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
Easing Childhood Anxiety Through Play Therapy
Live Webinar | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS | April 17-18, 2026 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Susan Walker, LPC, RPT
Objectives:
1. Discuss the various types of anxiety disorders commonly seen in childhood
2. Describe the potential impacts childhood anxiety can have on development and functioning
3. Discuss ways to assess for anxiety and construct individualized play therapy treatment goals.
4. Identify specific therapeutic benefits play therapy can have on anxious children and their families
5. Discuss how to track progress and modify play therapy approaches as needed
6. Explain how play therapy helps children process anxiety
7. Outline research-based play therapy theories that support anxious children
8. Demonstrate effective play therapy communication techniques to engage and build rapport with anxious children and families.
9. Demonstrate 5 play therapy interventions that encourage emotional expression and problem-solving.
10. Discuss 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
11. Discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration
12. Describe ethical guidelines for working with anxious children and families
13. Analyze cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with children and families experiencing anxiety.
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
Tiny Treasures, Big Bonds: Family Play Therapy
In- Person or Webinar Option !| NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | May 15-16, 2026 | 8:30AM- 5:30 PM
Kathren York, LPC
Objectives
Discuss primary theoretical foundations of family therapy and how play therapy can be integrated into a family systems approach.
Evaluate assessment techniques specific to family therapy using play therapy, including understanding family dynamics, identifying strengths and challenges, and assessing the needs of individual family members.
Describe the complexities of varying family dynamics and how they influence the therapeutic process.
Identify the therapist’s role when working with families.
Apply hands-on play therapy techniques that empower families in their therapeutic journey.
Discuss how to help support families engage in positive verbal and nonverbal communication both in and out of the playroom.
Recognize the significant impacts the nervous system has in forming family dynamics and relationships.
Identify tools to help families support children through co-regulation and connection.
Develop necessary tools involving caregivers in the play therapy process—fostering collaboration and positive engagement.
Assess strategies in helping caregivers understand the therapeutic process of family play therapy.
Identify special considerations when working with families in play therapy
Assess ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity when working with families in play therapy.
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
May 2024 Cohort Schedule
PHASE 1 INSTRUCTION
May 10-11, 2024
July 12-13, 2024
November 1-2, 2024
PHASE 2 INSTRUCTION
January 10-11, 2025
March 21-22, 2025
May 30-31, 2025
July 18-19, 2025
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
November 7-8, 2025
February 20-21, 2026
May 15-16, 2026
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