Arizona Association for Play Therapy upcoming events

I Want to See You Be Brave: Utilizing the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Treat Selective Mutism (19 Jun 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

I Want to See You Be Brave: Utilizing the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Treat Selective Mutism

Presented by: Jared Andes, LCSW, RPT-S™

This training equips clinicians with effective play therapy skills and interventions for supporting children with selective mutism. Through a blend of practical strategies and expressive techniques, participants will learn to create a therapeutic space where silence feels safe, play becomes language, and trust can take root. Grounded in theory and research, the workshop emphasizes how play therapy reduces anxiety, strengthens relational safety, and gently invites verbal expression. Clinicians will leave with concrete tools and renewed confidence in helping children move from quiet withdrawal toward connection, communication, and emotional growth.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

identify play therapy-based assessment skills to accurately assess for SM (including identifying common misdiagnoses, common comorbid disorders, and issues related to language and communication diversity), inform treatment, and tailor treatment.
identify the 4 stages of the avoidance cycle and ways to utilize the powers of play to address each.
identify the 3 predictive factors of successful SM treatment and will identify how to utilize play therapy skills to develop therapeutic relationships and to enhance their technique.
identify the four stages of the communication bridge and at least one play therapy intervention for each stage.

Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Special Topics

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

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

About our presenter: Jared Andes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and Vice President of the Utah Association for Play Therapy. He is a graduate of the Play Therapy Leadership Academy and serves on the Play Therapy™ Magazine committee. Jared is the owner of Full Spectrum Counseling, where he works with children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, autism, and selective mutism. He integrates Jungian Analytical Play Therapy to support healing, symbolic expression, and self-discovery. A passionate presenter and advocate, Jared is dedicated to promoting neurodiversity-affirming, play-based approaches that foster connection, growth, and emotional well-being.

AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.

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 1, 2026. 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 1, 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.

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.

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event (25 Jun 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event

Join AZAPT in this networking event to share your favorites and to learn about some new ones from your fellow therapists using play in sessions.

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

Puppets and play! If you are new to using puppets or it's your go to item in your play room, join AZAPT and share your favorite puppets and how you use them in your practice. Nervous about using puppets, come learn from some experts to help you break the ice!

AZAPT Networking Event: Phoenix (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Let’s connect, collaborate, and celebrate play!

Come spend a relaxed couple of hours with the AZAPT Board and fellow play therapists from the Valley. This is a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and talk about what we love most… PLAY!

️Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: OHSO Brewery - Paradise Valley

Whether you're a local or making the trip from out of town, this is your chance to build connections and enjoy the dog friendly patio, kid-friendly games, and American comfort food that OSHO is known for.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

AZAPT Peer to Peer Consultation Group (13 Jul 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

AZAPT Peer to Peer Consultation Groups

AZAPT Members Only

AZAPT Peer to Peer Consultation Groups: Meets virtually the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00pm. First Group will begin August 11th.

Dates: 8/11, 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8, 7/13

Come join AZAPT over Zoom each month for a Peer to Peer Consultation Group. Meet and collaborate with other AZAPT members to discuss cases, share resources, and support each other's work. This Peer to Peer group will offer opportunities to enhance your skills, navigate ethical dilemmas, and address challenges in your practice.

Disclaimer:

By participating in this Peer to Peer consultation group, you acknowledge and agree to the following: This consultation group is not a substitution for clinical supervision and does not fulfill any supervision requirements for licensure or credentialing. Although there may be Clinical Supervisors present, they will not be acting in their role of Clinical Supervisors. All participants are expected to maintain professionalism and confidentiality and AZAPT cannot guarantee confidentiality and is not liable for any breaches in confidentiality made by any participant; use discretion in what you share about clients to ensure their information is confidential. You are responsible for your clinical decision making, ethical practice and professional conduct and release AZAPT and other group members from any liability related to outcomes related to decision or actions taken as a result of discussions within the group.

Playing Through the Polarization: Play Therapy Strategies for Gen Alpha (The Polars) (14 Jul 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Playing Through the Polarization: Play Therapy Strategies for Gen Alpha (The Polars)

Presented by: Kristy A. Brumfield, PhD, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S™

This presentation explores play therapy techniques for Generation Alpha (2013 - present), also known as the "Polars," highlighting their unique developmental needs shaped by technology and societal polarization. Attendees will learn creative interventions to support emotional expression, resilience, and connection in this tech-savvy, globally aware generation.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

Describe the unique developmental and social needs of Gen Alpha and their implications for play therapy.
Apply play therapy techniques, including sand tray and expressive arts, to address perfectionism and anxiety in Gen Alpha.
Identify strategies for integrating technology ethically into play therapy practice with Gen Alpha.

