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Playing While Black: Addressing the Needs of African American Children in Play Therapy

African American children have unique needs that are often overlooked and misinterpreted in clinical settings. In particular, they face heightened risks of developing mental health concerns due to historical adversity, systemic oppression, cultural differences, and socioeconomic disparities (Harris & Graham, 2014). The intersection of these factors significantly impacts the overall psychological adjustment of African American children and families. Specifically, the social, emotional, and behavioral strengths needed to navigate racial stress and trauma, societal perceptions, and microagressons related to the lived experiences of being Black in American (Belgrave & Allison, 2015). However, African Americans often have limited access to culturally responsive counseling services. Therefore, clinicians need to be prepared to address the concerns of African American children. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use play therapy skills, interventions, and attitudes to address the unique needs and cultural strengths of African American children. Participants will also have opportunities to explore their own beliefs and biases.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  1. Participants will identify relevant play therapy skills and interventions needed to work effectively with African American children and families.
  2. Participants will describe the unique mental health needs of African American children.
  3. Participants will identify signs of racial-related stress and challenges that may appear in African American children's lives and play therapy sessions.
  4. Participants will identify playroom adaptations to create a culturally responsive play therapy environment.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • Paper  
  • Markers/crayons
  • Small miniatures or electronic access to clip art/images/pictures

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 9, 2020

You will receive 3 total non-contact CE hours.

Webinar Registration Policy: For all Fall Multicultural Webinar Series webinars, registration is final and refund will not be processed. However, you may give or sell your registration to another participant, if the original registrant notifies CPT of any registration transfers to a new attendee. CPT reserves the right to cancel this conference in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If such occurs, CPT will attempt to notify registrants prior to the conference and refund all registration, workshop, and continuing education fees. In all instances, the liability of CPT is limited to refunding such fees.

MEET THE SPEAKER

LaKaavia TaylorLaKaavia Taylor, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, RPT, Certified CCPT-S, Certified CPRT-S, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas, where she enjoys teaching and supervising graduate-level counseling students. Dr. Taylor has research and clinical expertise with African American children in play therapy. Additionally, she has extensive counseling experience with children, adolescents, and families in schools and community mental health settings. Her areas of focus are trauma, racial identity, and socioemotional development. Dr. Taylor has presented at numerous national and state conferences. Through her current and past leadership positions in various organizations, she engages in advocacy efforts for children and adolescents in counseling.

Event Date: 
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: 
Webinar