2026 AZAPT Annual Conference
Presented by: Rebeca Chow, PhD, LCPC, RPT-S™
EARLY REGISTER THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026. SEATING IS LIMITED.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Play Therapy Across the Lifespan: Generational Healing Through Connection and Co-Regulation
6 Hours APT Contact CE
In a world where children, adults, and families face increasing stress and disconnection, play therapy offers a powerful bridge for healing across generations. This experiential workshop explores how regulation, safety, and connection, grounded in neuroscience, can be activated through play therapy interventions tailored to various age groups. Clinicians will learn how their own nervous system plays a vital role in therapeutic outcomes and how generational awareness can deepen engagement and healing.
After the workshop, participants will be able to...
- Identify four generations actively engaged in play therapy and their unique developmental and cultural considerations.
- Describe three neurobiological processes related to dysregulation and how they present during play therapy sessions.
- Describe the central nervous system’s role in choosing play therapy interventions across the lifespan.
- Define co-regulation and its significance in play therapy treatment planning.
- Demonstrate six play therapy interventions that promote nervous system regulation and emotional safety for clients of various ages.
- Expand the play therapist’s toolkit to include generationally attuned and developmentally appropriate techniques for both in-person and telehealth settings.
Intermediate Level | Play Therapy Skills & Methods, Play Therapy and Cultural Diversity, and Play Therapy Special Topics | 6 Live Contact APT CE
Friday, March 6, 2026
Play Therapy in an Anxious Era: Supporting Emotional Regulation from Generation Alpha and Beyond
6 Hours APT Contact CE
Anxiety has become one of the most common issues seen by clinicians across the lifespan. From overstimulated children to overwhelmed adults, today’s “anxious era” requires innovative and flexible interventions rooted in neuroscience, generational understanding, and play therapy principles. This highly practical workshop focuses on polyvagal-informed strategies to support clients in regulating their nervous systems and building emotional resilience. Through experiential learning, clinicians will explore how anxiety uniquely presents in different generations and how play therapy can be adapted to meet these evolving needs.
After the workshop, participants will be able to...
- Identify common signs and symptoms of anxiety across different age groups and explain how these manifestations impact play therapy assessment and treatment planning.
- Describe how chronic stress and anxiety affect the autonomic nervous system and how this understanding can inform play therapy interventions to support regulation.
- Demonstrate at least five play therapy techniques specifically designed to reduce anxiety and support nervous system regulation in children, adolescents, and adults.
- Examine how generational stressors (e.g., digital overload, societal pressures) contribute to anxiety and how to address these themes through targeted play therapy interventions.
- Apply polyvagal-informed principles to play therapy practices to help clients recognize and shift from anxious states (fight, flight, freeze) toward regulation and safety.
- Develop a play therapy-based plan for empowering families and caregivers to reinforce coping strategies and anxiety-reducing practices beyond the therapy session.
Intermediate Level | Play Therapy Skills & Methods, Play Therapy and Cultural Diversity, and Play Therapy Special Topics | 6 Live Contact APT CE
EARLY REGISTRATION THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026. SEATING IS LIMITED.
About the Presenter
Dr. Rebeca Chow is a licensed clinical counselor and supervisor in Missouri and Kansas and a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™ who brings energy, creativity, and heart to her work. As co-author of children’s books on emotional regulation, she integrates play and neuroscience into practical approaches professionals can use immediately with clients of all ages. Her engaging, research-informed sessions combine clinical expertise with awareness of generational social trends, offering fresh perspectives on shifting emotional needs. Dr. Chow is Chair of the Association for Play Therapy's Board of Directors.
NEW LOCATION:
ASU SkySong
Building 3, 130/135-Synergy I&II
1365 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Click here for a map and directions.
Click here for nearby hotels.
Agenda for Both Days
Check in at the door begins at 7:45 a.m.
07:45 AM – 08:30 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
08:30 AM - 09:00 AM Announcements, Annual Member Meeting (Thursday)
09:00 AM – 10:45 AM Session
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session
12:30 PM – 01:45 PM Lunch on Your Own
01:45 PM – 03:15 PM Session
03:15 PM – 03:30 PM Break
03:30 PM – 04:45 PM Session
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This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 6 CE hours each day.
AZAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to Play Therapy. APT Approved Provider 97-035. AZAPT maintains responsibility for the program. Registrants understand and agree that any photograph, video or audio recording of themselves may be used to further promote AZAPT.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than February 15, 2026. Cancellations are subject to a $30 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after February 15, 2026.
By registering for this training, you are giving AZAPT permission to add your email to our email list and permission for AZAPT to use any photographs or screenshots taken during the training for promotional purposes.
Thank you to our sponsors!
