Ethical Considerations in Play Therapy – October 28, 2026 – Live/Virtual

Description:

Play therapists face complex ethical dilemmas involving both children, their guardians, and other caregivers. Moral decision-making models; considerations, goals, and models for inclusion, diversity, and equity; research; and APT publications will be applied to ethical vignettes experienced in play therapy practice.

With an advocacy role in mind, participants will apply play therapy best practices with a goal of supporting the ongoing growth and development of children in play therapy.

Participants will select from five moral decision-making models to apply to their personal play therapy practice. Participants will apply their chosen moral decision-making model; incorporate three considerations, three goals, and models for inclusion, diversity, and equity; APT publications, Play Therapy Best Practices© and Paper on Touch©️, along with research to 15 play therapy vignettes for open discussion.

Special emphasis will be given to the following areas in the play therapy vignettes: confidentiality and disclosure to guardians; considerations before touch is implemented as a part of treatment; coordination of care with other professionals; providing services to multiple family members; guardians involved in high conflict divorce; differing values and biases of guardians and children in play therapy regarding inclusion, diversity, and equity; and telehealth in play therapy.

Learning Objectives

1. Select from 5 moral decision-making models to implement in professional play therapy practice

2. Evaluate 3 considerations and 3 goals of inclusion, diversity, and equity for ethical dilemmas in play therapy

3. Apply moral decision-making models; state and discipline guidelines; APT’s guidelines; research; and knowledge regarding inclusion, diversity, and equity to 15 play therapy ethical vignettes

Dr. Rhonda Johnson

LPC-S, LMFT-S, Registered Play Therapist™- Supervisor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Trust Based Relational Intervention™ Practitioner, EMDR Consultant, Somatic Experiencing™ Practitioner

She is the founder and owner of the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships (CCFAM), a large, thriving group practice that was established in 2007 and specializes in family systems and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Johnson is also the founder and owner of CCFAM Training, established in 2012, offering supervision and ethics courses. She is also the owner of Play Therapy Training Resources, established in 2021. Through those companies, she provides continuing education, supervision, and consultations.