Eclectic Approach: Combining Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This presentation will provide clinicians with a broad overview of traditional play therapy and CBT theories and how to flexibly integrate the two approaches into therapy sessions with children ages 7 to 10. Participants will learn how to take CBT concepts and make them playful, creative, and hands-on.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will identify two differences between traditional play therapy and CBT approaches.
2. Participants will explain how play therapy and CBT approaches can be flexibly combined to support emotional expression, coping skill development, and behavioral change in children.
3. Participants will describe three play-based CBT activities that help clients learn and practice communication skills, problem solving skills and emotional regulation skills.

Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods

This event is sponsored by the Virginia Association for Play Therapy (VAPT). The program offers 2.0 APT CONTACT CE . VAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education credits specific to play therapy. VAPT maintains responsibility for the program. APT Approved Provider 01-109

Date: Friday, June 5, 2026

Location: The Child & Family Counseling Group, 10521 Rosehaven Street, Suite 100, Fairfax VA 22030

Parking can be accessed at the front, side or back of the building

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Note: The views expressed by our speakers do not necessarily reflect those of the Virginia Association for Play Therapy.

About our presenter: Dr. Candice Holm holds both a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Her clinical training spans a wide range of settings, including community mental health centers, public schools, and residential treatment facilities. She completed her Postdoctoral Residency in community mental health with the Fairfax County Community Services Board, where she continued to serve for several years.

Dr. Holm is committed to working collaboratively with clients to identify the most effective treatment path. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in an interpersonal and systemic perspective, integrating evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Mindfulness-based interventions.

With extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families, Dr. Holm has specialized training in working with preschool-aged children facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, ADHD, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, grief, attachment issues, and parenting support. She offers Individual, Family, and Group therapy, and conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations with a focus on diagnosing autism spectrum disorders and ADHD across the lifespan.

HANDOUTS: Handouts (if available from presenter) and confirmation will be sent a few days prior to the training.

CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds.

PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this training, you are giving permission for VAPT to use any photographs (screen shots) that are taken during the event containing your likeness for as long as VAPT deems appropriate and desirable. Photographs may be used on the VAPT website, social media pages, and/or newsletter for any purpose. By completing the registration, you are also consenting to waive any rights to the photographs indefinitely. If you do not wish to have your photo used, it is your responsibility to notify VAPT of your request to be omitted.

MAILING LIST: By registering for this training with VAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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Host or Publisher Virginia Association for Play Therapy