1. Play Therapy Techniques: When Toys are More than Toys
Dianna Sawyers, MSW, LCSW

2. Today’s Learning Objectives
Discuss how in play therapy to use standard toys in new, creative, and practical ways
Learn how to utilize a mobile play space
Identify how to pick an appropriate intervention based on play therapy theory, toy selection, and desired goals

3. Topics to be Discussed Using the classic toy list with new enthusiasm
Making the best of a mobile play space
Using the classic toys to address a variety of clients and client needs
Falling in love with your toys again

4. Same Toy, New Game Toys change with every client
Allow clients to engage in healing play
Yesterday’s villain and today’s hero- your reaction matters when a child selects a toy

5. Same Toy, Same Game You just played Candy Land for 8 hours!!!
What if tomorrow is the same???
What to do when a client is stuck with a theme/toy- Why does this happen
Actively attempting to resolve a conflict- watch for small signs of progress
Fear of progress- how to help explore the play room in a safe way
Did you miss something?

6. When You Change a Toy Is Warning Needed!?!
Did you try it first? Is it going to work the way you want/need/thought?
What happens next session?

7. Transforming Games for Older Children
Relationship building
Changing focus of the game from winning to teamwork
Building self-esteem
Promoting healthy choices and decision making skills

8. The Mobile Toy Room, Making it Work, and Theory based Toy Selection
What should guide your toy selection?
What happens when you don’t have something
Taking ownership of your toys
Making your toys work for you

9. Analytical Play Toy List
Drawing materials
Doll and clothes
Blanket
Games
Balls
Doll house and families
Blocks
Current Action Figures
Soldiers
Puppets
Holding space for collected works

10. Child Centered Play Toy List
Crayons
Newsprint
Blunt Scissors
Clay
Popsicle Sticks
Transparent tape
Nursing Bottle
Doll
Plastic dishes
Bendable nondescript figure
Doll family, house, and furniture
Mask
Rubber Knife
Dart Gun
Hand cuffs
Soldiers
Car and airplane
Puppets
Rope
2 telephones
Costume Jewelry

11. Cognitive Behavioral Dolls Puppets Action Figures Art Materials
Materials needed for Directive Activities

12. You, the therapist Understanding and owning your theory
Importance of mentoring relationship