Playful Techniques to Build Bridges with Black Families and Communities STL Workshop 2.21.26

Facilitator: April Duncan, DSW, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™

Session Date: February 21st, 2026

Session Time: 1:30 pm-4:45 pm CST

Location: Equal Shares Counseling, 9715 Olive Boulevard, Ground Floor, Olivette, Missouri, 63132

CEs: 3.0 APT Contact CEs

Session description:

Black families and communities experience adversities that may disrupt important connections that are needed for Black children to thrive. Intergenerational and historical trauma within Black families can have an impact on parenting practices within the family and community system that may cause indirect, yet unintentional, harm in Black children. This workshop discusses important cultural considerations when engaging Black caregivers in play therapy, including play therapy interventions to build trust and rapport in parent consultations with Black caregivers. Attendees will also explore play-based interventions to engage Black caregivers in family play therapy, as well as the use of play-based community events to help strengthen relationships and connections within the Black community.

Learning objectives:

1. Assess play therapy activities to help Black caregivers explore their parenting styles in parent consultations.
2. Describe play-based activities to enhance community engagement within Black communities.
3. Discuss game play therapy to strengthen connections in Black families and communities.
4. Identify ways to gain play therapy buy-in with Black caregivers.
5. Demonstrate cultural humility in play therapy consultations with Black caregivers.

Agenda:

• 1:30 pm-3:00 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 3:00 pm-3:15 pm Break
• 3:15 pm-4:30 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 4:30 pm-4:45 pm Wrap up/Q & A

What you'll get:

• 3 APT Contact Workshop CEs
• Certificate of Completion

*Course evaluation must be completed to receive CE credits. Certificates will be provided upon completion of workshop and evaluation.