Wish you felt as confident working parents as you do working with kids?

Play Therapy

FAll ACADEMY 2025

Transform your work with parents

3 Live Trainings on Zoom

Oct 10, Oct 17 & Nov 14

recording available
10 CEU's

Do you dread that parent call?

How does PLAY help with behaviors?

How can I know if we are making progress?

How is what you do here going to help my child on the playground?

I GET IT. I'VE BEEN THERE.

Hi, I'm Mali Arias!

I once had parents walk out of a session because they felt it was a big waste of time to play "Guess Who" for the whole hour.

When I was a new play therapist I was great at connecting with the kids, not so much the parents!

WHAT THEY DON'T TELL YOU IN TRAINING

  • They don’t tell you that the parents are such a big part of being a play therapist.

  • That the parents have completely different needs than the child.

  • And, let’s be real!

    The parents are the ones who bring the child to sessions (or DON”T).

Because parents are 50% of the work

WHAT THIS IS NOT

  • This is not therapy for the parent

  • This is not a crash course in Interpersonal Neurobiology and the history of Attachment Science for parents

  • This is not a one-size-fits-all-parents approach (or a one-size-fits-all-therapists approach)

WHAT THIS IS

  • A practical approach that may be applied across theories and therapist experience levels.

  • A new approach to setting goals collaboratively with parents.

  • A guide to better explain what we do and WHY.

  • A simple framework for coaching parents with development and attachment in mind.

  • And a unique approach to welcoming parents into the playroom (when and if it’s right)

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

PART 1: Get Collaborative Setting Goals

  • Put down the expert hat for a moment and meet parents right where they are.

  • Learn to set Small Positive goals for success and guide parents across the corpus callosum Watch Video

  • Be creative you may be surprised by what you come up with!

  • Helps everyone relax, feel seen and and maybe have a laugh… or a yawn

PART 2: Coaching Parents (with Attachment in Mind)

  • Offer tools on Nervous System and developing Executive Skills.

  • Give parents homework that they will do.

  • Help parents see their impact on behaviors.

  • Be ready for parent follow-up calls to work very closely together!

PART 3: Welcoming Parents into the Playroom

  • Welcome parents into the play room orienting them to their role, what to expect and how they can support play.

  • Give parents a plan for presence in the playroom.

  • Handy 1-page guide to use in the room.

  • Help track with parents where the play is headed and the benefits to the child and family.

2025
FALL ACADEMY DATES & TOPICS

• 3 LIVE workshops

• 3 hours each

• Zoom with Recording Available

• 9 hours CEU

• Spots Limited

About Me!

Montessorian, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and Mom

I am a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPC-S) with 10 years in practice. I have a full time play therapy office in TX and I cook dinner every night for my family (:

After 2 decades in early childhood education I became a play therapist and I took a deep dive into attachment, trauma, discipline and PLAY!

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” — Hellen Keller

Fun facts!

  • I moved to the US at age 7 from Mexico City (I did not speak English)

  • I lived in Amsterdam in my 20's...yes, it was FUN!

  • I struggled with infertility before having my son who is now 15 ( :

PART 1: Get Collaborative Setting Goals

October 10, 2025: 9:00 AM–12PM CST

  • The First 7 Questions: join with parents from the first meeting

  • Set Small Positive Goals: create a positive vision forward

  • Play Therapy Intensive Model and YOU: make the most of sessions

PART 2: Coaching Parents (with Attachment in Mind)

October 17, 2025: 9:00 AM–12PM CST

  • The Root & Bloom Guide: the nervous system and executive skills

  • Family Nervous System Guide: how we impact each other

  • The Root & Reach Chart: development and growth

PART 3:Welcoming Parents into the Playroom

November 14, 2025: 9:00 AM–12PM CST

  • The Treasure Map: orienting parents to their role in the playroom

  • Present Play Skills Guide: parent tools for presence

  • Relational Play Skills Ladder: how play grows

What Therapists Are Saying

"This helps us explain to parents what we do and WHY!"

Working with Maria was fantastic!

She has a wealth of knowledge and information.

"Mali is able to bring a new perspective to the most intractable situations

and offer ideas for successful interventions"

INVESTMENT: $299

BONUS!

PLUS you get 2 bonus Office Hours dates!

Your chance to hop on and ask any questions.

Get support and consultation with Mali Arias.

October 24, 2025: 8–11AM CST | November 21, 2025: 8–11AM CST

A Therapist’s Approach to Parent Connection