Principles of Play Therapy
| Course code: | 27-SS-009 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | September 18-19, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | F and Sa from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 2 sessions |
| Hours: | 16.00 |
| Location: | ChildSavers |
| Instructor: | Katie Francis |
| Fee: | $349.00 |
Description
In this foundational workshop, you will explore the history of play therapy and compare multiple models of play therapy. You will examine Child-Centered and Cognitive-Behavioral theories as they apply to play therapy. In addition, you will delve into the rationale, philosophy, and history essential to practicing in the field of play therapy.
You will explore how to use play therapy with children in playrooms, how to use available space effectively in creating a therapeutic play space, and how to develop a mobile play therapy kit. You will build the foundational skills needed to use play therapy effectively and leave with the confidence to begin immediately working with clients using play-based interventions.
This workshop is designed to help you:
- Describe play therapy and role of a play therapy in interventions and identify play therapists' characteristics;
- Discuss the history of play therapy, its foundations, and describe and use two historically significant theories to the field of play therapy recognized by the Association for Play Therapy;
- Discuss the basics of, the difference between, and rationale for using non-directive and directive approaches;
- Explain prescriptive and integrated play therapy approaches;
- Describe the rationale for selecting therapeutic toys and be able to communicate how to organize and care for a professional playroom;
- Communicate with parents about why we use play therapy, explain how we collaborate with parents for the best outcomes, and describe how children progress in play therapy;
- Set and enforce limits in an effective and therapeutic way; and
- Identify the stages of play therapy, ethical and cultural issues, and demonstrate how to terminate play therapy appropriately.
Notes
VCU Continuing and Professional Education is an Association for Play Therapy (APT) Approved Provider #15-397.This in-person training is approved for 16 APT contact training hours.
(1 hour = 60 minutes of instruction; breaks/meals excluded). Effective April 1, 2025, APT’s instruction requirements specify a minimum of 75 contact (in-person) hours toward the 150-hour total, and allow up to 75 non-contact hours, which include all other formats such as live webinars. For definitions and details, see APT’s guidelines at https://www.a4pt.org/
Synchronous In-Person Sessions
Our in person sessions are typically held at ChildSavers in Richmond, VA and offer an opportunity to interact with the instructor and other participants. There will be a one-hour break per day. Please bring your own lunch for the sessions. If an alternate location is selected, it will be listed in the registration link.
Attendance & CE Hours
Participants must attend the full workshop to receive APT continuing education hours from VCU, the certificate of completion, and the digital badge.
Required Assessments
VCU conducts a two-part assessment in each workshop. To earn educational hours toward an Association for Play Therapy (APT) credential, participants must pass two assessments. The activity assessment (scored rubric) is completed during the workshop through small- and large-group activities and discussion. The second assessment is a multiple-choice test that is sent after the training and completed online. Only participants who pass the activity rubric will receive the link and be eligible to take the online test. Both assessments must be completed within 30 days of the workshop date.
Creative Materials
ChildSavers staff will provide all creative materials for experiential work during this workshop.
Health & Attendance
To help maintain a healthy learning environment, participants who are ill (e.g., fever, new/worsening respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms) should not attend in-person training. If you become ill before the workshop, please notify ssschuetz@vcu.edu as soon as possible to discuss transfer options. Requests made after the workshop has started will not be accommodated.
Program Format Changes
If the training needs to move to a teleconference format, participants will be notified at least 48 hours before the start date to adjust travel plans..
Questions?
Should you have any questions about the workshop, please contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322.
Cancellation and Refund Policies:
You may cancel your registration up until two weeks before the workshop start date, and receive a full refund minus a $35 credit card processing fee. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Transfer Policy:
Workshop registrations may be transferred to a different workshop or person if requested in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by the cancellation deadline. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications required by the program.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
