3-Week Overcoming Resistance: Engaging Parents in Play Therapy Training

​This is the first training in a 3-part series for therapists interested in diving more deeply into play therapy or refreshing their skills in community. Each training is a stand-alone or can be taken as a bundle. More info here: https://www.sfbayplaytherapy.com/play-therapy-trainings.html

​Meeting dates: 3 Tuesdays Dec 22 - Jan 5

​This 3-week group helps play therapists apply Rise VanFleet’s Overcoming Resistance: Engaging Parents in Play Therapy training to real clinical work with parents and caregivers.

​Participants will watch assigned videos before each weekly meeting and use the live sessions for discussion, reflection, case application, and role-play practice. Each week includes approximately 40-60 minutes of video homework prior to class.

​Together, we will explore why parents resist, how therapists can unintentionally increase defensiveness, how to explain and recommend play therapy effectively, and how to respond to parent concerns about aggression, control, and noncompliance.

​Participants will leave with clearer language, increased confidence, and practical strategies for engaging parents as partners in the play therapy process.

​Weekly Focus

​Week 1 —: Understanding Parent Resistance and Explaining Play Therapy
Participants will explore the nature of parent resistance and how to explain play therapy in a way that is clear, respectful, and connected to the parent’s goals for their child.

​Week 2 — : Recommending Play Therapy to Skeptical or Hesitant Parents
Participants will practice listening, reflecting, and recommending play therapy in ways that reduce defensiveness and increase parent buy-in.

​Week 3 —: Responding to Concerns About Aggression, Control, and Noncompliance
Participants will practice responding to common parent concerns, including aggressive play, control, and parent noncompliance, while maintaining empathy and clinical clarity.