Using Metacognitive Systems, Productive Language, and Play Therapy to Build Executive Function (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Using Metacognitive Systems, Productive Language, and Play Therapy to Build Executive Function

Looking for ways to support disorganized students who lack a plan or don’t know how to get started? How about those who are easily distracted or have difficulty with cognitive flexibility, self-regulating, self-monitoring, or remembering what they need to do?

In this interactive workshop, we’ll address how to help students, particularly those with ADHD, build underdeveloped skills that are vital to learning and success in school, relationships, and life. We will weave in ways that play therapy naturally exercises executive function and many of the skills needed for learning and functioning, in and beyond the classroom.

Using 15 Minute Focus: Executive Function: How to Build Underdeveloped Skills, Maximize Learning, and Unlock Potential as a reference, you’ll walk away with practical, real time tools and responses you can use the very same day.

Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Describe how stress can hijack executive function in youth, which can negatively impact their ability to pay attention, remember what they need, or regulate their emotions
Demonstrate and apply language, tools, and systems which can be used in play therapy, the classroom, and daily activities to facilitate metacognitive thinking and executive function skill building
Explain and apply how play therapy provides an impactful context in which to build executive function in students through play therapy activities

3 APT Non-Contact CE | Foundational | Play Therapy Special Topics

About our presenter: Noel Foy, M.A., is the founder of Neuro Noel Consulting. She supports kids and adults in managing anxiety and building executive function and a growth mindset for school and life success. Noel is passionate about empowering educators, parents and students with systems, strategies and self-talk to reduce stress and boost learning, engagement and performance. She is an award-winning author of A.B.C. Worry Free, a teaching tool for anxiety, and Are You a Bird Like Me?

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.

Please note that this virtual training will not be recorded, and live attendance is required.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than October 1, 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 October 1, 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.

Treating Pediatric OCD~Play Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention (9 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Treating Pediatric OCD~Play Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention (Including Advanced and Taboo Topics)

Research shows us that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ERP involves the client and their parents having to face their fears and engage in very difficult tasks. Play therapy is the perfect compliment to integrate in order to engage and motivate the child and their family members. This training will explore how to use play therapy techniques to help the child make sense of their OCD as well as how to use play therapy to create exposures and rewards. Participants will learn about differential diagnosis, creating treatments plans, and problem solving common barriers to treating pediatric OCD including working with “taboo” topics. Participants will also be able to share case examples and brainstorm with the group for play therapy exposure ideas.

Learning Objectives: After successful completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Define and identify OCD and understand how to integrate the most effective treatment method (ERP) into play therapy sessions.
Explain the importance of using play therapy techniques for engaging the child and family in the treatment of OCD.
List and demonstrate five play therapy techniques for use in Exposure and Response Prevention.
Create treatment plans for using Play Therapy techniques in ERP.
Identify differential diagnosis of OCD and other disorders through the use of Play Therapy in assessment.
Engage in problem solving common issues in treating OCD including “Taboo” topics utilizing play therapy strategies.

6 APT Contact CE | Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

Location

Family & Children's Aid, 30 Holmes Ave, Waterbury, CT 06702

About our presenter: Tara Spurr, LMHC, RPT-S™ is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed School Psychologist. After earning a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, Tara began her career as a School Psychologist. In the schools, she focused on gifted testing, academic evaluations, 504 evaluations and assisting in interventions for students. In 2017, Tara decided she wanted to offer more and began her entry into therapy for children, teens and adults after earning a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She attended advanced trainings in EMDR, treating OCD, trauma, behavior and anxiety. Tara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant in Training and a Qualified Supervisor. She is also certified as a PCIT Therapist, Within Agency Trainer and PCIT for Selective Mutism Therapist.

Members: $120; Guests $200

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 October 16, 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 October 16, 2026.

New England Association for Play Therapy upcoming events

Using Metacognitive Systems, Productive Language, and Play Therapy to Build Executive Function (19 Oct 2026)

Treating Pediatric OCD~Play Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention (9 Nov 2026)