
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
WEBINAR OPTION NOW AVAILABLE! | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | August 15-16, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Stephanie Hase LICSW-S, RPT-S™
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 with 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
Supporting beyond the Playroom:Guiding Caregivers through Developmentally Appropriate Expectations and Attunement
Webinar Option Now Available!| NBCC 6 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 6 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS WHEN ATTENDING IN PERSON | September 26, 2025 | 8:30AM- 4:00 PM
Emily Tester, LPC
Objectives:
1. Discuss how to support the relationship between caregiver and child through educating about attunement, co-regulation, and development.
2. Examine the developmental phases/stages to learn how these shape interactions with children to be able to communicate this with caregivers
2. Discuss how to communicate the therapeutic powers of play with caregivers to establish buy-in to the therapeutic process
3. Describe how to effectively structure caregiver involvement and promote progress toward treatment goals.
4. Explore important caregiver tools and how these techniques can best support child’s emotional development.
5. Analyze legal and ethical situations that may arise when working with caregivers of children 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
Uncovering the Power of Sand Tray and Play Therapy: A Hands-On Exploration
In-Person Only | NBCC 15 LIVE CREDIT HOURS | 15 LIVE CONTACT APT CREDIT HOURS | October 3-4, 2025 | 8:30AM- 5:30PM
Objectives:
Describe the history, principles and underlying theoretical underpinnings of sand tray and play therapy, including their historical roots and psychological frameworks.
Demonstrate the set-up, facilitation, and interpretation of sand tray therapy through hands-on guided experiences
Explain how sand tray is therapeutic powers of play
Discuss symbolic elements present in client-created sand trays
Analyze symbolic elements present in sand trays and recognize themes
Discuss ethical and cultural considerations in sand tray therapy
Discuss how to effectively implement these techniques with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults
Discuss the ability to integrate sand tray therapy with other approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR
Identify ways to incorporate sandtray therapy as an intervention for various issues in treatment plans and progress notes
Identify common challenges faced in practice and develop strategies for overcoming them.
Discuss strategies for managing countertransference, understanding how their emotional responses can impact sand tray process
Explain how to track and assess client progress over time through sand tray work
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 12-13, 2026
PHASE 3 INSTRUCTION
October 2-3, 2026
January 15-16, 2027
April 16-17, 2027