Reclaiming Black Childhood: Engaging Adultified Black Youth in Play Therapy

Presented by April Duncan, DSW, LCSW, RPT-S™

Systemic & institutional racism in American Black children often robs them of a childhood. As a result, Black caregivers may also encourage their children to abandon play to prepare them for an unjust world. In turn, they are often denied the ability to fully engage in play, in and out of the playroom. This also may lead to difficulty gaining play therapy buy-in from Black caregivers around certain categories of toys that may be taboo. Using an Ecosystemic Play Therapy approach, this workshop explores how adultification appears in play therapy with Black children and family, including how the grief of the killing of unarmed Black Americans may contribute to parenting practices towards Black children. Attendees will explore play therapy activities to build rapport and gain buy-in with caregivers who may have parenting practices rooted in intergenerational trauma. Participants will also explore key items to promote cultural pride in the playroom and promote cultural inclusivity. Additionally, participants will explore other expressive therapies such as sand tray, music and games to activate the therapeutic powers of play and help Black children reclaim their childhood. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After attending this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Use Ecosystemic Play Therapy skills to explore adultification in Black children
2. Discuss play themes that may signal adultification in Black children 
3. Analyze categories of play that may be viewed as problematic in Black families

Session limited to 50 participants.

This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 99-050 for 3 CE  hours.  

This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar."

Advanced Level | Seminal/Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Special Topics

Please note that CEs are only for APT hours. 

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: April Duncan (DSW, LCSW, RPT-S) obtained her Bachelor’s in Arts & Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006), Masters of Social Work from Saint Louis University (2012) and Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California (2021). Dr. April is a racial trauma expert and the founder of BMH Connect, an organization focusing on using play therapy to address racial trauma in children of color. She also is an adjunct instructor in the online MSW program at Tulane University and serves on the advisory board for the World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals. 

VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual workshop. Participants will be awarded APT LIVE WEBINAR CE after successful completion of a post test. This workshop meets APT's definition of "Live Webinar." Participants must be visible throughout the presentation. 

MIAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 99-050. MIAPT maintains responsibility for the program.

PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this training, you are giving permission for MIAPT to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as MIAPT deems appropriate and desirable. Photographs may be used on the MIAPT website, social media pages, and/or newsletter for any purpose. By completing the registration, you are also consenting to waive any rights to the photographs indefinitely. If you do not wish to have your photo used, it is your responsibility to notify MIAPT of your request to be omitted.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you notify MIAPT you are canceling, and we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund for the registration fee minus $20 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be made in writing. No refunds after January 3, 2025.

EMAIL LIST: By registering for this training, you are giving MIAPT permission to add your email to our email list.

ADA/Section 504: If you have special needs, please contact mymiapt@gmail.com.