Parents & Play therapy: Understanding Cultural Barriers, Our Own Barriers & Strategies to Build Rapport

Join Christine M. Valentín, a licensed clinical social worker and Registered Play therapist at an in-person, CE training for mental health professionals. 

Description: This in-person training is designed for mental health professionals who wish to gain insight into the role that culture plays in play therapy, especially when it comes to concerns and expectations that parents/caregivers may harbor when considering therapy for their child. We will also review the concerns and expectations we have as mental health professionals that may hinder the therapeutic alliance with the parents.

​Participants will also learn cultural considerations to keep in mind when building rapport, explaining play therapy to parents as well as selecting toys, activities, and games to incorporate into their play therapy sessions.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify how culture can impact a parent's attitude towards play therapy

• Identify common challenges mental health professionals encounter when working with parents from select cultures

• Discover culturally-tailored strategies to gain trust and establish connections in play therapy

• Explore culturally inclusive toys, activities, and games for specific ethnicities to improve therapeutic outcomes and overcome obstacles

​Please note: Due to time constraints, this workshop will not focus on all cultures.

Details

📆Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

🕛 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM, EST

📍 The Hub Murray Hill Hotel 535 Central Ave, New Providence, NJ 07974

Cost: $325- ​A continental breakfast will be served and materials/supplies will be provided.

CEs: 3.5 Social and Cultural Competence CEs (ASWB/ACE)/ 3.5 Contact CEs (NBCC/APT)

Primary areas of instruction: Culture and Diversity; Skills and methods

Target Audience: Mental health professionals with a Bachelors or Master's Degree  Skill Level - Beginner - Intermediate 

Deadline to RSVP is Friday, December 5

Seating is limited to 5 participants, so RSVP today!

Why attend this workshop? 

This small, interactive, and in-person training will not only teach you clinical skills to enhance your work but it will also allow for:

• warm, collaborative discussions—akin to a peer consultation group

• You get to ask and get your specific questions answers

• you to hear different perspectives from other clinicians in the room and have rich discussion based on the areas of expertise in the room

We will also have real, honest discussion about how to adapt what you're learning to different communities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

Want more insight into what our day will look like, check out the agenda below: 

 Agenda 

10:00 am: Defining Culture & Its Importance (reflection exercise)

10:30 am: Discussing African-American Communities (values, socio-economic factors, discrimination, perceptions of play)

10:50 am: Discussing Latinx/Hispanic Communities (values, socio-economic factors, discrimination, perceptions of play)

11:20 am: Discussing Asian Communities (values, socio-economic factors, discrimination, perceptions of play)

11:45 am: 10-minute break for snacks/restroom

11:55 am: Addressing Barriers to Play Therapy (insights from clients and therapists)

12:25 pm: Building Rapport with Clients & Families

12:55 pm: Considerations for the Playroom (toys, games, activities)

1:30 pm: Questions, Reflections & Evaluation

Still not sure if this workshop is right for you? 

This workshop is right for you, if you: 

👍🏽Are a mental health professional who wants to sharpen your clinical skills around play and how it enhances your ability to be more effective with clients.

👍🏽 You have a desire and curiosity to learn both from a presenter as well as from colleagues in various settings.

👍🏽You’re passionate about ethically serving diverse, complex populations.

👍🏽You want to attend a workshop that helps you reconnect with your "why" of being a mental health profession and leave you feeling inspired about your work again.

👍🏽You want to feel less alone in this work, especially if you’re in solo or remote practice.

👍🏽You want to take a step toward career growth. Maybe you are considering a supervisory, leadership, teaching position and want to add some workshops to your resume/curriculum vitae. Or perhaps you want to niche down.

👍🏽You want to be seen as competent, current, and credible in your field.

👍🏽You want to attend a workshop that is filled with laughter and connection.

This training is not for you if: 

🚫You just want to check off a CE requirement without participating.

🚫You’re not open to learning through reflection, discussion, or play.

Testimonials from Participants at this & other workshops...

"Christine was a wonderful presenter. The information was interesting and provided in a way that was digestible and engaging. I learned a lot and walked away with some new ideas to incorporate during sessions." - ST

"The smaller group format provided for great collaboration and connection. Christine created an engaging presentation that provided an environment for participant engagement and dynamic discussion."- MC

"I thought that your workshop was great, I really enjoyed learning from you and the other providers due to the size of the workshop. " - AG

"Great workshop! Motivated to help both kids and parents." - LP

"Great presentation, love the colorful slides and fun pictures!"- SL

Ready to Sign up?