molly and me

counseling and training center

Idaho’s Premier Play Therapy Training Center

Training Opportunities

Join the learning adventure at Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC, a pioneer in play therapy education in Idaho since 2007. Our vision is to offer a specialized learning pathway for professionals can refine their skills and embrace the therapeutic power of play in working with children. Beyond professional development, we’ve created a nurturing place where parents also discover the profound impact play has on healing and connection.

All training sessions provided will not only be informative and educational, but experiential and interactive. Come prepared to learn effective play therapy techniques, which you may walk out and use with your clients the next day.

For more information call (208) 576-6464 or contact us using our secure contact form.

Current Trainings – Registration NOW Open

Most of our trainings are held in the Meridian, at our training Center, but if you can’t come to us we can come to you! Contact us about your training needs and we can bring a play therapy training to your organization, school, or agency.

For a partial list of available topics read below. Email Hi****@mo******************.com to register for one of the below trainings or to have a topic tailored to meet your group’s needs.

Introduction to Therapeutic Play Therapy: Level One

May 15-19, 2025

8:00am to 5:00pm

Becoming a Play Professional: An Introduction to Therapeutic Play

Begin training toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

​Earn up to 45 Hours CE

Level One Training

Level One is recommended for those beginning their play therapy training process (0-35 prior APT approved training hours completed).  Level One is not sufficient for registration as a Play Therapist in the United States. However, those who complete the training will be well prepared to begin conducting play therapy sessions under supervision and will be equipped for addition more-advanced training opportunities.

Presenter: Dan Bayly, PhD, LCPC

Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

APT approved provider number 08-222

Location:

Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center

1414 W Ustick, Suite 110

Meridian, ID 83646

Advanced Play Therapy: Level Two

September 18 – 23, 2025

8:00am to 5:00pm

Earn up to 55 Hours CE

This training is appropriate for those who have already completed the Level One training provided through Molly Gratton and/or Dan Bayly, have completed a similar Level One training program, have obtained a substantial portion of APT approved training hours (approximately 35 – 55 hrs), or who have significant other practical experience or training which will be determined on a case by case basis. It is recommended that anyone attending the Level Two training be actively involved in therapeutic work and/or play therapy.

Presenter: Dan Bayly, PhD, LCPC,

and Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

 

Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

APT approved provider number 08-222

Location:
Molly and Me Counseling Center
1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
Meridian, ID

Available Trainings – Contact us for more information

Play Therapy in the Sand

CANCELLED

6 hrs APT CE Contact Credit Hours

This training is for therapists who are new at using sand trays in the play therapy room. You will learn a basic understanding of sand tray history and theory. You will learn the necessary materials and supplies required to set up, conduct and process a sand tray in the context of a play therapy session. This will be a experiential training process. Both directive and non-directive sand trays will be demonstrated and participants will have an opportunity to experience creating individual and group sand trays.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the history and theory of using sand trays in play therapy.
  2. Describe how to set up, conduct and process a sand tray as part of a play therapy session.
  3. Identify common themes in the sand tray process.
  4. Name the categories in which you choose miniatures, for your sand tray collection, to be used in sand tray therapy sessions.
  5. Describe sand tray interventions to incorporate into play therapy with individuals, families, groups and in school settings

Presenters: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S 

Rachel Blick, LCSW, RPT-S

Location:
Molly and Me Counseling Center
1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
Meridian, ID

Hop, Skip and Jump: Using Play Therapy in the Treatment of Childhood Disorders

CANCELLED

6 hrs APT CE Contact Credit Hours

This training is designed for the new play therapist in an agency or private practice setting who is interested in learning more about play therapy interventions and techniques. We will cover the basic history and theoretical concepts specific to both directive and non-directive play therapy. Participants will be introduced to the toys and materials needed to set up a play therapy room. The application of play therapy to various populations, limit setting and an exploration of cultural sensitivity will also be discussed. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in experiential activities so come ready to play.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to describe the theoretical foundation underlying the therapeutic use of play therapy.
  2. Participants will be able to demonstrate the newly learned play therapy interventions.
  3. Understand both directive and non-directive play therapy
  4. Identify materials needed to set up a play therapy room
  5. Identify and name three reasons it benefits the child to incorporate parents into the playroom.

