Skip to main content

Parents in Play Therapy Process with the Brain in Mind

Advancements in neuroscience provide theoretical and conceptual support for principles and practices of play therapy for young children. These neurobiological underpinnings are helpful in therapists’ work with parents as well. Parent consultation is an integration component to Adlerian play therapy.  In this interactive training, the presenter will walk you through the parent consultation process across the four phases of Adlerian play therapy, connecting each phase to neurobiology research. In particular, the presenter will unpack Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) across the four phases of parent consultations.  Utilizing the integrated Adlerian play therapy and IPNB framework, the presenter will discuss case examples and show brief video examples to illustrate (a) session progress, (b) resistant parents, and (c) skills unique to connecting with parents of play therapy clients. Come ready to play, gain skills, and insight on how to walk alongside parents through the play therapy journey. 

Days/Times

Thursday, June 25, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CT

Objectives:

  1. Name the four phases of Adlerian play therapy 
  2. Name the eight domains of IPNB 
  3. Describe at least two parent-specific skills for parent consultations in the play therapy process 
  4. Illustrate different personality priorities of parents of play therapy clients 
  5. Describe unique techniques to respond to the different personality priorities in parent consultations with parents of play therapy clients. 
  6. Create at least one intervention per phase of Adlerian Platy Therapy that encompasses IPNB domains.  

Meet the Speaker

Dr. Dalena Dillman Taylor, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, CAdPT-A, Professor, Director of UNT P.L.A.Y. Research Lab is a Professor at the University of North Texas. Her primary research interests include: advancement of Adlerian Play Therapy field towards evidence-based practice; counseling and educational services for high need children and families; and counselor development and supervision. Dr. Dillman Taylor has been active in the areas of research, teaching, and service. Dr. Dillman Taylor has over 60 scholarly works in refereed and/or peer-reviewed dissemination outlets. She is a certified Adlerian play therapist, trainer, and consultant. She also serves as the Research Coordinator for LEAPT and on the LEAPT Advisory Board.