Clair Mellenthin

Playful Healing: Integrating Attachment Centered Play Therapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
2025-01-10 08:30 - 2025-01-11 16:30 (America/Denver) | Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, United States
Get ready to dive into a hands-on, heart-centered workshop! Join us for TWO DAYS as we blend the powerful approaches of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Attachment-Centered Play Therapy (ACPT) in a fun, immersive experience. Perfect for mental health professionals, psychotherapists, and play therapists, this workshop will deepen your skills in culturally sensitive play therapy. Discover new ways to use ACPT techniques—like Family Play Therapy and EFFT—while embracing the richness of diverse cultural perspectives. Come ready to learn, play, and connect!
You will leave with a toolbox full of new play therapy interventions, ways to incorporate parents into the playroom, and an understanding of the nuances of relationship patterns that exist within families.

Learning Objectives:

Conceptualize core tenets of EFFT, highlighting its fundamental principles and techniques. Particular focus will be on understanding emotional responses within family systems.
Explore how EFFT can be adapted and integrated into the context of play therapy for a holistic healing experience.
Develop insight into the fundamentals of Attachment-Centered Play Therapy (ACPT), emphasizing the significance of secure attachment in childhood development.
Evaluate the four key concepts of attachment theory and how these concepts apply to attachment-centered play therapy.
Practice three practical play therapy techniques for incorporating play as a medium for expression, exploration, and healing within the therapeutic process.
Implement play therapy interventions with a cultural lens to suit EFFT and Attachment-Centered Play Therapy (ACPT).
Address potential complexities in play therapy when combining EFFT, ACPT, and cultural adaptations.
Utilize practical play therapy strategies for navigating areas of intersectionality within the family play therapy process.
Conceptualize how attachment theories apply across different cultural contexts, including recognizing attachment style variations and behavior influenced by cultural norms and family dynamics.
Ascertain and respect cultural differences in therapeutic environments, including the playroom.
Develop skills for building cultural competence, including awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective cross-cultural communication and intervention.
Enhance the professional development of play therapists by emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and ethical practice in culturally informed play therapy.

Presented by: Clair Mellenthin LCSW, RPT-S &amp and Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S, ICEEFT EFT Supervisor
About Clair:

Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S is an international speaker, award winning author, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She is the creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy. Throughout her career, she has specialized in providing play therapy to children, teens, and their families. Ms. Mellenthin frequently presents professional play therapy and family therapy nationally and internationally.
Ms. Mellenthin is the Past-President of the Utah Association For Play Therapy. She is the author of several books including Attachment Centered Play Therapy; Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders; and My Many Colors of Me Workbook. In addition, she has authored several chapters and articles. Ms. Mellenthin frequently appears on local and national television and radio as an expert on children and family issues.

About Liliana:

Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, MBA, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural therapist holding a Master’s Degree in Counseling & Marriage, Family, & Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. With extensive speaking, training, and consulting experience spanning a range of organizations and topics, Liliana is particularly sought-after for her specialist expertise in mental health and its links to cultural diversity and social justice in a global context.
Liliana brings a unique cultural lens to her therapy, supervision, workshops, and presentations drawing on over a decade of in-depth clinical experience primarily treating LatinX community members, and providing bilingual therapy and supervision in English and Spanish. Liliana has become a well-respected expert and thought leader in the specialist fields of treating families, couples, and children with experiences of global migration along with trauma, abuse, and multicultural issues.

Guide to Play Therapy With The Modern Family
2024-11-15 09:00 - 17:00 | VBFA, 181 E. 5600 S. #200, Murray, UT, 84123, United States
Embark on a transformative journey into the realm of play therapy with our workshop, “Guide to Play Therapy with the Modern Family,” led by experts Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, and Holly Willard, LCSW, RPT-S. As family dynamics evolve, we’re seeing more diverse family systems including single-parent households, biracial families, grandparents raising children, LGBTQ+ parents, and other non-heteronormative arrangements. It’s crucial that our approaches honor these unique family systems, ensuring that every child and caregiver feels seen, supported, and empowered. Explore innovative play therapy techniques tailored for modern families navigating challenges like divorce, abuse, trauma, and neglect. This workshop offers a creative toolbox of tips and techniques, all grounded in attachment theory, providing valuable insights into family dynamics.
Discover the profound impact of attachment styles on relationships within the family system. Dive into practical applications of play therapy that go beyond the basics, offering a fresh perspective on healing and resilience. Gain a clear understanding of how to address the unique needs of modern families and leave with a renewed spirit and approach to play therapy with families. Join us for this dynamic workshop and elevate your skills in guiding modern families through the complexities of their healing journey.
Learning Objectives
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of attachment theory and its application within the unique dynamics of modern family systems affected by divorce, abuse, trauma, and neglect.
2. Practice 3 play therapy techniques designed to address parent-child conflict
3. Determine the developmental stages of attachment needs and behaviors to identify maladaptive responses in children and families.
4. Articulate the psychological impact and long-term effects of emotional trauma on a client’s mental health.
5. Create guided imagery exercises to foster self-esteem and self-worth for increased self and co-regulation.
6. Implement two play therapy strategies aimed at fostering resilience within modern family systems.
NASW approved

