The Readiness Factor: Applying Stages of Change to Case Conceptualization & Treatment in Play Therapy

Have you ever felt like you and a caregiver were working toward completely different goals? Or watched a child resist an intervention that should have been a perfect fit, only to realize later they just weren't ready? Readiness matters. And when we ignore it, even our best interventions fall flat.

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF

1. You work with families where caregiver and child motivation don't align
2. You want concrete strategies for adapting your approach to client readiness
3. You're curious how motivational interviewing translates into the playroom

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This intermediate-level workshop explores the Transtheoretical Model and what it actually looks like in play therapy. You'll learn to identify where children and caregivers are in the change process and what to do when they're not in the same place. We'll dig into motivational interviewing strategies adapted specifically for play therapy and examine how to observe and track stages of change in directive and nondirective play therapy approaches. You'll leave with practical tools for assessing readiness, matching your approach to each family's stage of change, and keeping play therapy moving when motivation is the missing piece.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this workshop, you'll be able to:

1. Identify all six stages of the Transtheoretical Model as they apply to play therapy practice.
2. Assess readiness mismatches between children, caregivers, and referral sources in play therapy.
3. Select appropriate directive and nondirective play therapy techniques based on clients' stages of change.
4. Implement motivational interviewing strategies to enhance engagement in play therapy sessions.
5. Distinguish how change stages present differently in directive versus nondirective play therapy approaches.
6. Modify play therapy interventions to align with individual client and caregiver readiness levels.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jordan Klekamp, LMHC, CMHS, RPT-S™ is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™ passionate about making therapy more accessible for kids, teens, and their families.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Attendee cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a partial refund. All refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee. In lieu of a refund, the full amount paid may be applied as a credit toward a future Atlas Institute training of equal or lesser value. To receive this credit, participants must reference this policy at the time of their next purchase. If Atlas Institute cancels an event, all registered participants will be offered a full refund or a credit toward a future Atlas Institute training of equal or lesser value.

CONTACT

For questions or accommodations, email Jordan at institute@atlascounselingseattle.com

All feedback and complaints regarding Atlas Institute workshops should be submitted in writing to Jordan at institute@atlascounselingseattle.com. If offered resolutions are not satisfactory, the complaint will be reviewed by Atlas Counseling leadership, and a final written decision will be issued within 30 days of receipt.