Creating An Inclusive And Culturally Competent PT Practice
Training Date: June 8, 2026
Classes start at 9 am and finish at 3:30pm.
Overview
Anti-oppressive practice, cultural competence, cultural humility and the integration of these in the provision of play therapy services is an essential element of working with culturally diverse children and families. The principals that inform this include a number of facets related to identity and experiences of relative power and privilege. One facet, and perhaps a starting place, is self-reflection: acknowledging privilege and the benefits that affords. Another facet is responsibility: taking responsibility for the historical injustices that have resulted from unearned privilege. A third facet is receptivity: seeking and remaining open to feedback from oppressed and marginalized groups and individuals about how to better understand and more sensitively respond to their experiences of oppression and marginalization, both historical and ongoing. And yet another facet is action: putting into action an ongoing process of reflection, responsibility and receptivity that supports a clinical response that is built on social justice principles and practices.
This one-day course will engage participants in: activities of self-reflection and sharing; didactic teaching and audio-visual material that explore historical and current social justice issues; group activities to support openness and discussion and practical suggestions about how to put this into action in the practice of play therapy.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define and Differentiate Key Concepts:
- Clearly define cultural competence, cultural humility, cultural safety, and inclusion as they apply to play therapy.
- Recognize the Impact of Culture and Identity:
- Identify how culture, race, ethnicity, language, gender, ability, and other aspects of identity influence children’s experiences and therapeutic needs.
- Assess and Adapt the Playroom Environment:
- Evaluate the playroom for inclusivity and cultural safety, and implement changes to ensure representation and affirmation of diverse identities.
- Identify and Address Microaggressions and Implicit Bias:
- Recognize examples of microaggressions and implicit bias in play therapy settings and apply strategies to mitigate their impact.
- Integrate Culturally Responsive Practices:
- Incorporate culturally relevant materials, activities, and approaches into play therapy to support children from diverse backgrounds.
- Support Indigenous and Marginalized Children:
- Apply trauma-informed and anti-oppressive frameworks, including awareness of colonial impacts, to support Indigenous and other marginalized children and families.
- Engage Families and Communities:
- Collaborate effectively with families and community members to ensure play therapy is responsive to cultural values, traditions, and strengths.
- Demonstrate Ongoing Self-Reflection and Professional Growth:
- Engage in continuous self-reflection regarding personal biases, cultural assumptions, and areas for further learning to enhance cultural competence.
- Advocate for Equity and Inclusion:
- Develop and implement action plans to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in play therapy practice and organizational settings.
- Foster a Culturally Safe Therapeutic Relationship:
- Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships in which all children feel respected, valued, and safe to express their cultural identities.
Course Instructor: Stacy Darku