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From Play to Connection: Developing Meaningful Relationships in Play Therapy.
Date: February 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm to 4:15 pm
CEs: 3 CEs in Play Therapy Theory Format Delivery: In person
Content Description:
Carl Rogers’ humanistic theory emphasizes the central role of the therapeutic relationship in promoting growth and change. This presentation examines the application of person-centered principles in establishing and strengthening relationships with children in therapeutic and professional settings. Participants will explore theoretical foundations, empirical support, and practical implications for fostering developmentally responsive connections with children. Advanced responses are discussed. This workshop supports professional competence, reflective practice, and the application of theory to ethical and effective work with children.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the key principles of Carl Rogers’ humanistic theory, including empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, as each concept relates to working with children.
2. Explain how the therapeutic relationship serves as a primary mechanism for change in child-centered and person-centered approaches.
3. Apply person-centered principles to establish emotionally safe and developmentally appropriate relationships with children in professional setting.
4. Evaluate the impact of practitioner attitudes and behaviors on children’s emotional expression, self-concept, and engagement in the therapeutic process.
5. Demonstrate reflective practice by identifying ways to integrate Rogers’ core conditions into ethical, effective, and reflective work with children.
Schedule:
01:00 pm – 02:30 pm Theory in relationship construction
02:30 pm – 02:45 pm Break
02:45 pm – 04:15 pm Application and advanced responses in play therapy
Facility: Institute for Counseling Development
1600 Medical Center – Suite B-1
El Paso, Texas 79912
Cancellation and Refund Policy: This workshop is nonrefundable.
Cost $90
Register
From Play to Connection: Developing Meaningful Relationships in Play Therapy.
About the Presenter:
Leah Fowlkes Miller, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S™ is the owner and founder of the Counseling Center of Expressive Arts established in 2001 and the Institute for Counselor Development in El Paso, Texas founded in 2015. She has worked with families, couples, adolescents, and children for over 25 years. She completed her master’s in counseling at Webster University and did a post-graduate study at the University of Oklahoma in art therapy. Leah received her PhD from the University of North Texas in Counseling and Higher Education with a specialty in play therapy.
APT Approved Provider 14-368
