Fun with Foundations: History and Theories of Play Therapy
Let's be real! Play has been around as long as humans have existed. Play therapy has been around since Freud. Part of becoming a play therapist is knowing and learning our history and foundation. Knowing why you are doing what you are doing and being able to communicate this to caregivers and others in the community maintains the credibility of what we do as Play Therapists. In this workshop participants will learn how play therapy began, developed and grew to be what it is today. Participants will learn the historical and seminal theories under the umbrella of play therapy. Participants will have a brief overview of the therapeutic powers of play and how they came to be. Participants will be introduced to a decision-making model all play therapists can use to guide them in their integration of play therapy and treatment planning. Experiential hands-on practice will help participants apply play therapy theory to practice.
Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify 4 main areas within Therapeutic Powers of Play and their applicability in Play Therapy.
- Identify Seminal and Historical Theories Connected to Play Therapy.
- Demonstrate 2 play therapy techniques/interventions connected to theories.
3 APT Non-Contact CE | Foundational | Play Therapy History, Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills and Methods
About our presenter: Danyale Weems, LCSW, RPT-S™, EMDR Certified and an EMDR Consultant in training owns a private practice in rural Georgia where she specializes in working with children, adolescents and their families with complex trauma and neuro-developmental disorders. She has advanced training and education in clinical supervision and provides supervision to Social Workers, Counselors and Play Therapists. Danyale currently provides supervision and consultation across the country. She has partnered with her local University to create awareness around using play therapy as a primary way of healing for children and families. Danyale provides trainings locally and state-wide. She has provided trainings for the GA NASW, Tanner Hospital System, GA LPC Chapter, and University of West GA.
NEAPT Members $50; Guests $60
VIRTUAL: This will be a virtual meeting. NEAPT requests that video cameras be on and participants be visible throughout the presentation to facilitate engagement. Participants will be awarded APT Non-Contact CE upon successful completion of a post test.
NEAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 02-123. NEAPT maintains responsibility for the program.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than January 15, 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 or partial refunds after January 15, 2026.
By registering for this training, you are giving NEAPT permission to add your email to our email list and you are giving permission for NEAPT to use any photographs or screenshots that are taken during the event containing your likeness for promotional purposes.