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

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

About our presenter: Dr. Kristy A. Brumfield is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, and Professor of Counseling at Xavier University of Louisiana. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in child-centered play therapy, filial therapy, and multicultural counseling. A graduate of APT’s Leadership Academy and former president of PA-APT, Dr. Brumfield is a nationally recognized speaker, supervisor, and educator dedicated to creative, developmentally responsive, and culturally affirming practices in play therapy.

AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than July 1, 2026. 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 1, 2026.

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.

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event (30 Jul 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event

Join AZAPT in this networking event to share your favorites and to learn about some new ones from your fellow therapists using play in sessions.

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

Arts and Crafts - it's more than just summer camp! Paint, glitter, glue, paper, scissors, pipe cleaners and creativity...that's what it's all about! Join AZAPT and talk about how you like to create in your play space with your clients. Whether it's making slime or creating a masterpiece, we want to hear about it all!

Fix It Please: Engaging Caregivers in the Play Therapy Treatment Process (7 Aug 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Fix It Please: Engaging Caregivers in the Play Therapy Treatment Process

Presented by: Gloria M. Cockerill, LCSW, PMH-C, RPT-S™, CATP, CCTP, CFTP, Certified Theraplay® Practitioner, Supervisor & Trainer

Play Therapists receive minimal training working with caregivers. This workshop provides foundational skills in working with caregivers focusing on orienting them to the play therapy process, the therapist’s application of parenting style theory to their work with parents, case conceptualizations and identifying approaches to parenting skill development.

Practitioners are often well trained in meeting the needs of their play therapy clients but many have limited experience with hot to support and/or incorporate caregivers directly into the treatment process. This can result in struggles managing the resistance some caregivers may have to participate in services which can enhance the prognosis of long-term change in their children. This workshop will explore foundation skills for working with parents including orienting them to the treatment process, application of parenting style theory to one’s assessment of the family system, and case conceptualization, as well as, identifying approaches to support parenting skill development. As we explore working with caregivers, particular attention will be given to the following theories: Adlerian Play Therapy, Attachment Theory, Humanistic/Relational and Family Systems. In addition, play therapy approaches, like Filial, Theraplay®, PCIT and AdPT that integrate parents into treatment will be highlighted. Video examples, experiential activities, groups discussion and review of course material will be utilized to engage the play therapists’ comfort in working with caregivers.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

List 3 goals for working with parents.
Describe 2 play-based approaches to engaging parents in the therapeutic process.
Describe at least 1 play therapy approach for supporting caregivers capacity to integrate skills they are learning into the home environment.

Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills & Methods, Play Therapy Special Topics

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

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

About our presenter: Gloria M. Cockerill, LCSW, PMH-C, RPT-S™, CATP, CCTP, CFTP and Certified Theraplay ® Practitioner, Supervisor and Trainer and is the Clinical Director of Our Children's Homestead. She has practiced extensively with youth and families impacted by trauma, attachment disruptions, a broad range of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a variety of settings. .

AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.

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.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than July 17, 2026. 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 17, 2026.

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.

AZAPT Networking Event: Tucson (8 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Let’s connect, collaborate, and celebrate play!

Come spend a relaxed couple of hours with the AZAPT Board and fellow play therapists from Southern Arizona and the Valley. This is a great opportunity to network, share ideas, and talk about what we love most… PLAY!

️ Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Beyond Bread – Locally owned, featuring a cozy atmosphere, house-made soups, sandwiches, salads, and decadent pastries.

Whether you're a local or making the trip from out of town, this is your chance to build connections and enjoy the vibrant Tucson vibe. Not from Southern Arizona? Sounds like the perfect excuse for a road trip and a fresh perspective!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

Bibliotherapy: A Play-Based Approach (18 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Bibliotherapy: A Play-Based Approach

Presented by: Juliet Fortino, LPC, RPT-S™

Play therapy offers developmentally responsive ways for children to communicate, process experiences, and build new coping skills. Within this approach, bibliotherapy can become a powerful play-based tool that helps children explore feelings, make meaning of difficult experiences, and practice problem solving through stories, discussion, and expressive activities. This workshop will focus on how books can be intentionally integrated into the play therapy process to support self-expression, emotional regulation, and therapeutic change. Participants will explore play therapy applications of bibliotherapy across a variety of topics and will be introduced to book-based interventions that can be adapted to a child’s age, needs, and clinical history.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

Describe the rationale for using bibliotherapy within play therapy.
Identify developmentally appropriate books that support therapeutic goals in play therapy.
List books and themes relevant to common clinical concerns, including trauma, self-esteem, and foster care.
Demonstrate at least one play therapy intervention that can be paired with selected children’s books.

