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.
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 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.
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