Surprise and Delight: How Family Play Therapy Can Create Positive Family Engagement
– by Eliana Gil, PhD [SEMINAR]

Narrative:

This workshop will highlight the various ways that play therapy can decrease the family’s ambivalence about participating in therapy, as well as the ways that play therapy can engage families in positive and energetic interactions that can shift perspectives and increase connection so that family members can see each other as resources.

Family play therapy is a useful approach when working with families who come to therapy due to overt conflicts and problems, or parental concern regarding children’s behaviors. Typically, families can have disruptions in communication, affection, and safety. Children’s behaviors may be externalizing or internalizing and can draw family interest in how to help. In addition, many families can be court-mandated or referred by outside agencies because of a disruptive or concerning parental or child behavior. There are ample family dynamics that can cause family members to feel distrustful, isolated, frustrated, frightened, or concerned. Play therapy can surprise and delight family members and provide a less challenging way to approach problems. The outcomes include improved communication, confidence in identifying and responding to children’s problem behaviors, and the development of safety and secure attachments.

Dr. Eliana Gil is a Founding Partner of Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery & Education, LLC, a group private practice in Fairfax, Va, where she currently works as a Senior Clinical and Research Consultant.  She is an Approved MFT Supervisor as well as a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor and a Registered Art Therapist.  She is also a Circle of Security Certified Parent Educator, a Level II Theraplay provider, and participated and completed a two-year Individual Certification process with Dr. Bruce Perry.  Dr. Gil provides specialized, small group trainings that highlight experiential learning at Starbright Training Institute for Child and Family Play Therapy in Fairfax, VA.

COST: 

CIP Member: 

$100 early registration, up to 10 days prior to seminar, $120 after

Non-Members:

Non-member Rate: $130 early registration, up to 10 days prior to seminar, $150 after

CEs:

6 CEs for LMFTs, LCSWs, and Psychologists

Community Institute for Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Institute for Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for these programs and their contents.

Accommodations will be made wherever possible to those with disabilities.  Please let us know of any disabilities upon registration, to ensure proper accommodations are put in place prior to workshop/training.

Cancellations must be received in writing 10 business days prior to the seminar or class for a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee.