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“Problem children.”
Sadly, that’s how kids with Disruptive Behavior Disorders—like ODD, Conduct Disorder, and PDA—are often labeled.
And instead of focusing on how to connect with these kids, most treatment models focus on controlling, suppressing, or eliminating the behavior.
But behavior is communication. And when children feel powerless, misunderstood, or unsafe, their “defiance” is really a call for relationship, regulation, and repair.
This training flips that script.
Led by Dr. Michael Whitehead—author of Treating Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders—you’ll learn a play-therapy-centered, relationship-based model that empowers children and re-engages the systems around them.
Through child-centered, filial, and directive play therapy interventions, you’ll discover how play therapy unlocks safety, trust, and self-expression—while also helping caregivers and teachers shift from authority to attunement.
You’ll leave with a toolbox of experiential, neurobiologically informed play therapy strategies—from LEGO®, SORRY!®, origami, and juggling games to HeartMath® and somatic play therapy activities—that strengthen co-regulation, foster resilience, and transform family and classroom dynamics.
This isn’t about “fixing” children. It’s about reshaping the relational environment through play as the language of healing—so kids, families, and schools can grow together.
Whether you work in private practice, schools, or community mental health, you’ll walk away with a flexible, compassionate roadmap for creating real, lasting change.
Register now.
Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships
All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
PESI Australia, in collaboration with PESI in the USA, offers quality online continuing professional development events from the leaders in the field at a standard recognized by professional associations including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, alcohol and drug professionals, counselling and psychotherapy. On completion of the training, a Professional Development Certificate is issued after the individual has answered and submitted a quiz and course evaluation. This program is worth 6.5 hours CPD for points calculation by your association.
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - Disruptive Behavior Disorders (4 MB) | 74 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Disruptive Behavior Disorders - French (4 MB) | 74 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Disruptive Behavior Disorders - Italian (4 MB) | 74 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Disruptive Behavior Disorders - German (4 MB) | 74 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Disruptive Behavior Disorders - Spanish (4 MB) | 74 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Michael Whitehead, PhD, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and developer of Integrative Systemic Play Therapy (ISPT). He earned his PhD in human development and family studies from Michigan State University and MS/BS degrees from Brigham Young University. In full-time practice at Aspen Grove Family Therapy in Twin Falls, Idaho, he specializes in high-conflict families, childhood behavioral challenges, and family reunification therapy. A part-time professor and published author, Dr. Whitehead is also the author of Treating Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders and a frequent speaker and professional leader in play and family therapy.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michael Whitehead has employment relationships with Aspen Grove Family Therapy and National University. He receives a speaking honorarium and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michael Whitehead is a member of the Association for Play Therapy, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Coalition of Associations for Systemic Therapy.
Access never expires for this product.
For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepepesi.com
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Foundations for Healing Through Play Therapy
The BISON Model: A Framework for Intervention
Clinic-to-Classroom Carryover
Real Families, Real Change
Research, Risks, and Rethinking Behaviorism
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