Foundations and Applications of Play Therapy in Early Childhood: A Four-Day Play Therapy Training Series

This four-day, 24-hour APT Contact CE training series prepares clinicians to deliver play therapy that is developmentally appropriate, attachment-informed, and grounded in both child-centered and directive approaches. Participants will explore foundational theories of play therapy, including Child-Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, attachment-centered play therapy, and neurobiological principles, with a focus on the therapeutic powers of play throughout.

• Day 1 introduces the foundations of play therapy in early childhood, including attachment and developmental perspectives, and concludes with an overview of documentation and treatment planning in play therapy.

• Day 2 focuses on child-centered play therapy with young children, contrasting directive and non-directive approaches while integrating Adlerian play therapy principles.

• Day 3 emphasizes adapting play therapy for neurodivergent early learners and demonstrates how sensory and movement-based interventions support regulation, grounded in Polyvagal and neurobiological theory.

• Day 4 highlights caregiver involvement in play therapy, with strategies to enhance engagement, reduce resistance, and integrate attachment and systemic play therapy frameworks.

Participants will leave with practical play therapy interventions, a deeper understanding of multiple theoretical orientations, and tools to support children and caregivers in both individual and systemic contexts.

APT Approved Provider (#25-761). This workshop series offers 24 APT contact CEs*.

Learning Objectives

Day 1 – Foundations + Documentation

October 24 | Boring Fire Department | 6 CE hours

4 hours – Foundations of Play Therapy in Early Childhood

• LO1: Identify at least three theoretical foundations of play therapy, including child-centered and attachment models.

• LO2: List three developmental considerations unique to play therapy with children under six.

• LO3: Explain two ways the therapeutic powers of play support attachment and emotional regulation in young children.

• LO4: Describe two ways foundational play therapy theories shape early childhood playroom interventions.

2 hours – Documentation and Treatment Planning in Play Therapy

• LO5: Develop two play-therapy-focused treatment goals for children under 6 using sample case material.

• LO6: Demonstrate two documentation strategies that reflect play therapy progress and meet clinical/ethical standards.

Day 2 – Child-Centered Approaches

November 14 | Eastside Child and Family Therapy | 6 CE hours

3 hours – Child-Centered Play Therapy with Children Under 6

• LO7: Apply two CCPT skills (e.g., tracking, reflecting feelings) to a case vignette with a preschool-aged client.

• LO8: Identify two modifications of CCPT techniques for children under six that support attachment and regulation.

• LO9: Analyze one case example to determine appropriate child-centered play therapy responses.

3 hours – Directive vs. Non-Directive Play Therapy with Young Children

• LO10: Compare three similarities and differences between directive, non-directive, and Adlerian play therapy approaches.

• LO11: Identify two clinical situations where directive or Adlerian play therapy interventions may be indicated.

• LO12: Create one treatment plan that integrates both directive and non-directive play therapy strategies.

  
  

Day 3 – Neurodiversity & Sensory Needs

December 12 | Eastside Child and Family Therapy | 6 CE hours

3 hours – Play Therapy for Neurodivergent Early Learners

• LO13: Describe three adaptations of play therapy for children with autism and ADHD.

• LO14: Apply three neurodivergent-affirming play therapy strategies to a case example.

• LO15: Develop two individualized play therapy goals that incorporate attachment, sensory, and developmental considerations.

3 hours – Sensory and Movement-Based Play Therapy Interventions

• LO16: Implement two sensory-based play therapy interventions that support regulation.

• LO17: Demonstrate two movement-based play therapy strategies that foster engagement and connection.

• LO18: Evaluate two embodied play therapy interventions for their effectiveness in promoting regulation and resilience.

Day 4 – Parent & Caregiver Engagement

January 9 | Eastside Child and Family Therapy | 6 CE hours

3 hours – Engaging Parents as Partners in Play Therapy

• LO19: List three play-therapy-informed strategies for caregiver involvement.

• LO20: Apply one filial play therapy technique and one Adlerian method to strengthen caregiver–child relationships in role-play.

• LO21: Identify two common barriers to caregiver engagement in play therapy and two strategies to address them.

3 hours – Navigating Caregiver Resistance in Play Therapy

• LO22: Identify three common forms of caregiver resistance in play therapy.

• LO23: Apply three attachment-based play therapy strategies to address caregiver resistance in case examples.

• LO24: Demonstrate two culturally responsive play therapy approaches in role-play or case discussion.

Registration Information

This training series is being hosted in collaboration with Eastside Child and Family Therapy. Their staff participation is already covered through a group agreement with the clinic.

We are also opening a limited number of spots for outside participants:

• Complete 4-Day Series: $650 total (save $50 when registering for all four sessions)

• Single-Day Registration: $175 per day

Space is limited, and priority will be given to the hosting clinic’s team.

Cancellation and grievance policy: Registration is required. Please let us know if you are unable to attend. There is a participation cost, and therefore, no refund will be issued if the cancellation occurs within 7 days of the event. A $25 cancellation and refund fee applies. If you have questions or concerns about this or any training provided by the presenters, please email info@jamiewatsonconsulting.com. There will be an evaluation and post-test to complete at the conclusion of the workshop to obtain CEs.

About the Presenter:

Jamie Watson, LMFT, RPT-S™: Jamie is a neurodiversity-affirming child and family therapist, clinical supervisor, and private practice consultant based in Clackamas, Oregon. As an attachment-focused play therapist, Jamie integrates expressive therapies, systems thinking, and trauma-informed care to support children and families navigating big feelings, complex needs, and identity development. She is a Mental Health Therapy Director at a local non-profit, and teaches Play Therapy and clinical courses at the University of Western States. Jamie is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ and an Approved Clinical Supervisor recognized in Oregon and Washington, as well as through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Through Jamie Watson Consulting, she helps therapists launch and grow values-driven private practices, offering supervision, practice-building support, and guidance through the maze of licensure, credentialing, and clinical identity. Jamie currently serves as President of the Oregon Association for Play Therapy and has been an active advocate and board member for over a decade. She lives just outside Portland with her two wild-hearted boys, her husband, and their goldendoodle therapy dog, who often sneaks into her meetings in search of snuggles. You can find more information about her and her consultation and supervision services at www.jamiewatsonconsulting.com

*The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (OBLSW) has placed the Association for Play Therapy (APT) on its list of Accepted Credentialing Bodies. Social workers who take courses approved by an APT Approved Provider can count the hours toward their continuing education requirement. This is exclusive to the state of Oregon. This is not an NASW-approved workshop series.