In-Person Workshops

Play Therapy

Tools for Helping Children and Youth

December 11, 2023 - December 12, 2023

(09:00 AM - 04:00 PM EST )

$529.00 (regular rate)

$489.00 (*early rate)

Trainer Larisa Levalds MA, RP

Location: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, Toronto, Ontario

*early rate expires 11/22/2023

Continuing Education
Credit Hours (CEC)

Children express themselves, learn about their world, and feel most at ease when playing. This interactive workshop focuses on how to use play therapy strategies to help children and youth positively cope and work through stressful life experiences. Participants will become familiar with Play Therapy theory, clinical guiding principles, and various directive and non-directive creative interventions to use with a wide age range of children and youth. From an experiential lens, this training explores how to apply playful strategies to support children and youth on their path to healing. Get ready to play! Please note: This workshop does not certify participants as a “Play Therapist” – the aim of the workshop is to provide practical strategies for a wide range of helpers who support children.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

Describe the theory and guiding principles of play therapy
Understand the cognitive and developmental stages of children
Describe age-appropriate directive and nondirective play therapy tools and interventions
Illustrate practical and tangible tools for immediate use with clients

Method of Delivery

Presentation, video, experiential practice of activities and exercises, personal reflection, delivered electronically.

Some of the Topics Included

Why does Play Therapy Work?
Attachment, Neuroscience, Family Systems
Children’s Growing Brains: Cognitive and Development Stages
Inner Resiliency – Child-Centered Play Therapy
Using Directive vs. Non-directive Approaches with Children and Youth
How Play can Help Overcome Trauma
Play-based Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy Strategies
Creative Interventions for Emotional Awareness and Self-Reflection
Art-Based Therapy
Helping Children and Youth Develop Self-Regulation
The Impact of Family – How Family Play Therapy Helps
Building the Blocks of Attachment
Somatic Approaches and Body-based Exercises
Skills for using a Sand Tray
Tools to use Puppetry
Develop Story-telling Skills

Target Audience

This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop intended for school personnel, social service and health care professionals, counsellors, social workers, parents, and anyone wanting to gain increased capacity in helping children and youth.

Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.

Trainer: Larisa Levalds

MA, RP

Larisa is a Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience providing play therapy to children, youth, and families. Larisa believes in the innate resiliency of children and youth, and in the inner strength of a family system to overcome their stressors. As a trainer, she brings a dynamic, interactive, and playful component to the workshops she facilitates. Larisa is personable, engaging, and focuses on providing participants with ready-to-use skills, while also prioritizing self-care.