Child's Play: Using the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Help Children Blossom (Non-CE)

Overview

During this experiential presentation on play therapy, participants will learn about the 20 therapeutic powers of play, experience a variety of play therapy interventions through hands-on play, and discuss how the various powers of play are at work through use of these interventions. This event will be held in-person and will not be recorded. For CE credit, you will be required to sign-in at the registration table prior to the start of the event.

Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify and understand the 20 therapeutic powers of play and the 4 categories they are organized into.
   
2. Participants will gain firsthand experience of various therapeutic techniques through PLAY! 
   
3. Participants will be able to utilize immediate application of the therapeutic play interventions demonstrated during this presentation in their practice. 
   

Registration Information

• This listing is for those not needing CEs.
• Please see the CE version if you need CEs for this event.
• The in-person event will be held October 18, 2024, from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the School of Social Work Building, Room 2027.

Presenter: Amy Dean

Amy Dean is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist who specializes in working with children and youth of all ages, as well as adults, who are dealing with life stressors, situational events, and anxiety and/or depression. Issues she treats include, but are not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, anger, grief, divorce, relationships (through individual therapy), school issues, self-esteem, and executive functioning skills.

Amy received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Illinois State University and her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Amy has experience working with youth in residential treatment, in school settings at all levels from ages 3-21, and with clients of all ages in the private practice setting.

Amy works with clients to identify their strengths and challenges and to learn healthy coping strategies. When working with clients, she utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based, trauma-focused, and solution-focused, as well as play therapy techniques for younger clients, such as expressive arts, therapeutic games and curriculum, sand play, and dramatic play. Children communicate through play, and they process their thoughts and emotions through play.

Amy became certified as a registered play therapist in June 2023 and completed basic training in EMDR therapy (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) in spring 2023. Amy is trained in TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy) and is working to complete the certification process at the end of 2023.