    Presenter: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

    Location:
    Molly and Me Counseling Center
    1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
    Meridian, ID

    play therapy

    The Confident Play Therapist: Incorporating Parents in the Play Room

    3 hrs APT CE Contact Credit Hours

    Course Objectives:

    1. Participants will practice key language to use during the initial intakes to help develop trust and buy in with the parent.
    2. Participants will learn the four pillars of Play Therapy and how to incorporate them into the play session.
    3. Participants will learn how to teach parents to use in the four pillars in their home.
    4. Participants will learn interventions and tools to use during family sessions.

    Presenter: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

    Location:
    Molly and Me Counseling Center
    1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
    Meridian, ID

    Documentation Training

    January 11, 2025

    FULL

    12:00 – 3:00pm

    3 hrs CE Contact Credit Hours

    Course Objectives:

    1. Participants will be able to write a treatment plan with measurable objectives to satisfy Medicaid requirements in the state of Idaho.
    2. Participants will learn the importance of utilizing a fluid treatment plan.
    3. Participants will learn when it is important to change a treatment plan.
    4. Participants will practice writing a progress note in 7 minutes or less.

      Presenter: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Creative Interventions with school aged children

      3 hrs APT CE Contact Credit Hours

      Course Objectives:

      1. Participants will be able to describe the theoretical foundation underlying the therapeutic use of play therapy.
      2. Participants will learn developmental stages of children of all ages, thus enhancing their application of appropriate play therapy interventions.
      3. Participants will be able to demonstrate 10 newly learned interventions used in play therapy.

      Presenter: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Parenting with Theraplay

      December 15, 2024

      FULL 

      6hrs APT CE Contact Credit Hours

      Learning Objectives:

      • Participants will be able name 4 parenting domains used in parenting with Theraplay.
      • Participants will learn to develop an agenda to use with families in play therapy sessions.
      • Participants will be able to demonstrate 10 newly learned interventions used in Theraplay.
      • Participants will name three benefits children and families receive by parents gaining an awareness of the Theraplay domains and incorporating interventions into their parenting style.
      • Apply theoretical basis and appropriate intervention implementation to case examples.
      • Identify the materials needed to facilitate Theraplay in the office or home.

      Presenter: Molly Gratton, LCSW, RPT-S

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Past Guest Speaker Trainings

      Level One Theraplay & MIM

      June 6th – June 9th 2024​

      Earn 25 Hours CE

      Hosted by Molly and Me Training Center

      This training is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of the Theraplay model. After completing this training, participants will be able to begin applying Theraplay principles into their work with existing and new clients.

      Trainer: Cindy Mitchell Perkins, MA, LCPC

      Schedule:
      This is a four day training taking place
      June 6-9, 2024 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
      Mountain Time each day.

      Location:
      Molly and Me Training Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Favorite Structured Play Interventions for Attachment, Regulation, and Trauma Related Needs (day one) and Ethical Issues and Play Therapy; and Integrating Apps and Video Games in Play Therapy Work (day two)

      April 5 – 6, 2024

      Earn 12 Hours CE

      Presenter: Jason Grant, RPT-S

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Advanced Play Therapy: Level Two

      September 7 – 13, 2023

      Earn up to 50 Hours CE

      This training is appropriate for those who have already completed the Level One training provided through Molly Gratton and/or Dan Bayly, have completed a similar Level One training program, have obtained a substantial portion of APT approved training hours (approximately 50), or who have significant other practical experience or training which will be determined on a case by case basis. It is recommended that anyone attending the Level Two training be actively involved in therapeutic work and/or play therapy.

      Presenter: Dan Bayly, LCPC, RPT-S

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling Center
      1414 W Ustick Road Suite 110
      Meridian, ID

      Introduction to Therapeutic Play Therapy: Level One

      May 15 – 21, 2023

      Becoming a Play Professional: An Introduction to Therapeutic Play

      Begin training toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

      ​Earn up to 50 Hours CE
      APT approved provider number 08-222

      Level One Training

      Level One is recommended for those beginning their play therapy training process (0-35 prior APT approved training hours completed).  Level One is not sufficient for registration as a Play Therapist in the United States. However, those who complete the training will be well prepared to begin conducting play therapy sessions under supervision and will be equipped for addition more-advanced training opportunities.

