Embracing Diversity: Harnessing the Power of Adlerian Play Therapy Across Cultures

Description: This engaging workshop is designed for mental health professionals eager to explore the transformative potential of Adlerian play therapy in a multicultural context. Florida's rich cultural tapestry, encompassing Hispanic, African American, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities, provides a unique backdrop for this training. Participants will delve into tailored therapeutic approaches that honor and integrate the diverse cultural narratives of clients. Additionally, the workshop will address the specific needs of neurodiverse clients, highlighting strategies to create inclusive and supportive therapeutic environments. Join us for an enlightening experience that will expand your therapeutic toolkit and empower you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your diverse clientele. Ethical Standards and Empirical Basis: In alignment with the ethical standards of the mental health profession and the guidelines set forth by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this workshop will present accurate and evidence-based information on Adlerian play therapy. The materials are grounded in empirical research and clinical practice, demonstrating their utility and effectiveness across diverse populations. Case studies and hands-on activities will provide practical applications of these principles, ensuring that participants can confidently implement the techniques in their professional practice. Limitations: While this workshop aims to provide comprehensive coverage of Adlerian play therapy and its application with diverse and neurodiverse clients, it is important to recognize the limitations. The techniques and strategies discussed may not be universally applicable to all clients or situations. Participants are encouraged to critically evaluate the content and consider individual client needs and contexts when integrating these methods into their practice. Additionally, ongoing education and supervision are recommended to further develop proficiency and ensure ethical practice.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1241966

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1.  List at least 3 core principles of Adlerian play therapy and their applications in a multicultural context. 
2. Explain how to tailor at least 3 Adlerian play therapy techniques to effectively engage clients from diverse cultural backgrounds in Florida. 
3. Describe at least 2 strategies for adapting Adlerian play therapy to meet the specific needs of neurodiverse clients, ensuring an inclusive and supportive therapeutic environment. 
4. Differentiate between culturally adaptive strategies within Adlerian play therapy and standard therapeutic approaches, and recommend appropriate modifications to meet the unique needs of diverse and neurodiverse clients.

About the Presenters:

Andrea Mann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the State of Florida and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She holds two Master of Science degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling, and numerous postgraduate certifications in specialized fields of mental health counseling. Andrea is credentialed as a Qualified Supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapist interns. She is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), a Certified Adlerian Play Therapist-Advanced (CAdPT-A), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Andrea has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges. She specializes in play therapy, trauma, LGBTQIA-related concerns, and multiculturalism. Her experience includes presenting to mental health professionals at local, state, and national levels, where she shares her expertise and insights. Having lived in southwest Florida for over a decade, Andrea integrates her diverse cultural background into her practice, providing a compassionate and individualized approach to counseling. She is passionate about fostering lasting, positive change for children, adolescents, and adults, and is committed to supporting those in need with empathy and dedication.

Elisa Niles Thorne, (Dr. E) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the U. S. Virgin Islands. She completed her education at the University of the Virgin Islands 2002 (B.A), 2005 (MAEd.) and Argosy University in 2009 (MA). She completed her Ph.D. (2019) in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. Her dissertation examined the Impact of Trauma on Reoccurring Homelessness in the U. S. Virgin Islands Dr. E. holds the following credentials, Qualified Supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapist interns, Board- Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor TM . Dr. E is proud to be a recipient of the National Board of Certified Counselor- Minority Fellowship Program (2016). She has presented at several local, state, national and international conferences. She is a published contributing author in two textbooks: Niles Thorne, E. (2021). An integrative approach to play therapy supervision using sandtray therapy. In Fazio-Griffith, L. J., & Marino, R. (Eds.). (2021). Techniques and Interventions for Play Therapy and Clinical Supervision (pp. 106-119). IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1- 7998-4628-4 Niles Thorne, E. (2023). Slavery. In Dermer, S. B., & Abdullah, J. R. (Eds.). The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy. Sage Publication Dr. E., hails from the Caribbean Island of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, but spent her formative years in Jamaica and Antigua. Specializations include : Christian Counseling; Clinical Supervision; Dissociative Disorders; Play Therapy; Sandtray Therapy, Trauma/Complex Trauma; Women Issues.

Danielle Bishop is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor of Florida and a Registered Play Therapist. She holds approximately 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. Before moving to Florida in 2013, Danielle worked in partial care settings and as a crisis counselor in response to Hurricane Sandy. She has furthered her experience with work in a hospital setting with adults, private practice with all ages and the school system with elementary aged children. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who present with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life changes and participating in play therapy. She completed her education through Walden University where she studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling as well as Applied Psychology. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in pre-movement therapy and forensic psychology from Stockton University. Danielle utilizes an integrative approach that is tailored to each individual's needs including play therapy, expressive arts, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, Adlerian, Rogerian, and solution-focused therapy. Danielle strives to empower all those she gets the privilege to work with by creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which individuals can be supported in their efforts to change and grow.