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• Attachment Centered Play Therapy

  • When
    14 Jul 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Meeting

  Register

  Attachment Centered Play Therapy

  Presented by: Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S™

  
  

  Attachment Centered Play Therapy (ACPT) is an integrative, prescriptive play therapy model that blends the original and current theories of attachment with the power of play therapy to create a holistic, systemic approach to working with children and families.  This approach allows the clinician to view the child within the framework of their family system, treating the family as if they were “the client” instead of focusing on the individual child and presenting behavioral or emotional issues.  Through the lens of attachment theory, participants will gain a new understanding of how children and families interact and bond to one another in healthy vs maladaptive ways. We will be exploring how trauma, abuse, neglect, and grief impact the bonds of attachment within the family system, as well as ways to engage even the most difficult parents and invite them into the play therapy process.  You will learn how to repair, rebuild, and create safety within the parent-child relationship using the power of Attachment Centered Play Therapy.

  Participants will spend the afternoon learning new and innovative play therapy techniques including hands on experiential activities, sand tray interventions, and expressive arts.  You will leave with a creative toolbox of tips, techniques, and a clear understanding of how attachment styles impact relationships.     

  Learning Objectives 
  Participants will be able to:

  1. Identify how attachment theory applies to play therapy and to view family systems through the lens of attachment.
  2. Analyze attachment theory as it applies to play therapy to provide integrated therapeutic treatment.
  3. Evaluate the four key concepts of attachment theory and how these concepts apply to attachment centered play therapy.

  Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics, Play Therapy Skills and Methods

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.

  About our presenter: Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S™ is an international speaker, award winning author, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She is the creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy. Throughout her career, she has specialized in providing play therapy to children, teens, and their families. Ms. Mellenthin frequently presents professional play therapy and family therapy nationally and internationally. Ms. Mellenthin is the Past-President of the Utah Association For Play Therapy. She is the author of several books including Attachment Centered Play Therapy; Play Therapy: Engaging & Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Childhood Disorders; and My Many Colors of Me Workbook. In addition, she has authored several chapters and articles. Ms. Mellenthin frequently appears on local and national television and radio as an expert on children and family issues. 

  AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

  AZAPT 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. 

  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 June 20, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after June 20, 2025.

  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.

  By registering for this training with AZAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  

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• Gaming in Play Therapy: An Introduction to Video Games, VR and Technology

  • When
    15 Aug 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Meeting

  Register

  Gaming in Play Therapy: An Introduction to Video Games, VR and Technology

  Presented by: Tyler Z. Tooley, LPC-S, RPT™

  
  

  This workshop introduces how to implement techniques and strategies within the play therapy setting that involve technology, video games and virtual reality as a means of building trust and developing a therapeutic relationship - for all ages - so that the therapist can address trauma, social and communication skills, and other cognitive or behavioral needs. These techniques and interventions can be used as a directive or non-directive approach to facilitate change and can therefore be implemented using several different theoretical lenses. Children and teens use symbolic language as a way of communicating Where words are used by adults, toys and games are used by children and teens. Currently, children's toys, games, and play are dominated by technology. Gaming and technology, therefore, is a way for the therapist to meet the child where they are to facilitate opening the door to difficult conversations.

  Learning Objectives 
  Participants will be able to:

  1. Apply and articulate two (2) specific interventions/strategies for implementing and utilizing video games, virtual reality, and/or technology devices in play therapy.
  2. Explain and differentiate between ethical and unethical gaming in play therapy and provide at least one (1) example of an unethical intervention.
  3. Recognize at least two (2) populations in which utilizing video games, virtual reality and/or technology devices in play therapy is most beneficial and appropriate and provide at least one (1) corresponding evidence-based intervention for each of those populations.
  4. Discuss relevant research and identify how video games, virtual reality and/or technology devices in play therapy can be applied by at least three (3) different theoretical orientations.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of how to document the use of video games, virtual reality and/or technology devices effectively and adequately in at least one (1) play therapy progress note.
  6. Identify at least one (1) neuropsychological benefit of utilizing video games, virtual reality, and/or technology devices in a play therapy setting.

  Level of training: Foundational | Play Therapy Special Topics, Play Therapy Skills and Methods

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.

  About our presenter:  Tyler Z. Tooley, LPC-S, RPT™ is a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPC-S), Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™), a certified AutPlay® Therapist and approved supervisor for AutPlay Therapy. Tyler completed his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Missouri State University in May of 2020 and his Bachelor’s in Psychology at Missouri State University in May of 2017. Tyler is currently a PhD Candidate for Education Counseling at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL). Tyler specializes working with individuals of all ages who are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, OCD, gifted, etc.) and integrates AutPlay® Therapy with neurodivergent adolescents, teenagers, young adults & adults, by utilizing technology, including video and computer games, iPads, and virtual reality (VR) into sessions. Tyler is the developer of Gaming Therapy and he is currently conducting research and developing training programs for other clinicians. Tyler serves as an Advisory Board Member for AutPlay® Therapy, where he provides strategic advice and assistance regarding management, operations, marketing, and the overall direction of programs. Tyler also serves as the Committee Chair for Social Media and Media Support on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association for Play Therapy.

  AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

  AZAPT 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. 

  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 July 25, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after July 25, 2025.

