How to Use a Virtual Play Therapy Room

Dr. Rachel Altvater and Liana Lowenstein provide an example for how to use a virtual play therapy room. To learn how to create a virtual play therapy room, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_B2oUk9Jok&list=UUDO2R9_YIvQgOKlRxu_tTPA&index=2

For trainings books, articles, workshops, clinical supervision, parenting strategies, and other play therapy resources from Liana Lowenstein, visit http://www.lianalowenstein.com/

---
See below for answers to commonly asked questions.

Is Google Slides the only platform that I can use to create a virtual playroom?
No, you are able to utilize other presentation methods; however, Google Slides is seemingly most convenient for creation and sharing purposes.

How can I create a Google Slides presentation if I do not have a Google account?
Here is information from Google Account Help with step-by-step instructions: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441?hl=en

What are the best ways to use and share the virtual playroom links with the client?
There are several possibilities:
1) Screen share your playroom with a client. You can control the slides, or you can turn on Remote Control so they can click the links in the playroom.
2) Share a unique playroom link (copy of the Google Slides presentation) with the client
3) Publish your playroom to a website and share that link with a client

After playing a game with a client on Google Slides, do the changes made by the powerpoint revert back to the original?
No, after editing a slide, the changes are already saved. If you decide to use the same slideshow again, you will need to manually revert the changes. However, it is recommended that you delete the copy of the presentation that you used and create new copies for each client and session.

Is it better to email the link to the virtual playroom to the client and have the client screen share with me?
This is at the discretion of the therapist. Personally, I like to screen share the playroom on my end and only share the necessary links as they arise in the room.

How can I use a virtual playroom with the client and see the client at the same time?
Some teletherapy platforms allow you to see clients when you are screen sharing. For those that do not have these capabilities, you can have two separate windows open, both minimized to fit half the screen. One screen would be the teletherapy platform, where the client can be seen, and one screen would be the web browser with the playroom and/or other websites with the chosen interventions.

Can I only use virtual playroom with a platform that allows screen sharing?
No, you are able to send the playroom to a client, so that the client can enter the space from their end. You can also send a link to a published room, which allows them to access the room and click on the links.

Can I use a virtual playroom with clients who only have cell phones?
Yes. Access via smart devices work similarly to access via computers. There might be some features that slightly differ, but most of the access should be relatively the same. With caregiver permission, the child can also download the Google Slides App and obtain access to the room that way.

While trying to screen share the virtual playroom, what should I do when the client clicks on a link and receives a message that Adobe Flash is blocked?
This is likely either due to Adobe Flash not being downloaded/enabled on the device or parental permissions on the device. Caregiver permission is needed to make any changes to a child's device. Here is information from Google Chrome Help for how to navigate this issue on the Chrome browser: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6258784?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

Do I have to use Google Chrome to use Google Slides?
No, you are able to utilize other browsers. However, both Chrome and Slides are Google products, so they are more compatible for some features (e.g., utilizing Bitmoji Chrome extension for adding Bitmoji to the playroom)

Should I use Safe YouTube links in my virtual playroom?
Safe YouTube videos are safe videos that do not have comments, ads, or other distractions. These can be a great addition to the playroom, but they do not have to be the only videos that you incorporate. Of note, some parental permissions might block some YouTube videos or other websites on the child's device.

For more information about FAQs for Safe YouTube, check out https://safeyoutube.net/FAQs

How do I use a virtual playroom so it is HIPAA compliant? If I signed a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with GSuites and use a separate google drive template for each client, is it HIPAA compliant?
The BAA agreement in GSuites, which needs to be signed - it is not automatically implemented - covers Google Drive, including Google Slides.

For more information about HIPAA compliance with G Suite and Cloud identity, visit https://support.google.com/a/answer/3407054?hl=en

Видео How to Use a Virtual Play Therapy Room канала Rachel Altvater