Greetings Playmates!
It’s been a hot summer but the sunshine and warm weather delights me. I can’t believe it’s already August and my young clients are talking about going back to school in about three weeks. Where did the summer go? Many of my teen clients are bemoaning the fact that they will soon be back into the school grind and some of the younger ones can hardly wait. I was always like one of the younger ones, even through grad school. I feel left out now when all of the back-to-school sales pop up and I don’t get to buy new crayons to put in my desk!
With school starting, we can plan to see a surge in new referrals as anxieties rise and problems pop up due to symptoms of ADHD in the classroom. It’s a tough transition for many of our clients which can put a burden on us as there are not enough therapists to go around. I hate having to tell prospective clients that my schedule is full and to send them away, referring them to others in the community whose schedules are also probably full.
MIAPT exists to raise up and provide training and networking opportunities for play therapists. WE are the key to developing the play therapy community in Michigan. As a board, we are open to any and all ideas of new ways to provide support to our members and to spread awareness of the need for additional play therapists to other professionals. I’m ready and willing to talk with anyone who has ideas to help meet the needs for and of play therapists around the state. I’m here to help YOU find your niche within the organization. Fall is coming and with it, elections for officers to help lead the organization. Should your name be on the ballot? I’d be honored to talk with you. My personal email is dstek@sbcglobal.net.
Enjoy the several weeks of warm sunshine that we have left for this year. Soon it will be fall and time for sweatshirts and hot cider. My dad always said that time passes more quickly as you get older. I’m beginning to understand what he meant.
Hugs to all (or other warm sentiments to those who are not huggers!)
Playfully,
Diana
Diana Steketee, LLP, Registered Play Therapist™
President, MIAPT 2023-2024
