Working with Young Children in Play Therapy:
Looking Beneath the Behaviors

Thursday, July 25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Check-in begins at 8:30 am
3.0 CEUs approved for Social Workers and Counselors.
Often, when young children are referred for therapy, they present with certain behaviors and the referral may be influenced by teachers and/or parents and their experience or lack of knowledge of those behaviors. As a clinician, it is easy to focus only on the presenting problem and want to give a label or diagnosis.
In this workshop, participants will learn various techniques to look beyond the presenting issue(s) and delve deeper into what factors can contribute to childhood diagnoses, such as Childhood Mental and Behavioral Disorders. Participants will learn to differentiate between normal childhood behavior and pathology, including, but not limited to neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, to help them conceptualize and treatment plan.
Discussion will also include when it’s important to refer children out for medical and/or psychiatric evaluation. Workshop attendees will learn skills for how to work with teachers in school settings and with families at home and how this can positively impact treatment outcomes. Discussion of family dynamics, systems theory and how various life stressors can impact children and affect their behavior will be addressed. Participants will be provided a brief overview of Child-Centered Play Therapy and how it is used for assessment along with the importance of having a knowledge of child development in therapy.
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Check-in begins at 8:30 am
3.0 CEUs approved for Social Workers and Counselors.
Often, when young children are referred for therapy, they present with certain behaviors and the referral may be influenced by teachers and/or parents and their experience or lack of knowledge of those behaviors. As a clinician, it is easy to focus only on the presenting problem and want to give a label or diagnosis.
In this workshop, participants will learn various techniques to look beyond the presenting issue(s) and delve deeper into what factors can contribute to childhood diagnoses, such as Childhood Mental and Behavioral Disorders. Participants will learn to differentiate between normal childhood behavior and pathology, including, but not limited to neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, to help them conceptualize and treatment plan.
Discussion will also include when it’s important to refer children out for medical and/or psychiatric evaluation. Workshop attendees will learn skills for how to work with teachers in school settings and with families at home and how this can positively impact treatment outcomes. Discussion of family dynamics, systems theory and how various life stressors can impact children and affect their behavior will be addressed. Participants will be provided a brief overview of Child-Centered Play Therapy and how it is used for assessment along with the importance of having a knowledge of child development in therapy.
Online registration and pre-payment required for all attendees.
Registration cost: $50
Class size is limited. Register early to save your spot.
Registration cost: $50
Class size is limited. Register early to save your spot.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Heather Zinna, LCSW-BACS
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Heather Zinna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1996 from SLU and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the LSU School of Social Work in 1999. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor currently working on her Theraplay credential. Prior to beginning private practice in 2014, Heather held various positions in Head Start and owned her own business, Toddlearn. She is currently in private practice where she specializes in Play Therapy and sees primarily children 0-12 years old and their families. Heather has experience in AutPlay, TBRI, CPRT, CPP, childhood Trauma, Anxiety and other childhood disorders and diagnoses. Heather loves working with young children and is excited to become a professional presenter as well. Heather is a member of NASW, APT and LAPT as well as a past member of the LAPT board.
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Heather Zinna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1996 from SLU and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the LSU School of Social Work in 1999. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor currently working on her Theraplay credential. Prior to beginning private practice in 2014, Heather held various positions in Head Start and owned her own business, Toddlearn. She is currently in private practice where she specializes in Play Therapy and sees primarily children 0-12 years old and their families. Heather has experience in AutPlay, TBRI, CPRT, CPP, childhood Trauma, Anxiety and other childhood disorders and diagnoses. Heather loves working with young children and is excited to become a professional presenter as well. Heather is a member of NASW, APT and LAPT as well as a past member of the LAPT board.
Questions? Contact the Women's Center at [email protected]
Workshop Location:
Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation
71667 Leveson Street
Abita Springs, LA 70420 map
Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation
71667 Leveson Street
Abita Springs, LA 70420 map