Content Description:

This workshop provides an overview of perinatal mental health and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) through a play therapy framework. Participants will define PMADs and explore how perinatal mental health distress may impact attachment, bonding, and the parent-child relationship as observed in play therapy practice. The training will review common PMAD signs and symptoms, as well as key risk factors and etiological contributors, with emphasis on how these factors influence play therapy case conceptualization and play therapy treatment planning. Evidence-based play therapy approaches will be discussed, including Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Filial Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Training (CPRT), and Integrative Play Therapy modalities to support caregivers and children impacted by PMADs. Participants will strengthen clinical application through discussion of best practices and treatment planning considerations relevant to their professional play therapy work.

Date/Time(s): Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10am – 1:00pm

Location: Joyful Hearts Training Center, LLC

2219 Sawdust Road, Suite #1002

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Learning Objectives:

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

1.    Define perinatal mental health and PMADs and describe how PMADs may impact attachment, bonding, and the parent-child relationship within a play therapy framework.

2.    Identify at least four PMAD signs and symptoms and explain how PMAD risk factors and etiological contributors may influence play therapy treatment planning.

3.    Identify at least three different play therapy treatment modalities to support caregivers and children affected by PMADs.  

CE Credit Hours: 3 CE Credit Hours will be awarded upon completion of this workshop. Joyful Hearts Training Center, LLC is an APT Approved Provider (#24-725).

This course will satisfy the following hours required when working towards the RPT credential: Play Therapy Special Topics – Three (3) Hours

Presenter Credentials: Angela Pidala, Master Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist™, and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider

What To Expect:

9:45am – Doors Open & Check-in

10:00am – Workshop Starts: Introductions & Foundations

11:30am – Skills & Practice

1:00pm – Evaluations & Sign-out: Workshop Ends

Participants MUST attend the workshop in its entirety to receive CE credit. Partial credit will not be awarded, and refunds will not be given for incomplete attendance.

Presenter Disclosure: The presenter is the owner of Adored Mothers Perinatal Therapy Center. No commercial support was received for this training and there are no additional conflicts of interest to disclose.