Play is a child’s natural language, and Winnicott called it a child’s “work.” Play therapy gives clinicians a strong way to help children do the therapeutic work of expressing emotions, processing trauma and building coping skills at their developmental level. This introductory course gives clinicians a foundation in play therapy, covering its theory, core principles and practical uses. Participants look at how play therapy differs from talk therapy, how to set up a therapeutic play space and how to use play-based interventions for emotional and behavioral regulation. Case examples, discussion and experiential learning give attendees the essential tools to start using play therapy with children and families.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define the history, theoretical foundations, and core principles of play therapy, including directive and non-directive approaches.
- Identify essential play therapy tools, materials, and interventions to support emotional expression, social skills development, and trauma processing in children.
- Utilize practical strategies for incorporating play therapy techniques into sessions.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Define the history, theoretical foundations, and core principles of play therapy
- History of play therapy: Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Virginia Axline, Donald Winnicott
- Core theoretical models: Psychoanalytic, Humanistic/Child-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, Integrative
- Directive vs. non-directive approaches: distinctions and applications
Objective #2: Identify essential play therapy tools, materials, and interventions
- Creating the therapeutic play environment: safety, predictability, and acceptance
- Core tools: puppets, sand tray, art supplies, dollhouses, figurines, blocks
- Directive tools: therapeutic games, worksheets, structured storytelling
- Non-directive tools: open-ended toys, art, symbolic and imaginative play
Objective #3: Utilize practical strategies for incorporating play therapy techniques into sessions
- Building the therapeutic relationship through play
- Tracking play themes and supporting emotional expression
- Trauma-informed play interventions: role play, sand tray trauma mapping, expressive art
- Working with families: filial therapy, parent-child dyadic play
- Integration in schools and with other professionals
- Cultural humility and inclusivity in materials and process
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Samantha Silverberg-Stout, M.A., L.P.C.
Recording Date: September 26, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com