Introduction to Using Sand, Sandtray, and Miniatures in Play Therapy

Wednesday July 10, 2024

9:00 a.m. EST to 1:00 p.m. EST

one 15 minute break midway through session

Play Therapy History, 1 hour

Play Therapy Skills and Methods, 3 hours

 

There are many ways to utilize sand in play therapy including traditional individual sandtrays, family and group trays, using miniatures without sand, and using sand in a school play therapy setting. In this training, participants will learn about the history of sandtray in play therapy as well as many modifications of the original work that are prevalent today. As we discuss how to integrate sand into play therapy, participants will be introduced to a model for introducing the sand, processing the session, and utilizing metaphors. These concepts will be presented from the view of two theoretical orientations. We will also discuss optimal collections of miniatures, set up, and storage of equipment, as well as ways to make these work within multiple budgets and settings.

**Please email [email protected] to register or for information** This training will be a live webinar through Zoom (4 play therapy credit hours) and is limited to 50 participants. Email [email protected] to register. This training is $100. This workshop meets APT’s definition of Live Webinar.

 

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this training, participants will be able to…

1. Identify at least 2 major historical figures in sandtray work who used sand in play therapy.
2. Identify at least 4 ways to incorporate sand into play therapy.
3. Discuss the primary stages of sandtray work in play therapy and how to adapt as needed.
4. Identify the primary miniatures used in sandtray in play therapy and why these are important to a collection of miniatures.

 

Moving through Childhood into the Teen Years with Child-Centered Play Therapy

Tuesday July 16, 2024

12:00 p.m. EST to 3:00 p.m. EST

(one 15 minute break partway through session)

Child-centered play therapy is a modality that utilizes the child’s natural language of play and the therapeutic relationship to help a child overcome psychosocial, behavioral, relational, and emotional challenges. This training will help play therapists understand the theory and principles behind child-centered play therapy as well as the categories of play therapist responses and the ACT model of limit setting during sessions. Participants will be introduced to the materials that are recommended for a well-equipped play therapy room based on child-centered play therapy theory. Implementation of child-centered play therapy with children and adolescents will be discussed, as will adaptations that encourage connections with adolescents in particular. 

 **Please email [email protected] to register or for information** This training will be a live webinar through Zoom (3 play therapy credit hours) and is limited to 50 participants. Email [email protected] to register. This training is $75. This workshop meets APT’s definition of Live Webinar.

1. Identify the eight core principles of child-centered play therapy outlined by Virginia Axline
2. Identify and demonstrate the nine categories of responses primarily utilized in child-centered play therapy
3. Describe the recommended playroom materials in a child-centered play therapy session
4. Describe at least 3 adaptations to consider for a child-centered play therapy space to encourage therapeutic connections with adolescents

An Overview of Two Play Therapy Theories: Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy

Thursday July 25, 2024

1:00 p.m. EST to 3:00 p.m. EST

(one 15 minute break midway through session)

Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, 2 hours

 

Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy are two of the historically significant or seminal theories recognized by the Association for Play Therapy. This workshop will provide a brief overview of the history of each play therapy theory and founders as well as the basic core tenets. The therapeutic powers of play that are most commonly activated within these theories will be discussed as will interactions with children and parents from these theoretical backgrounds.

**Please email [email protected] to register or for information** This training will be a live webinar through Zoom (2 play therapy credit hours) and is limited to 50 participants. Email [email protected] to register. This training is $50. This workshop meets APT’s definition of Live Webinar.

 

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the core tenets of Object Relations Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core tenets of Developmental Play Therapy.
3. Identify how the therapeutic powers of play are activated within Object Relations Play Therapy and Developmental Play Therapy.

 

Integrating Nature into Sandtray and Play Therapy

Friday August 2, 2024

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; one 15 minute break midway through session

Play Therapy Special Topics, 3 hours

 

Integrating nature-based play into play therapy can have powerful neuropsychological and clinical benefits. Participants will learn the clinical and psychosocial reasons behind integrating nature into play therapy and sandtray work, as well as some historical perspectives. The research on physical and mental health benefits will also be discussed. Participants should come prepared to discuss their own clinical experiences with using nature in play therapy and be ready to think about how to integrate nature into their work especially in this time of technological advances and telehealth.

**Please email [email protected] to register or for information** This training will be a live webinar through Zoom (3 play therapy credit hours) and is limited to 50 participants. Email [email protected] to register. This training is $75. This workshop meets APT’s definition of Live Webinar.

 

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least 4 benefits to integrating nature-based play into sand and play therapy sessions.
• Discuss at least 2 potential limitations to using nature-based materials in play therapy.
• Identify how cultural influences can impact access to nature, and how this can be addressed within play therapy.