FAPT 2025 Annual Conference

Early Registration through February 15, 2025 at 11PM.

Friday: Childhood Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation, and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Clinical Foundations & Play Therapy Interventions

Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

This workshop will emphasize using play therapy with victims of sexual abuse and trauma. Frameworks for conceptualizing the impact of sexual abuse, treatment components from evidence-based practice models, & play therapy will be integrated to create abuse-informed assessment and interventions that are developmentally appropriate & clinically sound. This will include discussion of differences between dynamic and toxic posttraumatic play. Attendees will receive a variety of directive play therapy interventions which address core components of sexual abuse treatment including psychoeducation, emotional expression, cognitive coping, & trauma narration. Furthermore, areas of clinical need for children & adolescents who have been victims of childhood sexual abuse will be identified to delineate ways in which play therapy can be utilized to meet these needs. Cultural influences of childhood sexual abuse will be explored. Additional special considerations for play therapists working with sexually abused children and adolescents will be discussed, including self-care and scope of practice. Lecture, experiential activities, group discussions, & case examples will provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the clinical needs of children and adolescents impacted by childhood sexual abuse (CSA), child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and child sexual exploitation per peer-reviewed publications & discuss ways in which play therapy can be utilized to meet these needs
2. Identify the difference between dynamic and toxic posttraumatic play
3. Identify at least three dynamics of sexual abuse that may be utilized to underscore play therapy assessment and intervention of sexually abused individuals
4. Describe and possess a minimum of 10 trauma-informed, cognitive behavioral play therapy interventions for clinical work with victims of CSA, CSAM, and child sexual exploitation.
5. Identify 2-3 cultural considerations when using play therapy with sexually abused children and adolescents
6. Discuss 1-2 areas of special consideration when using play therapy with sexually traumatized children and adolescents

Saturday Morning: Integrative Play Therapy for the Treatment of Childhood Abuse and Trauma

Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

This workshop will explore an integrative approach to using play therapy with victims of childhood abuse and trauma. Research and literature describing trauma's impact on the brain and treatment of posttraumatic stress will be reviewed. This will include a description of findings in the field of neuroscience that support the use of play therapy & other expressive interventions in the treatment of trauma and abuse. The use of posttraumatic play and trauma-informed play therapy interventions will be explored. The essential, reparative therapeutic relationship will explored through a trauma-informed lens.Lecture, experiential activities, and case examples will provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss two findings from neuroscience that support the use of play therapy & other expressive interventions to address the impact of childhood abuse and trauma
2. Describe at least two ways that posttraumatic play therapy and trauma-focused play therapy interventions can be used in clinical practice with abused and traumatized children
3. Describe the therapeutic relationship in play therapy as a reparative process for abused and traumatized children and adolescents

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How to Understand and Utilize the Therapeutic Powers of Play in Case Conceptualization with Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Foundational|Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

This workshop will provide an overview of the mechanisms of change underlying play therapy in order to understand the specific forces that cause therapeutic improvement in a client. The therapeutic powers of play refer to the specific targeted aspects within treatment in which play initiates, facilitates, or strengthens the therapeutic effect. Among these therapeutic powers are change agents, specific components that improve a client’s attachment formation, self-expression, emotion regulation, resiliency, self-esteem, and stress management, among other things. The therapeutic powers of play transcend particular models of play therapy by defining treatment in terms of cross-cutting principles of therapeutic change seen within the client’s treatment. Participants will have a better understanding of what is a Therapeutic Power of Play and how to conceptualize treatment by utilizing techniques and approaches that utilize and enhance the therapeutic powers. Participants will be able to share case questions to better understand how to utilize the Therapeutic Powers of Play.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. describe the Therapeutic Powers of Play, its origins and purpose;

2. identify at least three categories of the therapeutic powers of play;

3. apply at least one category of the Therapeutic Powers of Play to a current case.

