Favourite therapeutic interventions for engaging children and teens in the first session

Favourite therapeutic interventions for engaging children and teens in the first session

Presented by SickKids CCMH Learning Institute

Date: May 4, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m. ET
Facilitator: Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S

Description:
When children and teens attend the initial therapy session, they may feel anxious and be reluctant to talk directly about their thoughts and feelings. Developing a positive rapport and implementing engaging activities will put the client at ease, and facilitate open expression.

This two-hour webinar will outline strategies and techniques to build a positive therapeutic rapport and engage children and teens in therapy. Interventions will be presented for both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. 

Learning objectives:

• Articulate how to help the client experience a felt sense of safety in the initial therapy session.
• Utilize a variety of creative interventions to engage children and teens in the initial therapy session.
• Describe strategies for addressing therapeutic resistance

Registration fee: General - $60  |  Student and group rates are available

For full program overview and registration details please visit: https://cvent.me/bWlReD

Facilitator Bio:
Liana Lowenstein, MSW, RSW, CPT-S is a Registered Social Worker, Certified Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified TF-CBT Therapist who has been working with children and families in Toronto since 1988. An internationally recognized speaker, she delivers dynamic trainings across North America and around the world, with recent engagements in China, South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

Liana is the author of 15 widely acclaimed books on child and family therapy, known for their practical and creative interventions. She is the proud recipient of the Monica Herbert Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the field of play therapy. 

Continuing Education (CE) information: 2 CE hours