West Regional Workshop 2026
Top 12 Creative Interventions for Working with Teens and Tweens
Presenter: Juliet Fortino, LPC, RPT-S™
Teens and tweens present unique treatment challenges for play therapists. Adolescents are often harder to engage and may resist direct verbal communication. Play Therapy is often underused or misunderstood with adolescents. Some clinician association play therapy with young children, but play therapy is just as valuable a tool for adolescents. Many therapists have a limited understanding in the use of play therapy with teens and tweens. Learning developmentally appropriate interventions to engage teens is of vital importance to the therapeutic process.
This introductory 6-hour workshop examines 12 creative interventions for working effectively with teens and tweens through an Adlerian play therapy lens. Designed for clinicians seeking practical, developmentally responsive strategies, this workshop addresses that gap by providing practical, play therapy strategies that clinicians can use to improve engagement, treatment planning, and intervention effectiveness with teens and tweens.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Discuss four common challenges facing teens and tweens.
- Develop effective play therapy treatment plans for teens and tweens.
- Explain how adolescent development influences play therapy.
- Identify strategies for engaging teens in play therapy.
- Select one appropriate creative play therapy intervention for each common challenge facing teens and tweens.
- Demonstrate at least four creative play therapy interventions for teens and tweens.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Juliet Fortino, MC, LPC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ works with Children and Families involved with Department of Child Safety and the various child mental health agencies in the Tucson community in a private practice setting. She has over 25 years experience working with child trauma, abuse, attachment, and play therapy. She currently uses play therapy in individual and family therapy to help children heal from their previous traumas. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages, including the 0-5 age group. She speaks locally and nationally on a variety of play therapy topics.
Skill Level: Foundational
Play Therapy Primary Areas of Instruction: Play Therapy Skills and Methods
Seating is limited so register early!
6 APT Contact CEs. This program is currently pending approval for social work continuing education contact hours.
Payment must be made online at the time of registration to guarantee your seat. Registration is limited.
Workshop Schedule
Registration: 8:15-9:00 a.m.
Announcements/Sponsor sharing: 8:50- 9:00 a.m.
Workshop Session: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Break: 10:30-10:45 a.m.
Workshop Session: 10:45-12:15 p.m.
Lunch (on your own): 12:15-1:30 p.m.
Workshop Session: 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Break: 3:00- 3:15 p.m.
Workshop Session: 3:15-4:45 p.m.
End of the Workshop: 4:45 p.m.
FOOD: Food and snacks are NOT provided at this workshop. You may bring your own food or go to a local restaurant during break.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than October 23, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee. Substitutions may be made in writing for no additional cost. No refunds after October 23, 2026. No refunds are given due to inclement weather.
HANDOUTS: In an effort to reduce paper waste and be more “green,” our policy is to email all handouts. Please include a valid email address with your registration to receive the handouts.
PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this conference, you are giving permission for MIAPT to use any photographs 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 someone at registration of your request to be omitted.
MAILING LIST: By registering for this training with MIAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: This workshop for mental health professionals is sponsored by the Michigan Association for Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 99-050. CE credit is offered for play therapy. The program offers 6.00 contact hours, with full attendance required. This program is currently pending approval for social work continuing education contact hours.
ADA: If you have special needs, please contact Sabrina Slagter at mymiapt@gmail.com.
The YMCA Kidzone MAY NOT BE USED for childcare during this workshop.
Thank you to our sponsor!
