So You Want to Be a Play Therapist? Foundations and History

Come to 1, 2, 3 or join us for all 4 in this series of: So You Want to Be a Play Therapist? In this first section we tackle the foundations of play therapy and history. Whether you are just getting started or seasoned and want a refresher, check out this series!

This 12-hour in-person continuing education training series provides an introduction to the foundational principles, skills, and applications of play therapy for mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Participants will explore the historical and theoretical foundations of play therapy, core clinical skills, and developmentally appropriate interventions across clinical and school-based settings.

The training emphasizes experiential learning through role play, case-based discussion, and guided skill practice to support the development of play therapy competencies. Participants will also review ethical considerations, documentation practices, and pathways toward credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist™.

This program is designed for clinicians new to play therapy as well as experienced professionals seeking to integrate developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches into their clinical work.

In this first, introductory training provides an overview of the historical development and theoretical foundations of play therapy. Participants will examine major play therapy approaches and explore the developmental and neurobiological rationale for using play as a primary mode of communication with children. Emphasis is placed on understanding how play supports emotional expression, attachment, and self-regulation. This session establishes a foundational framework for integrating play therapy concepts into clinical practice.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the historical development of play therapy and key contributors.
2. Identify at least three theoretical models of play therapy.
3. Explain how developmental stages influence children’s communication through play.
4. Differentiate play therapy from traditional talk therapy approaches.

3 Live Contact APT CE

Presenters:

Tara Moser, LCSW, RPT-S, C-AAIS

Tara owns a group practice in SWFL working with children and families. She hosts a training program focused on play therapy, experiential learning, and supervision. She also runs a non-profit for kids and dogs and enjoys traveling for fun and presenting on topics she loves.

Guest Presenters: Tara will invite some of the other Delta Family Counseling team to co-present

Delta Family Counseling is approved by the Florida Department of Health under Fl Statute 49I to offer continuing education for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors. Provider Number BAP-50-30047 expires 03/31/2027. APT Approved Provider #10-286.

Play Therapy Credit may not be awarded to those who are not mental health professionals.

Want to attend all 4? Use Code: All4ForYou for $10 off each section bringing it to $140 for 12 CE's instead of $180

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than May 20, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $15 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds issued after May 20, 2026.

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Host or Publisher Delta Family Counseling