Building Blocks: Supporting Social Development Through Group Play Therapy

A New Workshop For Therapists on May 17, 2025

About Building Blocks

Building Blocks is a program I developed in my private practice to address challenges with social behavior in young children. Building Blocks has helped dozens of children overcome social anxiety, mange strong feelings, improve impulse control, follow verbal directions, and feel more comfortable and confident in group settings.

As children born or very young during the pandemic shutdown work their way through preschool and early elementary classrooms, the need for social skill intervention is high. The Building Blocks program is a great solution. It offers a program that is evidence-based, structured yet highly flexible, and able to meet the needs of the moment. Learn to facilitate these groups and become part of the solution.

What You Will Learn

• The critical importance of early social skill development
• Principles of neuro-sequential or “bottom-up” brain development
• A framework for leading an effective 8-week group for 3–5 children
• Dozens of playful, targeted activities to teach specific skills
• Strategies to support social problem solving in young children
• Strategies for engaging parents and teachers to reinforce progress at home and school

Following the workshop, you will be ready to…

• Use the information to develop and lead similar groups at your agency or private practice
• Work with Katrinca to bring Building Blocks to a nearby school or clinic
• Integrate the information and techniques into individual and family work

About Me

Hello, I’m Katrinca Ford, Marriage and Family Therapist.

I have been providing mental health service to children and families in the Bay Area of over 20 years. Prior to that, I taught preschool 15+ years. The Building Blocks program is a result of bringing the skills and knowledge from these two setting together. In addition to providing group, family and individual play therapy through my private practice, I enjoy teaching others what I know through trainings and consultation.

Who Should Attend?

• This course is designed for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, LEPs and pre-licensed associates. It is also appropriate for early childhood educators.
• Price: $210
• 6 CEUs available, additional $25
• 6 hours of play therapy training towards credentialing through Association for Play Therapy for no additional charge.

Only 6 slots available for participants!

Ready to Get Started?

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: 685 14th Street, Oakland 94612

Click the button below to email Katrinca and register for May 17th’s training.