Principles of Play Therapy
| Course code: | 27-SS-011 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | December 4-12, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | F and Sa from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 4 sessions |
| Hours: | 16.00 |
| Location: | Online |
| Instructor: | Instructor Information |
| Fee: | $349.00 |
Description
In this foundational workshop, participants will explore the history of play therapy and compare multiple models of play therapy. The training examines Child-Centered Play Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy theory as they apply to various populations and presenting symptoms. Participants will delve into the rationale, philosophy, and historical foundations essential to professional practice in the field of play therapy.
Participants will explore how to use play therapy with children in playrooms, how to effectively utilize available space to create a therapeutic play environment, and how to develop a mobile play therapy kit. This workshop builds the foundational skills needed to implement play therapy effectively and confidently with clients using developmentally appropriate play-based interventions.
This workshop is designed to help participants:- Describe how play, play therapy, and the play therapist contribute to the therapeutic relationship and course of treatment.
- Explain the history and foundations of play therapy and communicate two historically significant play therapy theories to caregivers and colleagues.
- Discuss the differences between and rationale for using non-directive and directive play therapy techniques.
- Differentiate between prescriptive and integrated approaches to play therapy.
- Apply principles of play therapy to the selection of therapeutic toys and the organization and care of a professional play therapy office.
- Communicate with parents from a variety of cultural backgrounds about the purpose of play therapy, collaboration in treatment, and indicators of client progress.
- Set and enforce limits in play therapy in an effective and therapeutic manner.
- Identify the stages of play therapy, including relevant ethical and cultural considerations, and demonstrate appropriate termination of play therapy treatment.
Notes
Instructor(s)
Katherine Francis, LCSW, RPT-S
Jan Williamson, LCSW, RPT-S
APT Continuing Education Information
VVCU Continuing and Professional Education is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider 15-397.
This program offers 16 APT non-contact continuing education hours (Live Webinar). Instructional time does not include breaks or other non-instructional activities.
Effective April 1, 2025, APT requires a minimum of 75 contact (in-person) training hours toward the 150 total play therapy training hours required for credentialing. Up to 75 hours may be earned through non-contact formats (e.g., live webinars). For complete credentialing standards and definitions, please visit https://www.a4pt.org.
Training Format
This program is delivered in a live synchronous online format (Live Webinar). Participants must attend the training in real time. Access instructions will be provided prior to the program start date.
Scheduled breaks are not included in the calculation of APT non-contact continuing education hours.
Attendance, Assessments, and Awarding of CE Hours
Participants must attend the entire live webinar and meet attendance verification requirements to be eligible for APT non-contact continuing education hours.
To receive 16 APT non-contact continuing education hours (Live Webinar), participants must:
1. Attend the full program in real time
2. Successfully complete both required assessments
APT non-contact continuing education hours are awarded only after full attendance and successful completion of both assessments. Partial credit will not be awarded.
Required Assessments
VCU conducts a two-part assessment for each workshop.
Assessment 1: Activity Assessment (Scored Rubric)
Completed during the workshop through participation in small- and large-group activities and discussion.
Assessment 2: Online Multiple-Choice Test
A post-training multiple-choice test completed online. Participants who meet full attendance and participation requirements will receive access to the post-training online assessment.
APT continuing education hours are awarded only after successful completion of both required assessments. A passing score of 80% or higher on the online assessment is required to receive APT continuing education hours. Both assessments must be successfully completed within 30 days of the workshop date.
Creative Materials
Participants are responsible for obtaining any creative materials required for experiential activities during the live webinar. A list of required materials will be provided in advance of the training.
Health & Attendance
If you become ill prior to the workshop, please notify the CPE Program Manager as soon as possible to discuss transfer options. Requests made after the workshop has begun will not be accommodated.
Questions?
For questions regarding the workshop, please contact:
Shelly Schuetz, Program Manager & School Liaison, 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:
Interim 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.
