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Digital Seminar

Seeing the Signs: Detect the Suicidality in Kids Ages 6-12 through Attachment-Centered Play

$69.99 Standard

Suicidality in children ages 6–12 is often overlooked due to developmental misconceptions and the limited assessment tools traditionally used. This session introduces an Attachment-Centered Play Therapy framework for assessing suicidal ideation and behaviors in middle childhood, focusing on how to recognize these signs through the child’s play. By understanding the role of attachment patterns in play, we can spot subtle indicators of distress and respond with ethical, compassionate interventions that are grounded in play therapy techniques. You’ll learn: How to recognize signs of suicidality through play-based sessions, interpreting both symbolic play and nonverbal cues to uncover underlying emotional states. The role of attachment patterns in expressing distress, and how these dynamics show up through play therapy interventions, helping to identify when children are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Practical play therapy tools for attuning to both verbal and nonverbal cues, using sandtray, art, and role-play to facilitate expression and assessment of emotional distress.

Here's What You'll Learn

Suicidality in Middle Childhood

  • Developmental factors (ages 6-12)
  • Emotional and relational contributors to suicidal ideation and behavior

Applying an Attachment-Centered Play Therapy Framework

  • Role of attachment theory in assessment and intervention
  • Emphasis on relational safety and emotional attunement

Integrating Play Therapy Techniques for Assessment

  • Play-based methods for identifying:
    • Themes of despair
    • Disconnection
    • Self-harm in narratives and symbolic expression

Enhancing Clinical Practiced and Collaboration

  • Communicating findings with:
    • Caregivers
    • Schools
    • Multidisciplinary teams
  • Maintaining child’s trust and security
  • Ethics and mandated reporting considerations

Everything You're Getting

  • More than 1 hour of video content
  • Up to 1.5 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts

Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™

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Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™, is an international speaker, author, psychologist, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Throughout her career, she has specialized in providing play therapy to children, teens, and their families. She is currently the Director of Child & Adolescents at Wasatch Family Therapy. Ms. Mellenthin frequently presents professional play therapy and family therapy trainings on Attachment-Centered Play Therapy, Family, and Trauma issues both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Mellenthin is a sought-after supervisor, training graduate students and interns in play therapy, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern California MSW program. She is the past-president of the Utah Association for Play Therapy and remains an active member on the Board of Directors. She is the author of the books Attachment Centered Play Therapy; Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders; My Many Colors of Me Workbookand has authored several chapters and articles. In addition to being an experienced play therapist and professor, Ms. Mellenthin also appears on local and national TV and radio as an expert on children and family issues. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Clair Mellenthin has an employment relationship with Wasatch Family Therapy. She is a published author and receives royalties. Clair Mellenthin receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Clair Mellenthin is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Psychological Association, and the Association for Play Therapy.

More taught by Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™

Leanne Rohrbach-Strange, LCSW

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Leanne Rohrbach, LCSW, is a play therapist specializing in middle childhood and family work. She supports clients and their families through disconnection, transition, and identity exploration, guiding them through moments of rupture and repair. Leanne is committed to practices that honor difference, deepen dialogue, and cultivate belonging from the inside out. She earned her degree with honors from Baylor University and co-authored the chapter Relational Trauma in the Family System with Dr. Clair Mellenthin, featured in the book Trauma Impacts. Leanne is currently working toward her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential under the supervision of Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S™ and Valente Orozco, LCSW, RPT-S™. She serves as a board member for the Utah Association of Play Therapy (UAPT).

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Leanne Strange has employment relationships with Utah Valley University and Wasatch Family Therapy. She is a treasurer elect with the Association for Play Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Leanne Strange has no relevant non-financial relationships.
More taught by Leanne Rohrbach-Strange, LCSW

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS150720
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Copyright:
Jun 04, 2026
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs

We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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