Training program
The Association for Play Therapy requires documentation of at least 150 hours of play therapy-specific instruction, accrued in a time period of no less than two (2) years and no more than seven (7) years from institutions of higher education or APT Approved Providers to meet the instruction criteria for the RPT™ credential.
PHASE 1
INSTRUCTION
Document 35-55 hours
PHASE 2
INSTRUCTION
Document 55-70 hours
PHASE 3
INSTRUCTION
Document 45-60 hours
upcoming Trainings
Easing Childhood Anxiety Through Play Therapy
WEBINAR OPTION NOW AVAILABLE!| NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS IF ATTENDING IN PERSON | May 30-31, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Susan Walker, LPC, RPT™ and Dr. Jennifer Slover, LPC-S, RPT-S™
Objectives:
Participants will:
1. Discuss the various types of anxiety disorders commonly seen in childhood
2. Describe the potential impacts childhood anxiety can have on development and functioning
3. Discuss ways to assess for anxiety and construct individualized treatment goals.
4. Identify specific therapeutic benefits play therapy can have on anxious children and their families
5. Discuss how to track progress and modify therapeutic approaches as needed
6. Explain how play therapy helps children process anxiety
7. Outline research-based play therapy theories that support anxious children
8. Demonstrate effective communication techniques to engage and build rapport with anxious children and families.
9. Demonstrate 5 play therapy interventions that encourage emotional expression and problem-solving.
10. Discuss how to involve parents, caregivers, and/or other family members as partners to support a child's overall well-being in the therapeutic process
11. Discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
12. Describe ethical guidelines for working with anxious children and families
13. Analyze cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with children and families experiencing anxiety.
Counselors: Discover Play Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7591. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Discover Play Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers: Discover Play is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0785.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
Playful Pathways: Nurturing Growth with Child-Centered Play Therapy
WEBINAR OPTION NOW AVAILABLE! | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | June 13-14, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Dr. Jennifer Slover, LPC-S, RPT-S™
Objectives:
Describe the theoretical foundations and core principles of child-centered play therapy including conducting a child-centered play therapy session, theoretical underpinnings, phases of therapy, and treatment planning.
Identify tenets of a play therapist to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with children.
Describe how to identify appropriate clients for play therapy and associated common mental health goals.
Identify ways to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that is inclusive for all children through the selection of space and toys utilized in child-centered play therapy.
Demonstrate several basic techniques and strategies used in child-centered play therapy to use for addressing goals and build the therapeutic relationship.
Analyze the relationship between child-centered play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play.
Discuss how to involve parents, caregivers, and/or other family members as partners to support a child’s overall well-being.
Explain the play therapy process with the support of interpersonal neurobiology.
Describe how to assess play themes demonstrated in a child-centered play therapy session and their possible meanings.
Explain research and evidence-based practices in child-centered play therapy.
Discuss legal and ethical issues that might occur in child-centered play therapy.
Analyze cultural awareness and sensitivity within child-centered play therapy, ensuring interventions are tailored to the individual needs and background of each child.
Counselors: Discover Play Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7591. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Discover Play Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers: Discover Play is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0785.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
PLAYFUL CONNECTIONS: STRENGTHENING ATTACHMENT THrough Therapy
WEBINAR OPTION NOW AVAILABLE! | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | July 18-19, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Angela Mains, LPC-S, RPT-S™
Objectives:
Understand Attachment Styles: Gain knowledge of various attachment styles and how to promote secure attachment in clients using play therapy techniques.
Assess Attachment and Developmental Stages: Learn evidence-based methods for assessing attachment, core beliefs, and developmental stages, including play-based assessments.
Enhance Self-Reflection on Attachment: Experience interventions to increase self-awareness regarding your own attachment style and how it impacts therapy.
Explore Neurobiology of Attachment: Understand how attachment influences brain development and emotional regulation, and learn play-based interventions to support emotional regulation.
Build a Coherent Developmental Narrative: Discover interventions that help clients construct a coherent life narrative, promoting healing and development through play therapy.
Recognize the Importance of Relationships: Understand how the brain develops in the context of relationships, and the impact of secure and insecure attachments on development.
Examine the Impact of Attachment on the Self and Life: Explore how secure attachment leads to positive self-regard, while insecure attachment may lead to feelings of worthlessness and insecurity.
Apply Adult Regulation for Co-Regulation: Learn how to engage in self-reflection and identify how your own attachment system may influence your interactions with clients.
Implement Play and Expressive Art Mediums: Discover how various play and expressive art mediums, from wet clay to puppets and storytelling, can facilitate therapeutic progress.
Understand the Role of Theraplay®: Gain insight into how Theraplay® enhances attachment, self-esteem, trust, and engagement through structured, relationship-based play with caregivers.
Utilize Therapeutic Strategies to Build Healthy Attachment: Learn about the four key dimensions of attachment in Theraplay®—structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge—and how they support child and caregiver relationships.
Identify Therapeutic Applications Across Age Groups: Understand the broad applicability of Theraplay® for children, caregivers, and families dealing with a variety of issues, including trauma, developmental delays, and emotional regulation challenges.
Counselors: Discover Play Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7591. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Discover Play Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers: Discover Play is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0785.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
Directive Play Therapy Techniques
WEBINAR OPTION NOW AVAILABLE! | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | August 15-16, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Stephanie Hase LICSW-S, RPT-S™
Objectives:
Outline the seminal play therapy theoretical underpinnings of directive play therapy interventions.
Describe how to identify appropriate clients for directive play therapy interventions and associated common mental health goals.
Analyze the relationship between seminal theories and the therapeutic powers of play.
Examine the basic tenets of Adlerian Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Developmental Play Therapy, and Gestalt Play Therapy.
Demonstrate several directive play therapy techniques, such as art therapy, sand tray therapy, and storytelling as they relate to seminal theories.
Describe how to effectively structure and guide play therapy sessions using directive techniques to address specific therapeutic goals and developmental needs.
Discuss how to involve parents, caregivers, and/or other family members as partners to support a child’s overall well-being in the therapeutic process.
Analyze individual directive play therapy techniques to meet the unique needs of different populations, such as children with trauma, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.
Describe how to assess progress in treatment through the lens of the seminal theory utilized in each session
Explain research and evidence-based practices in utilizing directive play therapy interventions.
Discuss legal and ethical issues that might occur in play therapy sessions using directive techniques.
Analyze cultural awareness and sensitivity when using directive play therapy techniques, ensuring interventions are tailored to the individual needs and background of each child.
Counselors: Discover Play Training Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7591. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Discover Play Training Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers: Discover Play is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0785.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
May 2024 Cohort Schedule
PHASE 1 INSTRUCTION
May 10-11, 2024
July 12-13, 2024
November 1-2, 2024
PHASE 2 INSTRUCTION
January 10-11, 2025
March 21-22, 2025
May 30-31, 2025
July 18-19, 2025
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
November 7-8, 2025
February 20-21, 2026
May 15-16, 2026
June 2025 Cohort Schedule
PHASE 1 INSTRUCTION
June 13-14, 2025
August 15-16, 2025
October 3-4, 2025
PHASE 2 INSTRUCTION
December 5-6, 2025
February 6-7, 2026
April 17-18, 2026
June 12-13, 2026
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
October 2-3, 2026
January 15-16, 2027
April 16-17, 2027