Strengthening Roots; Inspiring Growth
Learn more about the programs we offer
All Day Presenter: Peek-A-Boo and Counting Toes: An Introduction to Theraplay®
Michigan Association for Play Therapy Conference
Theraplay® is a child and family modality of play therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. Rated as “effective” by the SAMHSA National Registry for Evidenced – Based Programs and Practices, it is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay® play therapy interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge. Theraplay® play therapy sessions create an active, emotional connection between the child and parent or caregiver, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding. Theraplay® helps create a playful atmosphere where children are happy to come to therapy and become quickly and fully engaged in the therapeutic process. Theraplay® also involves the parents in an immediate and positive way, giving them experiences of success and pride in their children so they can feel motivated to support them. With the child, the parent, and the therapist all on the same team, this makes for a winning combination for positive and lasting change. This overview seminar will introduce participants to the fundamentals of Theraplay®. It will benefit those looking to add Theraplay® to their practice, refer others for treatment, or work with a team of professionals who are implementing Theraplay® in their treatment.
Dates:
Thursday-Friday, February 26-27, 2026
Location:
Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites
2424 S Mission Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Watching the Expert Series
Join Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor, Mandy Jones-Fischer, for a Watching the Expert series. During this seven-part series, Mandy will take us through a case, including a review of the MIM, a Parent Demonstration, four play sessions, and a termination session. Parent feedback work will not be reviewed, aside from the parent demonstration session.
The series will review work with a two-parent household and their four-year-old biological son. Parents requested services for their son who was struggling with hitting, kicking, screaming, and biting, and who faced expulsion from preschool. Follow along as Mandy works through the treatment goals, grounded in structure and nurture, and examine how she focused on supporting parents in fostering their child’s emotional growth. You will see work with both parents individually across the span of a year, culminating with the termination session with parents and child together.
*You’re welcome to attend any session in the series—participation in all sessions is not required*
Dates:
April 22, 2026 through July 8th
Time: 9-10:15 AM OR 6-7:15PM
Roots of Me: Examining the Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray
Dive into self-discovery for play therapists using sandtray in a hands-on, in-person session!
There is a reason you are a therapist. You are not just any type of therapist. You are a play therapist. When was the last time you examined why? In this highly experiential course, we will use four lenses to examine the self as therapist: family system of origin, touch, identity as healer, and identities within (and outside of) the play therapy room. This four-part program will examine each lens through a left-brained, relational neuroscience perspective paired with a right-brained sandtray perspective. Relational neuroscience tells us that the relationship between the therapist and client is the biggest agent of change and contrary to graduate school teachings, the embodiment of therapist as self plays a critical role in a client’s healing. By examining parts of the play therapist as self that are divisive or uncomfortable, we are better able to be fully present in body and soul for our clients.
Dates:
Friday, Apr 9, 2027 at 8:30 am to Saturday, Apr 10, 2027 at 5 pm
Location:
FSC Kids – Oklahoma City, OK