SR-AHEC Training Announcement: Foundations and Applications of Play Therapy - CEUs and Contact Hours Offered

Foundations and Applications of Play Therapy:

Theory, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Evidence-Based Interventions

for Children and Adolescents

Date: November 12, 2026

Time: 9:00AM – 12:15PM

Play therapy is a developmentally responsive and evidence-supported approach for addressing emotional, behavioral, social, and trauma-related concerns in children and adolescents. This interactive training provides participants with an overview of the history and theoretical foundations of play therapy, including the ten seminal play therapy theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). Participants will explore the therapeutic powers of play, principles of trauma-informed care, and practical interventions that can be integrated into clinical practice across treatment settings. Emphasis will be placed on application through case examples, experiential learning activities, and demonstration of play therapy techniques that can be adapted for in-person and virtual environments.

Participants will learn strategies for supporting children experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges. Ethical considerations, cultural responsiveness, and treatment planning within a play therapy framework will also be discussed. Participants will gain an overview of the ten seminal play therapy theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy and learn how key concepts from this approach can be applied across community mental health settings.

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

• Describe the historical development of play therapy and the rationale for utilizing play as a therapeutic modality with children.
• Identify the ten seminal play therapy theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy and distinguish key concepts among theoretical approaches.
• Explain the Therapeutic Powers of Play and their application in clinical practice.
• Apply trauma-informed principles when implementing play therapy interventions with children and families.
• Demonstrate at least five play therapy interventions that can be adapted for common presenting concerns
• Select developmentally appropriate play therapy interventions for children presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and behavioral challenges.
• Incorporate play therapy techniques into treatment planning and goal development.
• Evaluate ethical, cultural, and practical considerations when utilizing play therapy interventions in clinical settings, including telehealth environments.

No partial credit will be given. You must attend the entire session.

CEUs: 0.3 credit will be awarded to participants who attend 100% of the program.

Contact Hours: 3.0 credit will be awarded to participants who attend 100% of the program

Register Here