The Therapeutic Canvas: Integrating Expressive Arts Therapy into Play Therapy Practices

Description: Integrating Expressive therapy and play therapy is a valuable asset to any clinician's practice. Learning how to integrate these therapies allows clinicians to gain a comprehensive skill set that enhances their practice. Participants will learn techniques that foster a deeper, more nuanced connection with clients. Many clinicians have anxiety about incorporating expressive art techniques into their play therapy practice. Often times, clinicians do not feel confident in their ability to incorporate expressive arts due to lack of knowledge about materials, techniques, or even modalities.” Theoretical frameworks that promote an integrated arts approach are not well-known outside of a small community of expressive arts therapists. Expressive arts therapy runs the risks of being reduced to a “technique” within counseling (Degges-White & Davis, 2018)”Estrella (2023) Research shows the importance of knowing when, why, and how to employ an integrative approach.” Most people are not well-versed in the use of arts media, so a certain amount of awareness induction and teaching needs to take place” (Green 2014). The integration of expressive arts and play therapy not only enhances the therapeutic toolkit but also deepens the therapeutic alliance. This allows for creating a transformative space for client exploration and self discovery (Ojiambo, D., & Bratton, S. C. (2014). This training will provide a solid foundation of theoretical information for both play therapy and expressive arts. Come learn tools to add to your toolbox. They will also learn about several techniques from each that can inform the other in clinical practice, especially when working with children and adolescents. From an integrative theoretical framework, participants will learn how to choose complementary techniques from both play and expressive arts therapy to provide a solid method of treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Articulate a minimum of 1 benefit and 1 potential caution associated with the integration of play therapy and expressive therapy.
2. Demonstrate the incorporation of play therapy and expressive therapy into your professional practice through at least 3 specific strategies.
3. Demonstrate practical play therapy techniques/activities and identify appropriate implementation of these activities within your caseload,
4. Define 3 concepts from expressive therapy theories and play therapy theories.
5. Examine cultural  considerations and constraints for the use of expressive therapy and play therapy. 
6. Examine participant’s biases regarding the use of expressive therapy materials. 
7. Define techniques to be used during the assessment stage of treatment. 
8. Define techniques to he used during the working phase of treatment. 
9. Define techniques to he used during the termination  phase of treatment. 

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1298855

General Credits: 12

APT Approved Provider 19-590. 

Physical Location: 1901 South Congress Avenue Suite 300 Boynton Beach, FL 33426

Online Location: Via Zoom

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

About the Presenter:

Stefani Beth Misiph, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor (RPT-S) who is working towards becoming 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.

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