BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN CAREGIVERS & PLAYROOM- RACHEL ALTVATER
About
Caregivers often enter play therapy feeling uncertain about the process, wondering how it works, what their child is communicating through play, and how they can best support growth outside of sessions. At the same time, play therapists may find themselves navigating caregiveranxiety, questions about progress, requests for therapeutic direction and guidance, and even their own uncertainty about how to effectively communicate the play therapy process. Developing strong partnerships with caregivers is an essential component of successful play
therapy.
This training explores practical and relational strategies for building trust, insight, and connection with caregivers throughout the play therapy journey. Participants will learn ways to introduce and explain play therapy, provide meaningful feedback, support caregivers in
understanding child development and emotional expression, and foster stronger caregiver-child connection outside of session. Through didactic training, discussion, and reflection, participants will gain tools for partnering with caregivers in ways that reduce anxiety, increase
understanding, and support lasting therapeutic change.
Objectives
1. Describe key factors that influence caregiver engagement, understanding, and participation in the play therapy process.
2. Apply strategies for communicating play therapy concepts, therapeutic progress, and developmentally informed guidance to caregivers.
3. Identify interventions that support caregiver-child connection, co-regulation, and therapeutic growth outside of session.
Outline
● Insightful Reflections
○ Experiential activity – Reflect on a time you felt uncertain, judged, or worried about "doing it right," and then connect that experience to what many caregivers may be feeling when they bring their child to therapy.
○ Recognizing and understanding caregiver anxiety
○ The caregiver's role in the therapeutic process
○ Our own uncertainty and imposter syndrome
● Introducing Play Therapy
○ Introducing Andrew video – I share this clip with caregivers
○ Psychoeducation about play therapy process during intake
○ Explaining play therapy beyond "just playing"
○ Helping caregivers understand the child's developmental needs and norms and perspective
● Building Caregiver Partnerships
○ Establishing trust and collaboration
○ Navigating questions, expectations, and requests for feedback
○ Developmentally informed conversations with and resources for caregivers
● Connection, Regulation, and Growth
○ Connection as a foundation for regulation
○ Supporting caregivers in tolerating distress
○ Avoiding the urge to rescue, fix, or solve
● Bringing Therapy Home
○ Special playtime recommendations
○ Strengthening safety, connection, and communication
○ What children learn from modeled behaviors and everyday interactions
● Closing Reflections
○ What bridge are you helping build?
○ What does a caregiver need to feel understood, supported, and hopeful?
○ What is one small shift you can make in your next caregiver interaction?
Location
Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser
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BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN CAREGIVERS & PLAYROOM- RACHEL ALTVATER
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