Registration deadline: December 7th

12 CEs

Are you working with children and wondering how to incorporate play into your sessions? Curious about the “how” and “why” of play therapy but unsure where to begin? This two-day immersive workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the foundations of play therapy, blending theory, practical tools, and self-reflection.

Day One focuses on the therapeutic powers of play and introduces directive play therapy approaches. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will explore structured play-based interventions that support children in expressing emotions, developing social-emotional skills, and navigating challenges. The day concludes with a discussion of the essential qualities of a play therapist, with a focus on cultural humility and the therapeutic use of self.

Day Two offers an introduction to non-directive (child-centered) play therapy—a powerful, evidence-informed modality grounded in the belief that children have an innate capacity for growth when provided with a safe, accepting space. Participants will examine the theoretical framework behind this approach, learn how to use facilitative responses, and explore the art of therapeutic presence. Practical strategies for integrating child-centered play therapy into family work will also be covered, with an emphasis on strengthening parent-child relationships and reducing behavior concerns.

Whether you are new to play therapy or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop provides a supportive environment to learn, practice, and reflect. Designed for clinicians, educators, and helping professionals who work with children, this training will equip you with foundational tools to begin using play in meaningful, developmentally sensitive ways.

This is an in-person workshop that will be held on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. The exact location and directions will be emailed to registered participants before the course date.

General Admission: $275**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 24.

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Course Outline

Content Level: Beginner

Target Audiences: Social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health providers working with children.

Agenda: Day One

• Lecture and experiential learning about play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play - 90 mins
• Lecture on materials needed for play therapy and setting up a playroom - 75 mins
• Discussion and experiential learning about play therapy interventions and modalities - 90 mins
• Discussion and experiential learning about cultural humility in play therapy - 90 mins
• Question and Answer - 15 mins

Day Two

• Lecture and experiential learning about history and theory, or non-directive play therapy - 90 mins
• Lecture & experiential learning around skills used in non-directive play therapy - 75 mins
• Discussion and experiential learning around skills used in non-directive play therapy - 90 mins
• Discussion and experiential learning around progress in non-directive play therapy - 90 mins
• Question and Answer - 15 mins

Learner Outcomes

• Apply foundational theories and historical frameworks of play therapy to clinical practice, including analysis of the therapeutic powers of play, essential components of the playroom, and developmentally appropriate interventions across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate introductory-level play therapy techniques through role-play, including directive and non-directive (child-centered) approaches, therapeutic limit setting, facilitative responses, and the use of play themes to assess client progress.
• Integrate principles of cultural humility and family engagement into play therapy, including the use of filial therapy for various presenting problems and strategies to strengthen therapeutic relationships with diverse children and families.

Course Completion Requirements:

• The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/24/2025 – 9/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 12 clinical continuing education credits.
• The Brown School is also an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
• To earn ACE credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. ACE credit is not provided for partial attendance.  However, you may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs provided by the Brown School.
• Brown School CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
• For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancelation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.