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Playful Trauma-Informed Supervision: Expressive Approaches in Play Therapy Supervision with Sueann Kenney-Noziska, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Intermediate| Play Therapy Special Topics

Supervision is a cornerstone of professional development and the acquisition of clinical skills for play therapists. Using a trauma-informed lens, the workshop will explore play, art, and sand as expressive approaches for play therapy supervision.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core components of trauma-informed play therapy supervision
2. Describe the use of play, art, and sand approaches to integrate into play therapy supervision from a trauma-informed lens
3. Link specific play, art, and sand interventions with core components of trauma-informed supervision for play therapists

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Harnessing the Chaos: Adlerian play therapy for families with a singular aggressive child with Andrea Mann, NCC, LMHC-S, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, CADPT-A and Danielle Bishop LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™

Intermediate| Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

This dynamic and interactive workshop is designed for play therapists who seek to enhance their skills in working with families dealing with a singular aggressive child. Participants will delve into the Adlerian approach to play therapy, exploring how its principles can be effectively applied to manage and transform aggressive behaviors within the family system. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on practice, therapists will gain the tools and confidence needed to guide families from chaos to connection.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and articulate three key Adlerian principles related to understanding a child's aggressive behavior within the context of family dynamics.
2. Demonstrate at least two play therapy techniques that are designed to help children with aggressive behaviors express their emotions and develop self-regulation
3. Design at least two family play therapy sessions, incorporating at least two Adlerian-based techniques that foster positive family communication and cooperation
4. Implement a minimum of two therapeutic play activities designed to build social interest and cooperation in children who exhibit aggressive behavior

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Exploring Your Client's Sand Tray through an Adlerian Lens with Mindy Parsons, PhD, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Intermediate | Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills and Methods

Workshop attendees will learn about several of the core concepts of an Adlerian approach to play therapy, including Crucial C’s, personality priorities, the goals of misbehavior and how they apply to using sand tray in conjunction with play therapy.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. explain how to process a client’s sand tray using the AdPT concept of Crucial C’s – how to view the figurines chosen in light of the client’s levels of courage, capable, count and connect.
2. identify AdPT skills to identify a client’s personality priorities (e.g., superiority,
   control, comfort and pleasing) based on the figurines chosen for the sand tray.
3. describe the four goals of misbehavior and how they might show up in a client’s sand tray (attention, power, revenge and proving inadequacy) during play therapy.

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Navigating resistant parents: Play Therapy skills and interventions for parent collaboration with Elisa Niles Thorne, PhD., LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, CCTP, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics

This workshop will explore parent collaboration in the play therapy room. At times, parents can present with resistance which can impede the therapeutic relationship with the child. Navigating parental involvement is a delicate balance. Play therapists will learn skills and interventions to facilitate parent collaboration.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. explain 2 PET (Parent Effectiveness Training) skills of Problem Ownership
2. demonstrate 3 Adlerian play therapy skills when working with parents
3. integrate Personality Priorities when evaluating parents in the play room
4. apply 2 interventions to facilitate and collaborate with parents in the play room

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A Prescription for Play: Empowering Kids Through Medical Experiences with Julia Young, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™, CCLS

Intermediate / Play Therapy Special Topics

Participants will gain insight into the developmental and psychosocial contexts affecting young patients, equipping them with a deeper understanding of their unique needs. This presentation will review essential assessment tools tailored for this population, allowing for more effective play therapy interventions. Participants will receive didactic and experiential education regarding specific play-based strategies designed to enhance children's coping mechanisms during medical experiences, as well as the death and dying process. By the end of this program, participants will be empowered with knowledge and practical skills to support resilience and promote emotional well-being in hospitalized children.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. utilize 3 theories of play therapy to identify and explain the psychosocial and developmental factors affecting hospitalized children, including the impact of illness and medical procedures on their emotional and psychological well-being.
2. learn and be able to apply 2 appropriate assessment tools, based on theories of play therapy, to evaluate the needs and coping strategies of pediatric patients, enabling more tailored and effective interventions.
3. gain practical play therapy skills by learning 3 interventions that enhance coping mechanisms, fostering resilience and emotional support for children undergoing medical treatments.

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Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day with the sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. Lunch is on your own with many options at the conference site and within walking distance.

FAPT has a room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport. Reservations can be made directly with the HOTEL by calling 407-856-0100 or . Please request the GROUP rate for FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR PLAY THERAPY. Reservations due date, Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Cancellation Policy:

$50 is non-refundable. Written cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the start of the conference will receive a full refund of the balance minus $50. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the conference will forfeit the total cost of registration. Please note: refunds will not be provided after March 27, 2025.

In the very unlikely event that the workshop must be cancelled or postponed by the organizers, the Florida Association for Play Therapy will provide a full refund of the registration fees.

