About this live event

Learning Objectives

• Describe at least three strategies for adapting play therapy psychoeducation and caregiver consultation approaches based on generational values and communication styles.
• Apply cultural humility principles to strengthen collaborative goal-setting and caregiver involvement across diverse generational contexts in play therapy.
• Design generationally responsive approaches to presenting play therapy rationale to caregivers, including addressing stigma, skepticism, and differing beliefs about childhood and mental health.
• Explain how generational identify functions as a cultural variable influencing caregiver engagement, therapeutic alliance, and expectations within play therapy practice.
• Analyze research on generational cohort theory and the Schwartz Values Framework as applied to parenting beliefs and help-seeking behavior across Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z caregivers
• Examine personal generational assumptions and potential countertransference that may affect the therapeutic relationship with caregivers from different generational backgrounds.

Live event Instructor(s)

• Carlos Mendoza, MA, LPC-S

  Training Director

  Carlos Mendoza is a compassionate and experienced therapist with a decade of experience dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in their efforts towards connection.

  Carlos is trained in Gottman Relationship Therapy, which equips him with effective tools and strategies to help couples build and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. He is also skilled in Internal Family Systems therapy, providing clients with a safe space to explore and understand the various parts of themselves, fostering self-awareness and healing.

  Specialty Carlos creates a welcoming and affirming environment where individuals and families can explore their identities, needs, and conflicts while navigating the complexities of their relationships with acceptance and respect. Carlos is passionate about supporting families with queer and trans-identifying teens with an inclusive approach to therapy. He also works with families with adult children who are struggling with the in-between space of adolescence and early adulthood. Carlos also specializes in interpersonal Gestalt therapy, which focuses on the present moment experience and how it shapes our relationships with ourselves and others. Carlos is committed to helping his clients cultivate deeper connections, heal past wounds, and create meaningful change in their lives. He addresses difficulties with anger, anxiety, social anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, and identity discovery.

  Training Director Carlos is also a licensed supervisor (LPC-S) and Training Director who offers training (groups, individual, online, in-person) for Associates, students, and other clinicians looking to improve their clinical skills. He helps clinicians interested in improving therapeutic rapport, addressing shame with clients, acquiring modern Gestalt skills and theory, and developing self-awareness.

• Kiely Alfieri Lauria, MA, M.Ed., LPC

  Licensed Therapist

  Kiely is a warm, accepting, and skilled therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and related disorders across all age groups. With expertise in treating conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety, performance anxiety, and perfectionism, Kiely offers a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

  Specialty Area: Children/Teens Trained in play therapy techniques, like Child-centered Play Therapy and TheraPlay, Kiely has a special focus on working with children and teens, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young clients can explore their thoughts and feelings through creative expression and play. With a gentle and empathetic approach, Kiely helps children and teens develop coping skills, build resilience, and navigate the challenges of growing up with confidence and self-awareness.

  Specialty Area: Adults For adult clients, Kiely provides evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through a person-centered lens, Mindfulness-based interventions, and LENS Neurofeedback to address anxiety, depression, and related disorders. Through collaborative and personalized treatment plans, Kiely helps adults gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, challenge negative patterns, and cultivate greater resilience and well-being.