Michael Whitehead

Dr. Michael Whitehead, PhD, LMFT, RPT-S, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist supervisor, and an esteemed educator with a passion for strengthening families and empowering individuals. A leader in the field of play therapy, Dr. Whitehead is the developer of Integrative Systemic Play Therapy (ISPT), a dynamic and comprehensive therapeutic approach that blends systemic family therapy principles with the healing power of play to foster resilience, connection, and growth.

With a career spanning clinical practice, academia, and professional leadership, Dr. Whitehead brings a wealth of expertise in systemic family therapy, child development, and evidence-based interventions for behavioral disorders. He earned his PhD in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University, his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University, and his BS in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from Brigham Young University.

Currently in full-time clinical practice at Aspen Grove Family Therapy in Twin Falls, Idaho, Dr. Whitehead specializes in working with families navigating high-conflict dynamics, childhood behavioral challenges, and family reunification processes. His integrative approach emphasizes play therapy, parent training, and systemic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. Through ISPT, Dr. Whitehead helps families enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds while addressing behavioral concerns in children and adolescents.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Whitehead is a dedicated educator, serving as a part-time professor in marriage and family therapy programs. He has authored and co-authored book chapters and research articles on treating disruptive behavior disorders and play therapy and is a sought-after speaker at local, national, and international conferences. He holds the Certificate in Leadership from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and has served in various professional board roles, advocating for the advancement of family therapy and play therapy practices.

Dr. Whitehead is thrilled for the upcoming release of Treating Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders: An Integrative Play and Systems Theory Approach to Oppositional, Aggressive, and Antisocial Behavior. This groundbreaking book offers a fresh and hopeful approach to working with children diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders, using the innovative Integrative Systemic Play Therapy (ISPT) model. Packed with research, case studies, and practical interventions, this book is a must-read for clinicians, and educators dedicated to supporting these children and families.

When he’s not teaching, writing, or working with families, Dr. Whitehead enjoys spending time outdoors with his family—camping, hiking, skiing, and exploring new places.