Human Services Professional Institute Monthly Seminar Series Set for April 20

Montgomery College's Human Services Professional Institute (HSPI) will present "Using Play Therapy in the Assessment and Treatment of Children," the seventh of its monthly seminar series geared for area human services professionals. The seminar is scheduled for Friday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-noon at Montgomery College in Building B, Room 102. Continental breakfast and early registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Attendees will receive continuing education units (CEUs) for the $38 seminar.

The seminar will allow participants to obtain a foundational look at utilizing play as a therapeutic modality for working with children. They will also obtain an overview of play therapy concepts and principles that include history, child-centered theory, as well as application and skills of play therapy. Finally, they will gain an understanding of the importance of play in therapy, learn what toys and materials are necessary to utilize this therapy, understand the facilitative language used in play therapy, and learn the skills of limit setting and choice giving.
 
Yvonne Garza, leader of this session, received her Ph.D. in counseling from the University of North Texas with a specialty in play therapy. She is currently an assistant professor and play therapy coordinator in the department of educational leadership and counseling at Sam Houston State University. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with children and families in the areas of both outpatient and inpatient mental health, including work in juvenile detention, schools, and contract work with cancer patients. Garza's research interests include play therapy, play therapy with Hispanics, filial therapy and counselor supervision.
The HSPI provides relevant continuing education opportunities for professionals and the community and develops partnerships to assist agencies in meeting specific organizational training and development needs. Additional spring seminars include LCDC Exam Prep (Apr. 25/May 5), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (May 18).

"The HSPI is designed not only for professional development, but for networking purposes as well," said Stephen Koszewski, program manager at Montgomery College. "It's a fantastic, low-cost way to stay on top of the latest trends in human services, and learn from experts in the field."

For registration and seminar information, contact Stephen Koszewski, program manager, via e-mail at Stephen.koszewski@lonestar.edu  or via phone at (936) 273-7435.

Montgomery College is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000 or visit montgomery.lonestar.edu.

NHMCCD, among the largest and fastest growing community colleges in Texas, comprise, Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College, North Harris College, Tomball College, six satellite centers, and The University Center.