As professionals working with young children and families, we know about the importance of play and how children make use of play in order to develop their capacities, heal through trauma, and create relationships. However, as professionals we may not always receive enough training in being playful ourselves. We find that using ourselves in a playful and creative way in our work facilitates growth and expression. In this presentation we will offer ways to think about incorporating your sense of play and creativity into your work, as well as some experiential learning to get in touch with your playful and creative side.
Linnet Mendez, LCPC
Linnet is a psychotherapist and art therapist. She sees a range of clients for family therapy, early childhood developmental concerns, parenting support, and child treatment. Linnet specializes in play therapy to treat childhood anxiety, parental anxiety and depression, attachment and relationship problems, and issues related to the experience of trauma and loss. She works with clients of all ages to support creativity and flexibility toward change and acceptance. Linnet has over 12 years experience in the field working in a range of settings and presenting on a variety of topics related to mental health, child development, reflective supervision and creative arts expression. Linnet holds a Masters in Counseling in Art Therapy from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Greer Beckman, LCSW, RDT
Greer is a psychotherapist who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Drama Therapist. In her work with children, families, and adults, Greer seeks to create a therapeutic relationship where she works collaboratively with her clients, providing a creative space for exploration. By gaining a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings, she partners with her clients to find new and different ways of being. For clients who are interested, Greer can use drama therapy to promote the development of spontaneity and greater capacity to connect with others. Over the last 10 years, Greer has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health centers, a behavioral health hospital, and a child development center. She received her MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration.
Wendy Guyer, LCSW
Wendy has been a practicing psychotherapist in the Chicago area for over twelve years and a clinical supervisor for ten years. She enjoys working with adults, teens, and children and providing individual, couples, and family counseling across the lifespan. Wendy believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a safe place to explore, process, accept, challenge, and modify unworkable thoughts, feelings, parenting strategies, and behavior, whether they arise from recent experiences or feel leftover from an earlier time in life. She believes that therapy is a partnership in co-creating a meaningful dialogue and plan of action--whether it be through talking, play, or other creative outlets--in order to help individuals and families invite more joy into each day. Wendy holds a Masters of Science in Child Development from the Erikson Institute and a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University.
Social Work and Counseling CEUs are available. Early Intervention credits have been approved for 1.5 hours in Intervention.
This seminar is co-sponsored by the Center for Practice Excellence at JCFS-Chicago.