  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.

  By registering for this training with AZAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  

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• AZAPT Networking Event: Phoenix

  • When
    6 Sep 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    TBD

  Register

  Come out to spend time with AZAPT board members and other therapists from the Phoenix area to network and chat about what we love most….PLAY!

  Open to AZAPT members and friends!

  Location TBD

  
  

  
  

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• Family Play Genograms

  • When
    19 Sep 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Skysong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd., Room 249 Imagination, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA

  Register

  Family Play Genograms

  Presented by: Jill A. Forsberg, LMFT, RPT-S™

  
  

  Using a tried-and-true systemic intervention, the Genogram, this workshop will allow participant to deepen their work with families. Family Play Genograms allow the family members to break up old patterns and habits, see each other in new ways and tell family stories. Therapists get to see families in action, use metaphor to explore challenging ideas and understand family dynamic using Play Therapy. This training emphasizes the Powers of Play of Facilitating Communication and Enhancing Social Relationships.     

  Learning Objectives 
  Participants will be able to:

  1. through the lens of play therapy, identify 3 developmentally appropriate Family Play Genogram directives.
  2. create a Family Play Genogram and practice processing it as you would in a play therapy setting.
  3. assess family patterns using a Family Play Genogram.

  Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Contact CE hours.

  Limited seating available.

  Location: Skysong Building 1, Room 249 Imagination - upstairs on 2nd floor

  Click here for a map.

  About our presenter: Jill Forsberg, LMFT, RPT-S™ is a therapist licensed in Washington State. An Arizona native, Jill graduated Arizona State University in 1997 and traded triple digit summers for milder climate in 1998. Now a Seattle “native,” Jill frequently travels to Scottsdale to see her five favorite people - four nephews and a niece. In Seattle Jill is a University Professor at Antioch University Seattle Couple and Family Therapy program and has a thriving private practice where she sees children, teens, families and individuals. Jill also supervises pre-licensed Associates in Washington and professionals seeking a RPT™. Jill has presented on the east and west coasts and internationally. Jill is a dog mom to two yellow labs, Stuart Little (12) and Charlotte Web (Charlie, 6). Jill can be seen around the greater Seattle area at dog parks, hiking trails or beaches.

  AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

  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 September 1, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after September 1, 2025.

  
  

  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. 

  By registering for this training with AZAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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• The Art of Supervision: managing the process of developing competent play therapists

  • When
    17 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Meeting

  Register

  The Art of Supervision: managing the process of developing competent play therapists

  Presented by: Jenn Pereira, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™

  
  

  This workshop is designed to equip professionals in the play therapy field with the essential skills needed for effective clinical play therapy supervision. Attendees will discuss approaches to fostering the growth and competence of novice play therapists while emphasizing ethical practice and risk management strategies. As supervision is a personalized experience, portions of the training will also focus on the process of the supervisor. 

  Learning Objectives 
  Participants will be able to:

  1. discuss ethical and developmental issues in play therapy supervision.
  2. identify their personal supervision style and intentional application of supervision models to play therapy supervision.
  3. develop strategies for supervising diverse play therapy supervisees.
  4. develop a system for providing comprehensive and clear feedback to supervisees. 

  Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.

  About our presenter: Dr. Jenn Pereira is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and Clinical Associate Professor with ASU’s Counseling Psychology Unit. She holds specialization in trauma, attachment, and Play Therapy. Dr. Pereira has worked clinically for 25 years, and through her business The Banyan Tree Wellness Center, provides supervision for counselors seeking licensure/Play Therapy certification, and continuing education training for clinicians in the field.

  AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

  AZAPT 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. 

  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 September 26, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after September 26, 2025.

  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.

  By registering for this training with AZAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  

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• Integrative Play Therapy with Older Teens and Young Adults Suffering from Complex Trauma

  • When
    14 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual Meeting

  Register

  Integrative Play Therapy with Older Teens and Young Adults Suffering from Complex Trauma

  Presented by:  Kevin B. Hull, PhD, LMHC, RPT™, CGP 

  
  

  This session will demonstrate the use of play therapy with older teens and adults suffering from complex trauma. Integrative Play Therapy (IPT) is an effective approach in helping individuals suffering from complex trauma in the form of emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and self-repair.

  Learning Objectives 
  Participants will be able to:

  1. describe how Integrative Play Therapy is useful when working with complex trauma.  
  2. identify play therapy techniques specifically used for complex trauma. 
  3. apply Integrative Play Therapy techniques specifically for emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and self-repair.

  Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods

  This training is approved by APT Approved Provider 97-035 for 3 Non-Contact CE hours.

  About our presenter: Dr. Kevin Hull owns and operates Hull and Associates, P.A. a private practice in Lakeland, Florida. Kevin is a Registered Play Therapist™ and professor and has written extensively about the use of play in clinical practice. Kevin is a husband and father of four, and loves to play in the Gulf of Mexico as an open water swimmer. 

  AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

  AZAPT 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. 

  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 October 24, 2025. Cancellations are subject to a $20 processing fee. Substitutions (someone else attending) or transfer of registration to another training date may be requested. No refunds after October 24, 2025.

  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.

  By registering for this training with AZAPT, you consent to have your contact information added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  

  Show details