Registering for this event implies your agreement to the following COVID-19 policy.

6 hours of continuing education are available each day.

The Florida Association for Play Therapy (FAPT) is an approved provider for the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-115. Play therapy credit will not be awarded to non-mental health professionals. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 491 to offer continuing education for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 03/31/2027. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 490 to offer continuing education for Psychologists. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 05/31/2026.

Schedule at a Glance

Friday, April 25th:

8:00-9:00 AM – Registration/Check-in

9:00-10:30 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

10:30-10:45 – BREAK - Exhibits Open

10:45- 12:15 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

12:15-1:30 – LUNCH on your own

1:30-3:00 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

3:00-3:15 – BREAK - Exhibits Open

3:15-4:45 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

4:45-5:00 – Exhibit Tables Remain Open

Saturday, April 26th:

8:00-9:00 AM – Registration/Check-in

9:00-10:30 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

10:30-10:45 – BREAK - Exhibits Open

10:45- 12:15 – Sueann Kenney-Noziska

12:15-1:30 – LUNCH on your own

1:30-3:00 – BREAKOUT Sessions - Preselected**

3:00-3:15 – BREAK - Exhibits Open

3:15-4:45 – BREAKOUT Sessions - Preselected**

4:45-5:00 – Exhibit Tables Remain Open

About our presenters...

Sueann Kenney-Noziska, MSW, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ specializes in using play therapy in clinical practice with abused & traumatized children and adolescents. She has developed trauma-informed interventions, is a contributing author to several publications, and has testified as an expert witness in the areas of child abuse and trauma on the state and national levels.

Danielle Bishop is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist™. She holds approximately 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who present with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life changes and participating in play therapy. She completed her education through Walden University where she studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as Applied Psychology. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in pre-movement therapy and forensic psychology from Stockton University.

Dr. Athena A. Drewes is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified school psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ who lives in Ocala, FL. She has almost 50 years of clinical and supervision experience with complex trauma, sexual abuse, foster care children and adolescents, in school, outpatient and inpatient settings. She is former Board of Director of the Association for Play Therapy, having served for six years; Founder and President Emeritus of the NY Association for Play Therapy, serving as President for eight years, and APT Leadership Academy graduate. She has served on and continues to serve on a variety of APT committees including mentorship, credentialling, continuing education, and IJPT reviewer. In 2024, she was the recipient of the Association for Play Therapy Lifetime Achievement Award and the New York Association for Play Therapy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Andrea Mann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor practicing in the State of Florida. She completed a graduate program studying psychology, and another studying mental health counseling, both with Summa Cum Laude distinction. She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, a certification in Adlerian Play Therapy (Advanced), and is both a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Brainspotting Practitioner. She is a member of the Association for Play Therapists, Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, and North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. She works with individuals from age 3 to age 65 in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, trauma, play therapy, LGBTQIA+ concerns, somatic issues, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and cultural assimilation.

Dr. Mindy Parsons is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™) who is passionate about family and relationship issues. She maintains a private practice in Downtown Delray Beach, Florida. She is a nationally respected author on family therapy and co-authored Changing Aging, Changing Family Therapy: Practicing with 21st Century Realities , along with Dr. Paul Peluso and Dr. Richard Watts. She is also Nationally Board Certified and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Parsons is an adjunct professor at both Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University. She is also an associate editor of Mental Health and Mental Illness , a 3-volume encyclopedia.

Elisa Niles Thorne (Dr. E) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. She is a Board Certified Counselor and a qualified supervisor for mental health interns and marriage and family therapist interns. Dr. E is a recipient of the National Board of Certified Counselor- Minority Fellowship Program (2016). She completed her education at the University of the Virgin Islands 2002, 2005 and Argosy University in 2009. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. Her dissertation examined the Impact of Trauma on Reoccurring Homelessness in the U. S. Virgin Islands.

Julia Young is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist™, and Certified Child Life Specialist. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and their families in therapeutic settings, including a pediatric hospital, a child advocacy center, and private practice. Julia's style is warm, affirming, and informed by evidence-based interventions, including EMDR. She is well-versed in supporting clients through traumatic experiences and has extensive experience in working with individuals with chronic health conditions, grief, loss, behavioral challenges, and family transitions.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport, 5555 Hazeltine National Drive, Orlando, United States