NMAPT Presents:
Our Speakers:
Risa Lehrer LPCC RPT-S™, Heather Knox LCSW RPT™
and
Kelsie Bacon LCSW-S RPT-S™
April 17-18, 2026
9am- 4pm
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COME LEARN ABOUT THERAPLAY, SCHOOL-BASED PLAY THERAPY & PDA & PLAY THERAPY!
CONNECT WITH OTHERS & PLAY!!​
12 CE Hours Available for this Training (6 per day)
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Seating is limited to comply with APT regulations and location regulations.
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LIVE IN PERSON
Marriott Albuquerque
2101 Louisiana Blvd
Day 1: An Introduction to Theraplay®
(9am to 12pm)
With Risa Lehrer LPCC RPT-S™
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Description:
This three-hour workshop will provide and introduction to the key elements of Theraplay®. We will review the history of Theraplay® which is considered a seminal practice. Theraplay provides short-term, playful, and engaging treatment that focuses on the parent-child relationships. The focus will be on the history and process of obtaining a Theraplay®certification. Attendees will take away and be able to use simple interventions with parents in their practice. This is an informational overview and does not qualify as a Theraplay® Training. After this workshop you will understand how pursuing a Theraplay® certificate will benefit your practice.
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Objectives:
1. Attendees will leave with and understanding of the history and theory of Theraplay®
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2. Attendees will gain knowledge on the how Theraplay® promotes the interaction of the parent-infant attachment and improve the relationship.
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3. Attendees will understand the basic concepts of Theraplay® and the use of the four Theraplay® dimensions Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge
Day 1: Everyone Plays to Learn! School Based Play Therapy for Diverse Students
(1pm to 4pm)
With Heather Knox LCSW RPT™
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Description:
School Staff are ethically bound to serve students with a variety of cultures and disabilities in a culturally informed and respectful manner. There is extensive research on the effectiveness of Play therapy theories and modalities with a wide variety of disability and ethnic cultures. Learners will be able to articulate the powers of play and how they meet educational goals so they can advocate for play in school sessions. They will be experience sample activities from different modalities. Structuring sessions, considerations for choosing activities, toys and materials in a culturally/ability syntonic way, and creative ways to furnish a play office economically will also be covered. All sections will include sample activities that learners can use to PLAY with their students the next week!
​Objectives:
1: Learners will be able to name and demonstrate at least two different activities to use with students, based on 1-2 different play therapy theories. They will be able describe the powers of play as they relate to school goals.
2: Learners will be able to implement two different activities to address ethnic culture in sessions, and identify 2 different tools or modalities to use with students with dynamic disabilities.
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3: Learners will have resources to help them choose a balanced group of toys for their play therapy offices, matching student population needs including sensory needs. They will be able to identify some practical and economical ways to acquire and arrange Play Therapy tools and materials in a typical school office.
Day 2:
Pathological Demand Avoidance & Play Therapy
(9am to 12pm-lunch(provided)-1pm to 4pm)
With Kelsie Bacon LCSW-S, RPT-S™
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Description:
While it is common for children to avoid doing things that they’re asked to do from time to time, sometimes there is an extreme level of avoidance and resistance that a child can exhibit anytime something is perceived as a demand. Avoidance can take many forms, including escaping into fantasy, making excuses, creating a distraction, intense focus on something else, withdrawing, or having a meltdown or panic attack. When a child goes to extremes to avoid perceived demands, caregivers may benefit from further exploring pathological demand avoidance support strategies. Pathological
Demand Avoidance, or PDA, is most commonly identified as being a profile of Autism. While it is widely recognized in the UK and other countries, therapists in the United States are only now beginning to explore PDA in professional settings. Regardless of what country a play therapist practices in, we are tasked with supporting children with demand-avoidant behaviors, and when these behaviors are extreme, it can lead to resistance and frustration in the playroom. Through PowerPoint lecture, group discussions, and play-based activities, this training will explore the core characteristics of PDA and helpful approaches that can be utilized in the playroom to support children with demand-avoidant behavior. Play therapists will leave with an understanding of the R. U. SAFE acronym and strategies that are helpful for all levels of demand-avoidant behavior, even those that do not fully meet the
description of PDA.
Objectives:
1.Following this training, attendees will be able to identify the DSM-5 criteria as well as 2-3 less familiar characteristics of autism.
2. Following this training, attendees will be able to identify 2-3 differences between demand avoidance and extreme demand avoidance associated with pathological demand avoidance.
3. Following this training, attendees will be able to identify 3-5 core characteristics of Pathological Demand Avoidance.
4. Attendees will discuss the benefits of using a prescriptive play therapy approach when working with children with pathological demand avoidant behaviors.
5. Following this training lecture, attendees will be able to identify the R. U. S.A.F.E. acronym and its application in the play therapy room.
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6. Following this training, attendees will be able to identify 3-5 supportive strategies that are helpful in supporting individuals with PDA characteristics in the playroom.
This training session will offer 6 CE hours per day. NMAPT is an approved provider by NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Approved Provider #0179331 and the Association for Play Therapy Approved Provider 03-132.
*Play therapy credit available to mental health professionals and graduate students in a mental health program.
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Cancellation Policy for NMAPT Events
Registrations canceled on or before two weeks prior to the event are refundable but subject to a $25 administrative fee.
Registrations canceling after the deadline of two weeks prior will not receive a refund. The refund and cancellation policy will not be waived. Registration fees may be transferred to another individual for the same event.