FAPT 2026 Pre-Conference Workshops

Empowering the Survivor: Using Adlerian Play therapy with Domestic Violence Survivors with Stephanie Bernasconi, LMHC, CAdPT, Registered Play Therapist™

Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics

This workshop examines how to integrate Adlerian Play Therapy when working with children and families experiencing forms of domestic violence. Participants will learn to apply the Four Phases of Adlerian play therapy into session and areas of caution when working with children experiencing forms of abuse.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize symptoms of individuals affected by domestic violence.
2. Describe various assessments individuals can use to assess individuals experiencing domestic violence.
3. Apply Adlerian Play Therapy interventions of the four phases to children and participants experiencing domestic violence.

******************************

Superheroes and Villains: An IFS informed play therapy approach to helping teens develop more positive self concept with Stefani Misiph, LMHC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Intermediate| Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

This training is experiential and didactic. This workshop is grounded in Integrative Play Therapy, including CCCPT, Adlerian Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Participants will examine the protective systems in superheroes and villains. Through an IFS-informed play therapy lens, participants will develop an understanding of how to externalize and use metaphors with our adolescent clients. Using characters in movies as examples, participants will be able to recognize the concepts of IFS-informed play therapy and how to integrate them into their practice.

After the session, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the theories of Adlerian, child-centered Play Therapy, and Internal Family Systems as they relate to the idea of protective systems explored through the superhero and villain lens.
2. Demonstrate basic understanding of internal family systems and the integration in play therapy.
3. Demonstrate three play therapy techniques that can be combined with IFS to explore the adolescent’s protective systems.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCHEDULE:

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Registration

5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. - Breakout Sessions *pre-selected

Registration will begin at 5:00 p.m. Choose your session. Sessions 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FAPT has a room block at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Airport. Reservations can be made directly with the HOTEL by calling 407-856-0100 or. Please request the GROUP rate for FLORIDA ASSOCIATION FOR PLAY THERAPY. Reservations due date March 25, 2026.

Cancellation Policy:

$20 is non-refundable. Written cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the start of the session will receive a full refund of the balance minus $20. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the conference will forfeit the total cost of registration.

In the very unlikely event that the workshop must be cancelled or postponed by the organizers, the Florida Association for Play Therapy will provide a full refund of the registration fees.

2 hours of continuing education available

The Florida Association for Play Therapy (FAPT) is an approved provider for the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-115. Play therapy credit will not be awarded to non-mental health professionals. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 491 to offer continuing education for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 03/31/2027. FAPT is approved by the Florida Department of Health under FL Statute 490 to offer continuing education for Psychologists. Provider Number BAP-50-10520 expires 05/31/2026.

About our presenters...

Stephanie Bernasconi, LMHC, CAdPT, Registered Play Therapist™ - is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist™, and certified in Adlerian Play Therapy. Stephanie specializes in working with children and families who have experienced complex trauma.

Stefani Misiph, LMHC, RPT-S™ - is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™) and a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist with extensive experience in play therapy, expressive therapy, and IFS. She founded The Misiph Center for Therapy and Training in Boynton Beach, Florida, where she provides bilingual therapy (English and Spanish) to children, families, and adults.

With a Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University, Stefani integrates play, expressive arts, and IFS to create a holistic and healing therapeutic approach. She has served as a bilingual play therapist, clinical supervisor, and adjunct professor, teaching Lesley University advanced play therapy and expressive therapy courses. She currently supervises both pre-licensed and licensed therapists and has started a training program for upcoming Registered Play Therapists.

Stefani has over 20 years of experience working in private practice, community health, and academic settings, specializing in trauma, child and family therapy, and clinical supervision. She is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist (IFS) and serves as a Program Assistant for IFS trainings, deepening her expertise in applying parts work to children, adolescents, and families.

She has held leadership roles in the New England Association for Play Therapy, including serving as President and Conference Coordinator for nearly a decade. Committed to advancing the field, Stefani conducts play therapy trainings and supervises clinicians pursuing certification in expressive and play therapy.

Her work is guided by a deep belief in the healing power of play, creativity, and self-leadership, helping clients and therapists alike find clarity, resilience, and transformation.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Florida Association for Play Therapy