I Want to See You Be Brave: Utilizing the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Treat Selective Mutism
Presented by: Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S™
This training equips clinicians with effective play therapy skills and interventions for supporting children with selective mutism. Through a blend of practical strategies and expressive techniques, participants will learn to create a therapeutic space where silence feels safe, play becomes language, and trust can take root. Grounded in theory and research, the workshop emphasizes how play therapy reduces anxiety, strengthens relational safety, and gently invites verbal expression. Clinicians will leave with concrete tools and renewed confidence in helping children move from quiet withdrawal toward connection, communication, and emotional growth.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- identify play therapy-based assessment skills to accurately assess for SM (including identifying common misdiagnoses, common comorbid disorders, and issues related to language and communication diversity), inform treatment, and tailor treatment.
- identify the 4 stages of the avoidance cycle and ways to utilize the powers of play to address each.
- identify the 3 predictive factors of successful SM treatment and will identify how to utilize play therapy skills to develop therapeutic relationships and to enhance their technique.
- identify the four stages of the communication bridge and at least one play therapy intervention for each stage.
Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics
This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.
About our presenter: Jared Andes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and Vice President of the Utah Association for Play Therapy. He is a graduate of the Play Therapy Leadership Academy and serves on the Play Therapy™ Magazine committee. Jared is the owner of Full Spectrum Counseling, where he works with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, autism, and selective mutism. He integrates Jungian Analytical Play Therapy to support healing, symbolic expression, and self-discovery. A passionate presenter and advocate, Jared is dedicated to promoting neurodiversity-affirming, play-based approaches that foster connection, growth, and emotional well-being.
AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60
AZAPT requests that video cameras be on and participants be visible throughout the presentation to facilitate engagement. Participants will be awarded APT Non-Contact CE upon successful completion of a post test.
AZAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 97-035. AZAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote AZAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than June 1, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after June 1, 2026.
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