      Presenter: Dan Bayly, LCPC, RPT-S

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center
      2995 N. Cole Rd. Suite 270
      Boise, ID

      Introduction to Therapeutic Play Therapy: Level One

      May 13 – 19, 2024

      Becoming a Play Professional: An Introduction to Therapeutic Play

      Begin training toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

      ​Earn up to 50 Hours CE
      APT approved provider number 08-222

      Level One Training

      Level One is recommended for those beginning their play therapy training process (0-35 prior APT approved training hours completed).  Level One is not sufficient for registration as a Play Therapist in the United States. However, those who complete the training will be well prepared to begin conducting play therapy sessions under supervision and will be equipped for addition more-advanced training opportunities.

      Presenter: Dan Bayly, PhD, LCPC

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Location:
      Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center
      2995 N. Cole Rd. Suite 270
      Boise, ID

      AutPlay Therapy Certification Training

      June 23 and 24, 2023

      8:00am – 5:00pm

      12 Contact CE Hours

      This training focuses on learning the AutPlay® Therapy treatment approach, a play therapy and behavioral therapy based approach to working with children and families affected by autism, dysregulation issues, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. AutPlay Therapy is an integrative family play therapy approach which provides the practitioner with a guided protocol and several interventions to successfully work with children and families. AutPlay has been used to work with children affected by autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, social pragmatic communication disorder, intellectual developmental disorder, and various developmental disorders. Participants are required to read the book AutPlay Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum when completing this training.

      An overview of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are presented. The tenets of AutPlay Therapy are presented including the six target areas of treatment and the three phases of treatment. Parent training and theoretical underpinnings are highlighted. Intake and assessment protocols are presented with case examples. AutPlay foundations of play therapy and behavioral therapy are covered and several structured play therapy interventions are presented. A thorough review of the AutPlay Follow Me Approach is provided, which explains the AutPlay process for working with children with a more severe impairment (lower functioning abilities). Participants who complete the correspondence training will become Certified AutPlay Therapy Providers.

      Presenter: Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Location:
      La Quinta Inn and Suites Towne Square, by the mall
      7965 W Emerald St, Boise, ID 83704
      (208) 378-7000

      Integrative Play Therapy for the Treatment of Childhood Abuse and Trauma

      December 3, 2022

      Earn 6 Hours CE

      This workshop will explore an integrative approach to using play therapy with victims of
      childhood abuse and trauma. Research and literature describing trauma’s impact on the brain,
      treatment of posttraumatic stress, and trauma-informed treatment will be reviewed. The use of
      posttraumatic play and directive play therapy interventions will be discussed. Components of
      evidence-based treatments will be utilized to provide a foundation for play therapy interventions.
      Clinical examples will be provided. Lecture, experiential activities, group discussion, and case
      examples will provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience.

      Presenter: Sueann Kenney-Noziska, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S

      Sponsored by: Molly and Me Counseling and Training Center, PLLC

      Supervision

      Molly is a registered clinical supervisor with the State of Idaho. Therefore, all supervision received can count toward Idaho state clinical licensure as well as toward one’s national play therapy registration.

      Individual and group supervision is available for those in the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas. During supervision you will pick up many new techniques and ideas to apply with your clients. Molly uses a personalized approach to meet the individual needs of each professional with whom she works.

      Call the office at 208-576-6464 for more information or click below to reach us using our secure contact form.

      Consultation

      Are you overwhelmed by the challenges in your work that include cases with children and teens who are difficult to reach, struggling with behavior, academic or social problems or generally having difficulties forming meaningful attachments based on early childhood trauma, foster care or adoption? Molly can help with these issues.

      Clinical Consultation:

      • Clinical consultation is available for difficult cases. This service can be provided face-to-face or via telephone.
      • Group curriculum development and enhancement is available. For group curriculum enhancement, you must provide a copy of the curriculum you are using or hoping to work with. For group curriculum development, a series of phone calls or in-person meetings will be required.
      • Molly assists therapists with tough and challenging cases involving Trauma, Foster Care and Attachment using TBRI and Theraplay treatment modalities
      • Divorce and Custody
      • Sandplay Therapy consultation

      Do you need guidance in difficult clinical cases?
      Do you provide group work for children or adolescents?

      Contact us, call 208-576-6464 or click below to reach us using our secure contact form.

      Ready to Transform Your Approach?

      Do you need guidance in difficult clinical cases?
      Do you provide group work for children or adolescents?

      Contact us, call 208-576-6464 or click below to reach us using our secure contact form.

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