symposium provides access during the event week. If you'd like to revisit the presentations, download the companion resources, and learn at your own pace, you can upgrade at any time.
The Therapist Extraordinaire Pass Includes:
ā¢ Lifetime access to every symposium presentation
ā¢ More than 50 expert-led sessions
ā¢ All companion notebooks
ā¢ 20 downloadable bonus resources
ā¢ Bonus integration materials
ā¢ Closing plenary access
ā¢ Live Symposium Community Collective
ā¢ The ability to revisit the material whenever you need it