Strategic Documentation: A Play Therapist's Guide to Protection, Compliance, and Creativity in the Clinical Record
Have you ever finished a session and stared at a blank progress note, unsure how to capture what just happened in the sand tray? Or worried that what you wrote could one day be used against your client? Documentation is something we all have to do, but few of us were ever taught to do it well. What we write can protect our clients or put them at risk, and when we get it right, it becomes one of the most powerful advocacy tools we have.
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF
1. You struggle to translate creative play therapy interventions into language that satisfies insurance or legal requirements
2. You worry about how your play therapy records might be used or misused by third parties
3. You want a documentation system that protects your play therapy clients and reflects the legitimacy of your work
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
This intermediate-level workshop empowers play therapists to master documentation as a powerful tool for client advocacy and protection. You'll learn how documentation practices can either increase or decrease risk to your clients, with emphasis on your responsibility to safeguard vulnerable populations. We'll cover strategies for protecting client identities while addressing complex therapeutic issues, including hands-on practice writing and revising progress notes to emphasize therapeutic progress over overly descriptive detail. You'll develop skills in translating creative play therapy interventions into behavioral language that satisfies third-party payor requirements while still communicating the therapeutic purpose behind your work. The workshop focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, and progress notes that clearly demonstrate therapeutic rather than merely supportive interventions, grounded in your specific therapeutic orientation.
THIS WORKSHOP IS A FUNDRAISER!
50% of proceeds will be donated to Spokane Public Schools Complex Fire Student Aid, supporting students impacted by the fire with clothing, shoes, medication, glasses, and personal care items. Learn more at spokanecommunityresources.org.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this workshop, you'll be better able to:
- Apply nonmaleficence principles to create protective documentation practices that safeguard play therapy clients from potential harm when records are accessed by third parties.
- Translate creative play therapy interventions into behavioral language that meets third-party payor requirements while preserving the therapeutic integrity of the work.
- Develop golden thread documentation systems that effectively advocate for the legitimacy and therapeutic value of play therapy interventions within clinical and legal frameworks.
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.
SCHEDULE
- 9:00 – 10:30 Workshop
- 10:30 – 10:45 Break
- 10:45 – 12:00 Workshop
FORMAT
Live Online Workshop + On Demand Replay | Non-Contact | Intermediate | Skills & Methods
CONTINUING EDUCATION
This workshop is eligible for 2.75 non-contact continuing education hours sponsored by Atlas Institute, APT Provider 26-818. These hours may be applied toward play therapist credentialing with the Association for Play Therapy and annual licensure renewal in Washington State [WAC 246-809-610(3)(a)]. Clinicians licensed outside of Washington State should check with their own licensing board to confirm whether this training qualifies for their CE requirements. To receive CE credit, participants must complete all course requirements, including the evaluation and post-test.
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.