Holding Space - Thumbnail-v3.jpg.png
Holding Space - Thumbnail-v3.jpg.png

Holding Space While Taking Up Space: Supporting Therapists Through the Transition to Parenthood and Caregiving

$50.00

September 19, 2026

8am - 12pm

Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are significant life experiences that can influence a play therapist's clinical presence, therapeutic relationships, and professional practice. During these transitions, therapists may navigate physical and emotional changes, increased caregiving responsibilities, and planned interruptions in treatment while continuing to provide effective care to children and families.

This course explores pregnancy and the transition to parenthood through the lens of the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy. Participants will examine the potential impact of these experiences on therapeutic presence, use of self, countertransference, boundaries, treatment planning, and the therapeutic relationship. The course also addresses preparing children and families for planned interruptions in treatment, including maternity, parental, or caregiving leave, and facilitating healthy therapeutic transitions.

Although pregnancy-specific experiences are addressed, this course is relevant to play therapists who are parents, expectant parents, caregivers, or who work with children and families for whom pregnancy, parenting, and caregiving are meaningful clinical themes. Emphasis is placed on applying play therapy principles and Oaklander Model interventions to promote ethical, developmentally responsive, and sustainable clinical practice.

September 19, 2026

8am - 12pm

Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are significant life experiences that can influence a play therapist's clinical presence, therapeutic relationships, and professional practice. During these transitions, therapists may navigate physical and emotional changes, increased caregiving responsibilities, and planned interruptions in treatment while continuing to provide effective care to children and families.

This course explores pregnancy and the transition to parenthood through the lens of the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy. Participants will examine the potential impact of these experiences on therapeutic presence, use of self, countertransference, boundaries, treatment planning, and the therapeutic relationship. The course also addresses preparing children and families for planned interruptions in treatment, including maternity, parental, or caregiving leave, and facilitating healthy therapeutic transitions.

Although pregnancy-specific experiences are addressed, this course is relevant to play therapists who are parents, expectant parents, caregivers, or who work with children and families for whom pregnancy, parenting, and caregiving are meaningful clinical themes. Emphasis is placed on applying play therapy principles and Oaklander Model interventions to promote ethical, developmentally responsive, and sustainable clinical practice.

Training Instructors

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe how pregnancy and the transition to caregiving may affect a play therapist's therapeutic presence, self-awareness, and use of self within the therapeutic relationship.

  • Explain how the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy supports authentic therapeutic contact while therapists navigate the physical, emotional, and relational changes associated with pregnancy and caregiving.

  • Identify self-care strategies grounded in the Oaklander Model that support therapist wellness, healthy boundaries, and sustainable play therapy practice during pregnancy and caregiving transitions.

  • Discuss Oaklander Model considerations related to countertransference, unfinished business, therapeutic endings, and planned interruptions in play therapy due to maternity, parental, or caregiving leave.

  • Develop play therapy strategies for preparing children and families for planned breaks in treatment and facilitating developmentally appropriate therapeutic transitions.

  • Apply principles of the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy to treatment planning and clinical work with children, adolescents, parents, and families when pregnancy, parenting, or caregiving is a relevant therapeutic theme.

4 Hours of APT Specialized Live Webinar CEs

Play therapy credit available to mental health professionals & graduate students in a mental health program.

4 Hours of Continuing education credits available from CAMFT Approved Provider No. 133907

4 Hours of approved VSOF certification hours

APT Approved Provider 21-640

Workshop Agenda | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

With a blend of theory and of course Oaklander Model experiences, we will cover:

8:00–9:00 | Holding Space

  • Starting where we are

  • The therapist experience

  • What will change?

9:00–10:00 | Taking up Space

  • Needs

  • Boundaries

  • Client relationships

10:00–11:00 | Creating New Space

  • Growing Your Family

  • Navigating changes in the Therapy Room

  • Client Conversations

11:00–12:00 | Moving Forward

  • Support and Self-care

  • Creative exploration

  • Closing Reflections