Online Course: Parents and Play- Mastering How to Integrate Parents into the Play Therapy Process

Eligible for up to 2 APT Approved Non-Contact CEUS

Course Description

One of the hardest parts of working with children is knowing how to integrate their parents into the therapeutic process. Research shows that it is essential to get parent buy in and support in order to create the change we know is possible for their children.

This training will address the most essential pieces for parent involvement including increasing parent buy in, explaining the what and why of play to parents, differentiating and clarifying both therapist and parent roles, and setting boudanries with parents regarding our expectations of them.

    • You will learn how to explain play therapy to parents in a way that increases understanding, buy in, and commitment to the process.

    • You will learn how to talk about the child’s play with parents in a way that maintains confidentiality but allows them a window into their child’s struggles. If we do this correctly, we also increase the parents’ trust in the process as well as their motivation to help.

    • You will learn how to differentiate our role as therapist from theirs as parents. We both play essential roles in supporting change in their child, and it is important that parents understand their involvement is necessary in order for their child to heal.

    • You will learn how to set boundaries with parents by clarifying our expectations of them. So often we are not clear with parents about what we need from them, and this makes it difficult to hold them accountable for follow through on their part.

    • Parents and Play Presentation Slides (PDF)

    • What is Play Therapy Handout (PDF)

    • Rules for the Playroom for Parents (PDF)

    • Parental Involvement in Play Therapy Handout (PDF)

    • Parent Session Planner and Guide (PDF and DOCX)

  • Upon completion of this course you will be able to complete the official Feedback Evaluation and Quiz for Certificate of Completion (CEUs).

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Reviews from Attendees

  • "I really appreciate how you better defined for me the requirements regarding parent consent, how to better document so the child's privacy is protected, and also how to handle the process of practical/mandated reporting while attempting to protect the relationship."

    Session Attendee

  • "I thought the course was fantastic and so informative. Loved the scenarios. I would take this course if it was even longer than 3 hours."

    Session Attendee

  • "I loved this course. I wish I had this course prior to working with kids."

    Session Attendee

  • "Lots of useful information. Great organization, clear, and helpful information and presentation."

    Session Attendee

  • "Hands down, the best ethics training I’ve ever attended. Thanks Missy!"

    Session Attende

  • "This was such an amazing training."

    Session Attendee

Meet Your Instructor

Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPR-S is the co-creator of the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy model, owner of Watershed Psychological Services, and adjunct faculty in numerous graduate counseling programs. 

Melissa has been providing trainings around the country and has a passion for helping develop enthusiastic, confident, and competent clinicians and supervisors who truly understand what motivates their behaviors and the behaviors of others.  Her greatest excitement is providing mental health professionals and agencies the full support they need to ensure clients have the best possible therapeutic experience in their journeys towards health.

In addition to training clinicians, Melissa offers consultation services to both agencies and individuals to help grow private practices and play therapy programs.