Name: The Basics of Play Therapy: Ethics, Boundaries, &amp; Compentencies
SKU: 7810
Price: 420.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

APT Approved Provider 18-537

12 Contact CE's

Workshop Overview

This 12-hour contact training, is designed to provide clinicians with a robust foundation in the theoretical and practical application of play-based interventions. Grounded in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, this course bridges the gap between developmental theory and clinical practice.

Participants will begin by exploring the “Gold Standard” of non-directive work: Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Guided by the principles of Virginia Axeline and Garry Landreth, attendees will learn to cultivate a therapeutic relationship where the child leads and the therapist facilitates growth through unconditional positive regard. To provide a well-rounded toolkit, the curriculum also delves into Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT) for goal-oriented symptom relief and Adlerian Play Therapy, which focuses on social interest and the “Crucial Cs” of belonging.

A significant portion of this training is dedicated to the Ethical and Clinical Guardrails unique to working with minors. We move beyond basic “dos and don’ts” to tackle complex dilemmas involving informed consent, mandated reporting, and the delicate balance of maintaining a child’s privacy while engaging parents as partners.

The training concludes with an introduction into Sand Tray Therapy, offering a tactile, three-dimensional method for children, adolescents, and adults to process trauma and internal conflicts. By the end of this course, clinicians will not only possess a diverse array of play techniques but will also meet the core competencies required to practice safely, ethically, and effectively. Whether you are a seasoned therapist or new to the playroom, this training offers the essential scaffolding needed to support a child’s journey toward healing.

Available Discounts

To encourage more participants, we have a number of discounts for the following groups (discount codes cannot be combined):

Current members of the Association for Play Therapy (must show active membership prior to January 1, 2026 to receive this discount code): 15%
School Counselors/Social Workers (must only be doing school counseling/social work to receive this discount code): 30%
Counseling/Social Work Students (must be currently enrolled in a masters degree program to receive this discount code): 50%

To receive each respective discount code, email Dr. Whitehead directly (michael@aspengrovetherapy.com).

Dates and Location

This training will take place in person at the Aspen Grove Family Therapy office:

762 Falls Avenue
Twin Falls, ID 83301

On the following dates:

Friday, June 12, 2026 – from 9am to 5pm
Saturday, June 13, 2026 – from 9am to 5pm

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

Describe the 8 foundational principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy as developed by Virginia Axeline.
Compare the directive techniques used in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy with the lifestyle assessment phases of Adlerian Play Therapy.
Identify three specific legal and ethical challenges related to informed consent and confidentiality when working with minors with play therapy.
Demonstrate the effective use of the ACT model (Acknowledge, Communicate, Target) to set clinical boundaries and limits within the playroom.
Prepare a therapeutic Sand Tray environment, including the selection of appropriate categories of miniatures for a “World Technique” session.
Assess professional competencies and cultural humility requirements needed to adapt play therapy interventions for diverse client populations.

RPT/APT Hour Breakdown

Participants of this workshop will be able to document the following instructional hours:

Play Therapy History – 2 hours
Seminal Theories – 5 hours
Play Therapy Skills – 4 hours
Diversity in Play Therapy – 1 hour

Within these hours, the following topics will also be included (for Idaho Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists):

Ethics of Play Therapy/Working with Children – 3 hours
Managing Professional Boundaries – 3 hours

Participants

This training is for psychologists, social workers, counselors, school counselors, psychiatrists, family therapists, teachers, and other mental health professionals who work with children and families. This workshop is especially relevant for providers who have little to no exposure to play based therapeutic interventions. In order to ensure quality education, each training will be capped at 20 participants.

* NOTE: APT CE's will NOT be awarded to participants who are not mental-health professionals.*

Cancellation Policy

25% of the registration fee is nonrefundable. Registrations are on a first come- first-served basis. Fees include 12 hours of training and an attendance certificate. Written cancellations received 2+ weeks prior to the training will receive the balance of the fees refunded. Cancellations received within 2 weeks of the training will forfeit a total of 50% of the fee, with the remainder being refunded. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be given within the final week leading up to the training. In the unlikely event that the training is cancelled by the presenter, a full refund will be provided, or credit will be applied toward future or recorded training’s; whichever the registrant chooses.