About this course

Learning Objectives

• Critically examine the application of seminal and emerging play therapy theories (e.g., child-centered, Adlerian, ecosystemic) within the context of affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients.
• Identify a minimum of three non-directive and three directive play therapy interventions that support identity exploration, self-expression, and psychological safety among LGBTQ+ youth.
• Apply principles of cultural humility and intersectionality in play therapy to effectively support LGBTQ+ clients navigating multiple marginalized identities (e.g., racial, neurodivergent, and disability-related experiences).
• Integrate caregiver-informed and family systems strategies into play therapy to enhance caregiver attunement, reduce identity-based rejection, and strengthen protective factors for LGBTQ+ children and adolescents.
• Utilize expressive therapeutic modalities—including sand tray and art-based interventions—to facilitate narrative development, grief processing, and resilience-building in queer and gender-diverse clients.
• Evaluate ethical, cultural, and developmental considerations related to identity disclosure, confidentiality, and safety planning in play therapy with LGBTQ+ children and adolescents.

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Kurt W. Oster, LBS, LICSW-S, LCSW-QS, BCD, Registered Play Therapist™

  CEO, VonOstir Innovation Services, PLLC & Chief Clinical Officer, Aspire Integrated Healthcare Solutions, LLC

  Transformative Innovator • Clinical Leader • Educator • Author • Advocate

  Kurt W. Oster is a dynamic and visionary clinician, educator, author, and entrepreneur with over 16 years of dedicated service in the field of mental health. As Owner, President, and CEO of VonOstir Innovation Services, PLLC, and Chief Clinical Officer of Aspire Integrated Healthcare Solutions, LLC, Mr. Oster is committed to advancing inclusive, evidence-based care across clinical, educational, and community systems.

  A multi-state licensed clinical social worker and nationally board-certified expert in trauma and play therapy, Mr. Oster is a Pennsylvania Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS), an Alabama and Minnesota Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW-S), and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is also a Florida Qualified Supervisor (QS), a Certified School Social Worker (CSSW) in both Florida and New Jersey, a Board-Certified Diplomate (BCD) in Clinical Social Work, a Registered Play Therapist (RPT™), and a Certified Playmaker through the Life is Good Playmaker Project.

  Mr. Oster holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Urban Studies from Rutgers University, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Science (MS) in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Colorado Technical University. He is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a FEMA Professional Continuity Practitioner, Level I.

  Specializing in trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ mental health, and child and adolescent therapy, Mr. Oster provides direct services to children, youth, young adults, and families navigating complex emotional, developmental, and systemic challenges. His clinical work integrates play therapy, identity-affirming practice, and resilience-building strategies across diverse populations.

  As an internationally recognized presenter and subject matter expert, Mr. Oster regularly provides training on youth civic engagement, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) mental health, trauma recovery, disaster preparedness, and crisis response. He is a Member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is widely respected for his commitment to culturally responsive, community-embedded care.

  Mr. Oster is currently authoring his first textbook, Transformative Expressions in Play Therapy: Working with LGBTQ+ Clients, set to be published in June 2025. In addition to his clinical and academic work, he is also an internationally acclaimed author of young adult fantasy fiction, known for weaving themes of identity, resilience, and belonging into richly imagined worlds. His forthcoming textbook is poised to become a foundational work in the field of affirmative play therapy, blending theory, practice, and advocacy to support LGBTQ+ youth and families through creative and transformative approaches.

Disclosure

References

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