Introduction to Attachment Centered Play Therapy - LIVE IN PERSON EVENT
2024-01-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Utah Association for Play Therapy, 181 East 5600 South #200, Murray, UT, 84123, United States
Introduction to Attachment Centered Play Therapy
Through the lens of attachment theory, participants will gain a new understanding of how children and families interact and bond to one another in healthy vs maladaptive ways. We will be exploring how trauma, abuse, and neglect impact the bonds of attachment within the family system and how the power of Attachment Centered Play Therapy can help to heal these wounds.
Participants will spend the day learning new and innovative play therapy techniques including hands-on experiential activities, sand tray interventions, and expressive arts. You will leave with a creative toolbox of tips, techniques, and a clear understanding of how attachment styles impact relationships.
This is an APT APPROVED LIVE IN PERSON EVENT for 6 APT Hours.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify how attachment theory applies to play therapy and to view family systems through the lens of attachment.
2. Conceptualize attachment patterns that impact parent-child relationships.
3. Conceptualize generational attachment patterns and how these manifest in family-based play therapy.
4. Analyze attachment theory as it applies to play therapy to provide integrated therapeutic treatment.
5. Evaluate the four key concepts of attachment theory and how these concepts apply to attachment-centered play therapy.
6. Analyze various family systems through the lens of attachment theory to strengthen clinical assessment skills.
This is an APT APPROVED LIVE IN PERSON EVENT for 6 CE Hours.

August 2024 Play Therapy Mountain Top Retreat - Pay in Full
2023-12-13 00:00
Day 1: Foundations of Prescriptive Play Therapy – Engage in a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy and implementation of Prescriptive PT. Who are you? At which stage are you? Explore various play therapy theories through “My Prescriptive Wheel,” facilitating a reflective examination of your current knowledge and identifying areas for further learning. Key topics include competency, fidelity, and the history and core tenets of prescriptive play therapy. And we are going to play!
Day 2: Expanding your Play Therapy Horizon – Delve into the application of Prescriptive Play Therapy with an emphasis on overcoming roadblocks and building confidence. How do you engage in the decision making process and choose what will work best for each client? Dive into the process by navigating and reflecting on a case example and implementation of play approaches through a structured decision making questionnaire. Consider external approaches beyond traditional play therapy theories, and engage in interactive discussion to strengthen competence in prescriptive methods. And we will play some more!
Day 3: Charting the Course Forward – Focus on personal and professional growth within the play therapy field. Participate in experiential case example exercises and create a future-oriented “Miro Board” to visualize your development journey. Conclude with a comprehensive discussion on integrating learned theories and crafting a unique, prescriptive approach to play therapy. Oh yes, and we will be playing!
Each day is structured to include theoretical learning, practical application, reflective self-work, and a leveling up case example question and answer time. Each day is designed to ensure you leave with a profound understanding of Prescriptive Play Therapy and a clear direction for your practice.
Key Components:

In-depth exploration of the Therapeutic Powers of Play

Examination of core tenets and theories of Prescriptive Play Therapy

Ethical considerations and competency in play therapy

Practical case study exercises and interactive/reflective discussions

Personalized learning experiences with “Choose Your Own Adventure” case discussions

Creation of a professional development plan using innovative digital tools

Who Should Attend: This workshop is suited for mental health professionals, play therapists, and practitioners who are looking to enhance their skill set in play therapy with a prescriptive, individualized approach. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced therapist, this course will offer valuable insights and strategies to elevate your therapeutic practice. Come and join us and embark on a journey towards therapeutic excellence and transformative client outcomes.
