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 $150

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.

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.

Reflective Supervision in Play Therapy (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Reflective Supervision in Play Therapy

This three-hour presentation explores how Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RS/C) can strengthen play therapy supervision through reflection, curiosity, and playfulness. Topics include the supervisory relationship, use of self, parallel process, and the influence of culture and power. Supervisors will learn ways to incorporate play and creative expression into supervision to deepen reflection, explore emotional responses, and support professional growth and accountability.

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

Describe three principles of Reflective Supervision/Consultation that support the development of play therapists.
Explain how use of self and parallel process influence play therapy and the supervisory relationship.
Identify three ways to incorporate play and creative expression into reflective supervision to deepen awareness and support play therapists’ professional growth.

3 APT Non-Contact CE | Intermediate| Play Therapy Special Topics, Play Therapy Cultural and Social Diversity Topics

In the spirit of holiday giving, NEAPT is delighted to offer this complimentary 3-hour virtual training as our gift to the play therapy community and a thank-you for your continued support!

About our presenter: Dana Hillman-Sabato is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ with over 16 years’ experience in children’s behavioral health and specializes in trauma, attachment, and early relational health. An Infant Mental Health Mentor-Clinical and PMH-C, she integrates play and relationship-based approaches to support children and caregivers. Dana serves as President of the New England Association for Play Therapy.

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.

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

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than December 1, 2026. Substitutions (someone else attending) may be requested.

New England Association for Play Therapy upcoming events

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

Reflective Supervision in Play Therapy (11 Dec 2026)