11:00am Session
The presentation is designed to help clinicians effectively integrate fandoms into Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to enhance client engagement and therapy fidelity. The training will explain the significance of incorporating fandoms such as anime, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) gaming, and comic books for adolescents. This training offers clinicians a fun and creative way to use fandoms to engage clients in trauma recovery. By tapping into characters and stories that clients already connect with, clinicians can make TF-CBT more relatable and accessible, all while fostering empowerment, resilience, and healing.
About the Presenters
Kayla Rodriguez, LPC-A
The Village for Families & Children
Kayla Rodriguez is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) with ATR-P credentials and joined The Village for Families and Children in September 2023. Kayla is currently training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with goals to be completely certified in the near future. She utilizes art therapy as an expressive way to help others feel seen, supported, and understood. Through a trauma-informed lens, Kayla integrates art therapy with TF-CBT to provide a creative and therapeutic framework. This approach empowers individuals to explore their identity, build self-esteem, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster curiosity in their lives. Currently, she collaborates with teens and families to improve their communication skills and help them understand their world through the use of metaphor. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Art Therapy and a Master Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College.
Chelesea Ferello, MAATC, LPC, ATR
The Village for Families & Children
Chelesea Ferello a licensed professional counselor and art therapist in the state of Connecticut. She joined The Village for Families and Children in 2021. Chelesea began as a licensed clinician, becoming a clinical supervisor in 2023, working and supervising clinician in trauma work and art therapy but has several years of experience working with children, adolescents and families therapeutically, in the education system and in public service roles. Chelesea is trained in TF-CBT, The Urban Trauma Initiative, MDFT and Art Therapy. Chelesea believes in the power of the therapeutic alliance and strives to provide quality care working in tandem with my clients to emphasis identity formation, embracing one’s uniqueness and cultivate healing and growth, using TF-CBT, art therapy and talk therapy techniques. She holds a Bachelors in Studio Art and Asian Studies from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College.