Level of training: Intermediate | Play Therapy Skills and Methods

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

Limited seating available.

Location: Casa de los Ninos, 1120 N 5th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705. We will meet in the Maxwell B conference room.

About our presenter: Juliet Fortino, MC, LPC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ works with Children and Families involved with Department of Child Safety and the various child mental health agencies in the Tucson community in a private practice setting. She has over 25 years experience working with child trauma, abuse, attachment, and play therapy. She currently uses play therapy in individual and family therapy to help children heal from their previous traumas. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages, including the 0-5 age group. She speaks locally and nationally on a variety of play therapy topics.

AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than September 1, 2026. 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, 2026.

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.

AZAPT Networking Event: Flagstaff (10 Oct 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Let's connect, collaborate and celebrate play!

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

Join us at the charming Late for the Train coffee roastery. The cafe is located in the heart of Flagstaff, in the historic downtown district across from Heritage Square.

Not from Northern Arizona? Maybe it’s time for a road trip to meet some of your Northern Arizona colleagues and check out all that Flagstaff has to offer.

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

Play Therapy Through the Ages: A Journey into the History and Theories of Play Therapy (6 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Play Therapy Through the Ages: A Journey into the History and Theories of Play Therapy

Presented by: Erica Wassenaar, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S™

Come and learn about the history of play therapy. In this class, you will learn more about the antecedents of the seminal theories that influenced the development of play therapy, how play therapy began, and how it evolved into what it is today.

Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:

Articulate a definition of what play therapy is and explain it in a way which others can understand.
Explain the history and development of play therapy.
Identify the basic tenets of the historically significant theories of play therapy (Adlerian, child-centered, cognitive-behavioral, developmental, ecosystemic, filial, Gestalt, Jungian, object-relations, and Theraplay)
Explain what makes each seminal and history theory unique and significant.
Explain the differences between 4 of the historically significant theories of play therapy.
Name a minimum of three historical figures that influenced the field of play therapy

Level of training: Foundational | Play Therapy History

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

About our presenter: Erica Wassenaar holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayne State College. She specializes in play therapy, more specifically Adlerian Play Therapy. She also holds a Level II certification in AutPlay Therapy, which is play therapy specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is also trained in Traumatic Incident Reduction, Critical Incident Stress Management. EMDR. She owns a private practice and is a member of the Association for Play Therapy and the Iowa Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the NWIA Crisis Intervention Stress Management Team in which she leads debriefing for area first responders and law enforcement. She is a coordinator for KIDS Hope USA program through her church. Erica's greatest accomplishment is being a mom to her three kids and a wife.

AZAPT Members $50; Guests $60

To guarantee your spot, payment must be received. If payment is not received at least one week before the training date, your registration will be cancelled.

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be requested in writing and received no later than October 16, 2026. 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 16, 2026.

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.

AZAPT Networking Event: Phoenix (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Let’s connect, collaborate, and celebrate play!

️Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: OHSO Brewery - Paradise Valley

We can’t wait to see you there!

Open to AZAPT members and friends!

Arizona Association for Play Therapy upcoming events

I Want to See You Be Brave: Utilizing the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Treat Selective Mutism (19 Jun 2026)

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event (25 Jun 2026)

AZAPT Networking Event: Phoenix (11 Jul 2026)

AZAPT Peer to Peer Consultation Group (13 Jul 2026)

Playing Through the Polarization: Play Therapy Strategies for Gen Alpha (The Polars) (14 Jul 2026)

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:

AZAPT Virtual Networking Event (30 Jul 2026)

Fix It Please: Engaging Caregivers in the Play Therapy Treatment Process (7 Aug 2026)

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:

AZAPT Networking Event: Tucson (8 Aug 2026)

Bibliotherapy: A Play-Based Approach (18 Sep 2026)

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:

AZAPT Networking Event: Flagstaff (10 Oct 2026)

Play Therapy Through the Ages: A Journey into the History and Theories of Play Therapy (6 Nov 2026)

Learning Objectives Participants will be able to:

AZAPT Networking Event: Phoenix (14 Nov 2026)

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