Together We Play: Group-Based Child-Centered Therapy

Together We Play is a 1-Day, 6 CE workshop designed for mental health professionals and students working with children who want to expand their application of child centered play therapy work integrating group play.

Jump into an engaging, hands-on workshop for play therapists of all levels—whether you work in schools, agencies, non-profits, residential programs, or private practice—and learn how to bring group child-centered play therapy to life. We’ll explore the heart of child-centered theory with practical demonstrations, dig into when and why group work shines, and share clear, usable strategies for running effective group sessions. Expect lively examples, useful tips, and the confidence to create safe, playful, and healing group spaces for children.

This training is designed for mental health professionals who have completed introductory CCPT training, including LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, psychologists, school counselors, and graduate students seeking advanced skills in play therapy.

For more information email:

Friday, August 7, 2026 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (with one-hour lunch and two 15-minute breaks)

Location

Mansfield Mission Center
78 Regency Parkway
Mansfield, TX 76063

Important: Drive around to the back, park, and enter through the market. Please do not enter through the front of the YMCA.

By the end of this 1-day training, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the theoretical foundations supporting Child-Centered Group Play Therapy.
2. Describe the core process and stages of Child-Centered Group Play Therapy.
3. Explain considerations for the formation and composition of groups in Child-Centered Group Play Therapy.
4. Demonstrate facilitation skills unique to the Child-Centered Group Play Therapy model.
5. Recognize parent consultation needs and psychoeducation specific to Child-Centered Group Play Therapy.
6. Describe strategies for maintaining therapeutic limits, emotional safety, and group cohesion in Child-Centered Group Play Therapy.

Heather Pina-McGhee, LPC-S, RPT-S, is an Approved Provider of Play Therapy Continuing Education by the Association for Play Therapy (APT Approved Provider #25-775. This program is co-sponsored by Mansfield-Arlington Play Therapy Training Center (MAPT). Heather Pina-McGhee maintains full responsibility for the content, quality, conduct, and awarding of play therapy credit for this program in accordance with APT Approved Provider Standards.

Speakers:

Heather Pina-McGhee, M.A., LPC-S, RPT-S™ , Certified CCPT-S

Heather is the owner and clinical director of Life Chapters Counseling, PLLC in Mansfield, Texas. A Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy Supervisor (CCPT-S), EMDR Certified Practitioner and TBRI® Practitioner, she specializes in helping children, teens, and families through play therapy, sandtray, EMDR, and trauma-informed approaches. Heather’s background includes experience as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and child protective services worker, which gives her a unique perspective on the systems that impact children’s lives. She provides supervision for LPC-Associates and Registered Play Therapist™ candidates and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of play therapists. As co-founder of the Mansfield-Arlington Play Therapy Training Center (MAPT Training Center, LLC), Heather is committed to making high-quality, practical play therapy training accessible to mental health professionals.

Amy Andra, M.S., LPC-S, RPT-S™ , Certified CCPT-S

Amy is the co-founder of Spirit Therapy, PLLC in Midlothian, Texas, where she provides counseling for children, adolescents, and families. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor ™, Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy Supervisor (CCPT-S) and EMDR certified practitioner. She specializes in working with all ages integrating Play, activity based interventions, somatic interventions, Internal Family Systems interventions and animal assisted therapy. With extensive experience in both school and private practice settings, Amy brings warmth and expertise to her work with children and to her supervision of LPC-Associates and Registered Play Therapist™ candidates. As co-founder of the MAPT Training Center, Amy enjoys equipping counselors with the skills and confidence to integrate Child-Centered Play Therapy into their practice.

CANCELATION/REFUND POLICY

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected]

Requests received by 11:59 p.m. on July 24, 2026 will be eligible for a refund of the registration fee, less a $50 administrative processing fee.

No refunds will be issued for requests received after this date.

MAPT Training Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this training due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, every effort will be made to notify registered participants in advance, and all registration and continuing education fees will be fully refunded.

Please note: MAPT Training Center’s financial responsibility is limited solely to the amount of the registration fee paid.

MAPT Training Center is committed to providing accessible learning experiences. Please contact us at [email protected] by July 31st to request accommodations

If you have concerns or grievances regarding this training, please contact MAPT Training Center at [email protected]. We will make every effort to resolve complaints in a fair and timely manner.

Play Therapy credit is only awarded to mental health professionals.

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Host or Publisher Mansfield-Arlington Play Therapy (MAPT) Training Center