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
Playful Pathways: Child-Centered Play Therapy
In- Person| NBCC 12 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 12 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | July 17-18, 2026 | 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM
Location: Huntsville Downtown Library Room A 915 Monroe St. SW Huntsville, AL 35801
Jennifer Slover, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, and Emily Tester, LPC
Objectives
Describe the theoretical foundations and core principles of child-centered play therapy including conducting a child-centered play therapy session, theoretical underpinnings, phases of therapy, and treatment planning.
Identify tenets of a play therapist to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with children.
Describe how to identify appropriate clients for play therapy and associated common mental health goals.
Identify ways to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that is inclusive for all children through the selection of space and toys utilized in child-centered play therapy.
Demonstrate several basic techniques and strategies used in child-centered play therapy to use for addressing goals and build the therapeutic relationship.
Analyze the relationship between child-centered play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play.
Discuss how to involve parents, caregivers, and/or other family members as partners to support a child’s overall well-being.
Explain the play therapy process with the support of interpersonal neurobiology.
Describe how to assess play themes demonstrated in a child-centered play therapy session and their possible meanings.
Explain research and evidence-based practices in child-centered play therapy.
Discuss legal and ethical issues that might occur in child-centered play therapy.
Analyze cultural awareness and sensitivity within child-centered play therapy, 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
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, LMSW
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.
11. 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
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)