Fix It Please: Engaging Caregivers in the Play Therapy Treatment Process
Presented by: Gloria M. Cockerill, LCSW, PMH-C, RPT-S™, CATP, CCTP, CFTP, Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Supervisor & Trainer
Play Therapists receive minimal training working with caregivers. This workshop provides foundational skills in working with caregivers focusing on orienting them to the play therapy process, the therapist’s application of parenting style theory to their work with parents, case conceptualizations and identifying approaches to parenting skill development.
Practitioners are often well trained in meeting the needs of their play therapy clients but many have limited experience with hot to support and/or incorporate caregivers directly into the treatment process. This can result in struggles managing the resistance some caregivers may have to participate in services which can enhance the prognosis of long-term change in their children. This workshop will explore foundation skills for working with parents including orienting them to the treatment process, application of parenting style theory to one’s assessment of the family system, and case conceptualization, as well as, identifying approaches to support parenting skill development. As we explore working with caregivers, particular attention will be given to the following theories: Adlerian Play Therapy, Attachment Theory, Humanistic/Relational and Family Systems. In addition, play therapy approaches, like Filial, Theraplay®, PCIT and AdPT that integrate parents into treatment will be highlighted. Video examples, experiential activities, groups discussion and review of course material will be utilized to engage the play therapists’ comfort in working with caregivers.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- List 3 goals for working with parents.
- Describe 2 play-based approaches to engaging parents in the therapeutic process.
- Describe at least 1 play therapy approach for supporting caregivers capacity to integrate skills they are learning into the home environment.
Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills & Methods,
Play Therapy Special Topics
This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 non-contact CE hours.
Please note that this virtual training will not be recorded, and live attendance is required.
About our presenter: Gloria M. Cockerill, LCSW, PMH-C, RPT-S™, CATP, CCTP, CFTP and Certified Theraplay ® Practitioner, Supervisor and Trainer and is the Clinical Director of Our Children's Homestead. She has practiced extensively with youth and families impacted by trauma, attachment disruptions, a broad range of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a variety of settings. .
AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60
To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.
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 July 17, 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 July 17, 2026.
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