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Faculty Member

Clair Mellenthin

Biography

Dr. Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S, is a renowned clinical supervisor, international speaker, and acclaimed play therapist. She is the creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy. As the author of best-selling books like Attachment Centered Play Therapy, she brings unparalleled expertise to the field. With a wealth of experience as a play therapist and professor, Clair has significantly impacted the lives of numerous children and families. Recognized for her contributions, she is a sought-after expert in media, frequently sharing insights on children and family issues at both local and national levels. Clair's commitment to advancing the understanding and practice of play therapy has positioned her as an influential figure, shaping contemporary therapeutic approaches for children and leaving an enduring mark on the field.

Teaching

SW 6040

Social Work Practice IV--Advanced Practice with Families and Groups, Spring 2026

SW 6040

Social Work Practice IV--Advanced Practice with Families and Groups, Spring 2026

SW 6040

Social Work Practice IV--Advanced Practice with Families and Groups, Spring 2026

SW 6790R

Special Topics in Social Work Practice, Spring 2026

Presentations

Mellenthin, Clair (Presenter Only), Play Therapy_ Engaging and Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Trauma, "Play Therapy_ Engaging and Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Trauma", PESI, South Plainsfield, NJ. (May 14, 2026)
Mellenthin, Clair (Presenter Only), 2026 Attachment Summit_ Integrating Today's Most Popular Approaches in Psychotherapy with Attachment Science, "A Light in Dark Places_ The Power of Earned Security in Attachment ", PESI, online. (March 27, 2026)
Mellenthin, Clair (Presenter Only), Playful Pathways_ Attachment Centered Play Therapy with Tweens and Teens (and Their Parents!), "Playful Pathways_ Attachment Centered Play Therapy with Tweens and Teens (and Their Parents!)", Clair Mellenthin LLC, Murray, UT. (March 13, 2026)
Mellenthin, Clair , International Play Therapy Conference, "Becoming a Lilypad_ The Power of Attachment in Play Therapy Supervision", Association for Play Therapy, Houston, TX. (October 11, 2025)
Mellenthin, Clair , Play Therapy_ Engaging Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Trauma, "Engaging Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Trauma", PESI, online 2 day conference. (August 25, 2025)
Mellenthin, Clair (Co-Presenter), Baylon, Liliana (Co-Presenter), CALAPT Annual Conference, "Integrating EFFT with Attachment Centered Play Therapy", California Association for Play Therapy, Newport Beach, CA. (August 8, 2025)

Scholarly/Creative Works

Grant, Robert Jason, Stone, Jessica , Mellenthin, Clair Evans, "Under the Umbrella_ Play Therapy Theories, Thoughts, and Techniques" . Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons .
Mellenthin, Clair , Drewes, Athena A, Hudspeth, Edward F, (2025) "Attachment Centered Play Therapy" (Issue: 1). New York, New York: Bloomsbury.
Mellenthin, Clair , (2021) "Guided imagery." . American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000217-009