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
Directive Play Therapy Techniques
In-Person | NBCC 12 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 12 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS | September 18-19, 2026 | 9:30AM- 4:30 PM
Location: Huntsville Downtown Library Room A 915 Monroe St. SW Huntsville, AL 35801
Stephanie Hase, LICSW-S, RPT-S™ and Nikki Witte, LICSW
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 who have experienced 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
Beyond Representation: Cultural Competence, Humility, and Affirming Practice in Play Therapy
In-Person | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS | October 2-3 | 8:30 AM- 5:30 PM
Location: Play and Grow Counseling 224 Rhett Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801
Margaret McDonald, LPC, RPT™ and Emily Tester, LPC, NCC, RPT™
Objectives:
Define diversity and cultural competence within the context of play therapy.
Identify how culture, race, ethnicity, language, religion, socioeconomic status, geography, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, and lived experience may influence the play therapy relationship.
Examine how therapist identity, theoretical orientation, personal values, and unconscious bias may impact assessment, caregiver engagement, and play therapy interventions.
Explore personal cultural identity and how it shapes interactions with children and their families in the play therapy process.
Describe how cultural beliefs and lived experiences may influence a child’s neuroception of safety within the play therapy relationship.
Discuss culturally responsive ways to engage caregivers, legal custodians, and diverse family systems in the play therapy process.
Analyze current playroom materials, office setup, and therapeutic structure to identify opportunities for representation, inclusion, and cultural processing in play therapy.
Demonstrate inclusive language for intake, caregiver communication, documentation, and relationship building in play therapy.
Identify affirming strategies for supporting LGBTQI+ children, teens, caregivers, and diverse family systems in play therapy.
Integrate cultural perspectives into ethical decision-making, referral considerations, treatment planning, and caregiver collaboration with play therapy clients.
Identify techniques that support relational repair when cultural ruptures, therapist missteps, or moments of disconnection occur in play therapy.
Develop a culturally inclusive action plan for adapting playroom materials, therapeutic expectations, resources, and engagement outside of the playroom.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
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.
Easing Childhood Anxiety Through Play Therapy
Virtual | NBCC 6 WEBINAR CREDIT HOURS | 6 NON-CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS | November 13, 2026 | 9:30AM- 4:30 PM
Susan Walker, LPC, RPT™
Objectives:
Discuss various types of anxiety disorders commonly seen in childhood
Describe the potential impacts childhood anxiety can have on development and functioning
Discuss ways to assess and construct play therapy treatment plan goals
Outline research-based play therapy interventions that support anxious children
Demonstrate 5 play therapy techniques that encourage emotional expression and problem-solving.
Assess how to involve parents, caregivers, and/or other family members as partners to support a child’s overall well-being in the play therapy process.
Describe cultural competencies for working with anxious children in play therapy.
APT Approved Provider 24-727
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.
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 19-20, 2026
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
October 2-3, 2026
January 15-16, 2027
April 16-17, 2027
July 2026 Cohort Schedule
PHASE 1 INSTRUCTION
July 17-18, 2026 (in-person)
September 18-19, 2026 (in-person)
November 13, 2026 (live-webinar)
January 29-30, 2027 (in-person)
PHASE 2 INSTRUCTION
March 12-13, 2027 (live-webinar)
May 21-22, 2027 (in-person)
July 23-24, 2027 (live-webinar)
September 17-18, 2027 (in-person)
November 12-13, 2027 (live-webinar)
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
January 21-22, 2028 (live-webinar)
March 10-11, 2028 (in-person)
May 19-20, 2028 (live-webinar)
July 24-25, 2028 (in-person)