Exploring Play Therapy Seminal Theories Through the Lens of Neurodiversity

Welcome to our online event, Exploring Play Therapy Seminal Theories Through the Lens of Neurodiversity! Join us for an exciting journey into the world of play therapy and neurodiversity. Discover how key theories in play therapy can be viewed through the unique perspective of neurodiversity. This event offers a fresh take on traditional approaches, providing valuable insights for professionals and students alike. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding in a fun and interactive way!

Katie Bassiri MA, LPCC RPT-STM is a business owner and mental health therapist in

Albuquerque, New Mexico. Although she has worked in the autism community for 14

years, she didn't begin to understand her own neurodivergent brain (Gifted, HSP,

AuDHD) until she discovered her 3 children were autistic. She now navigates the

complexities of what it is like being a mother, employer, and neurodivergent human

interacting and existing within the current reality of our systems.

In addition to owning and operating her agency, The Treehouse, Katie enjoys providing

couples counseling and individual therapy to neurodivergent people across the lifespan.

She supervises all levels of clinicians, is an interdisciplinary supervisor in the state of

New Mexico, and has provided play therapy supervision to therapists around the United

States. Katie's work is focused on helping humans live authentic and connected lives by

sharing her expertise in play therapy, autism, and universal design considerations.

Learning Objectives:

1) Participants will review the Neurodiversity paradigm and considerations for reshaping

the language and supports we use for clients with neurodevelopmental differences.

2) Participants will review 3 historically significant seminal theories: CCPT, Gestalt Play

Therapy, and Jungian Play Therapy, and considerations a therapist can explore to

accommodate and modify the applications of these theories to provide individualized

and affirming support.

3) Participants will discuss 2-3 ways to build relationship and increase felt sense of safety

in the therapy room with neurodivergent clients.

Following the workshop, participants will be able to:

1) 1d. Demonstrate knowledge of seminal/historically significant play therapy theories

and models by identifying the basic tenets of CCPT, Jungian Play Therapy, and

Gestalt Play Therapy.

2) 1i. Demonstrate knowledge of childhood-related problems and mental health

diagnosis/disorders that neurodivergent clients experience as neurominorities.

3) 2b. Demonstrate relationship and rapport building skills (e.g., empathy, safety,

unconditional positive regard) by utilizing ‘self’ in relationships with neurodivergent

children.

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm CST
Date: Friday, March 7th, 2025
Cost: Members: $40
CEs: This training meets APT’s definition of Live Webinar and is approved by the Wisconsin Association for Play Therapy (APT Approved Provider 03-139) for 2 APT Live Webinar CEs. Play Therapy credit may not be given to non-mental health professionals.
Participants: Registration will remain open for a maximum of 50 participants.
Cameras: Participants are required to keep their cameras on for the duration of the training.
Post-test: A post-test will be mandatory to obtain a certificate of completion.

Host or Publisher Wisconsin Association for Play Therapy