Step Families:  What a Beautiful Mess! 
Using Play Therapy Techniques with Blended Families

Lora Hays, L.M.F.T., R.P.T
 

Seminar Summary:
Blending two families into one workable unit is a daunting challenge and emotionally difficult for both parents and children. This workshop will challenge therapists to get creative and playful in their approach with these families. Participants will experience play therapy techniques first hand and be able to decide for themselves which ideas would best be incorporated into their practices. Resource materials about using play therapy with families will be handed out.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the current trends and statistics surrounding Step Families.
• Leave the seminar with a handful of play therapy techniques they can put into practice right away.
• Be armed with recommended readings for parents and bibliotherapy tools such as children's books to use in session.
• Be aware of any contraindications of using play therapy with certain populations.
• Be able to identify special considerations when using play therapy with families.

Target Audience:
Registered Play Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, School Counselors,  and anyone who works with children can benefit from this workshop.

About the Speaker:
Lora Hays, L.M.F.T., R.P.T.
Lora Hays is a former president of the Indiana Association for Play Therapy and served on the board of directors for seven years. She is an avid supporter of play therapy and currently speaks professionally at conferences and trainings spreading the word about the usefulness and viability of play therapy.
Ms. Hays is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her masters from Butler University. She received her Registered Play Therapist credentials through the Association for Play Therapy. In addition to doing individual, marriage and couple counseling, Ms. Hays specializes in working with children and families. She also works with burn survivors, both children and adults (and their families) who have been traumatized by burn injury. She also leads the Kids Connect program at The Wellness Community of Central Indiana working with children and their families who have a family member with cancer. She will be teaching a master's level play therapy course at Indiana Wesleyan the summer of 2009.
Ms. Hays is a believer in the power of play and uses it daily in her private practice. Not only with children but with families and teens to engage them in the therapeutic process.

6 CEUs
 Indiana Professional Licensing Board
“ The Indiana Social Worker, Marriage and   Family Therapist and Mental Health
Counselor Board has approved this
organization to provide Category I Continuing Education for L.S.W., L.C.S.W., L.M.F.T., and L.M.H.C.
However, licensees must judge the program’s relevance to their professional practice'

6 CEUs
Indiana State Psychology Board
 

Coming in February:
Supervisory Skills:  Leadership-Delegation- Performance Evaluation -  2/11/09

Management: Interviewing and Hiring -  2/18/09

Case Management: Pharmacology and Mental Health - 2/13/09