Playful Approaches to Working with Suicidality in the Playroom
Presented by: Teresa Paterson Bartch, LPC, LCPC, RPT-S™
Play Therapists explore working with traumatic play and discover ways to be ready to respond to crisis and big stories when children are referred for Play Therapy. Join us to discover how to approach suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in children and teens, aligned with the Therapeutic Powers of Play. In this training, you will discover ways to assess for severity, identify behaviors that are common with children at risk for passive and active SI, as well as non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, and utilize treatment interventions to target distress that results in SI and NSSIB. This training is designed to foster the Play Therapist's confidence as they are confronted with these ethical dilemmas, including working with the parents/guardians to promote healing and facilitate a safety plan that promotes resiliency.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Identify themes in Play Therapy for children who are at risk with suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors
- Demonstrate three play therapy techniques to use with children with suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-harming behaviors
- Discuss how to use assessment tools and crisis planning in Play Therapy for children with suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors
- Recite the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Play Therapist while working with children and their parents/guardians
Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics
This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.
About our presenter: Teresa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ and EMDRIA Consultant, where she has provided specialized services for over 15 years, along with her Therapy Dog. Her practice focuses on working with individuals of all ages who have experienced interpersonal, developmental or intergenerational trauma.
AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60
AZAPT requests that video cameras be on and participants be visible throughout the presentation to facilitate engagement. Participants will be awarded APT Non-Contact CE upon successful completion of a post test.
AZAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 97-035. AZAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote AZAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than January 1, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after January 1, 2026.
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