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Association for Play Therapy

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is a national professional society established in 1982 to foster contact among mental health professionals interested in exploring and, when developmentally appropriate, applying the therapeutic power of play to communicate with and treat clients, particularly children.

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is defined by APT as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."

Play Therapy should only be provided by licensed clinical mental health professionals with a graduate mental health degree and extensive specialized play therapy education, training and supervised experience. Read more…

Association Programs & Benefits


Membership in the Association for Play Therapy (APT) demonstrates your interest in the field of play therapy! APT is dedicated to the growth and advancement of play therapy, increasing your knowledge, and providing you with networking opportunities and the professional tools you need.

For clarification about Membership vs. Credentialing, review our info-graphic.

 

Membership

APT membership demonstrates your interest in the field of play therapy and provides access to the latest play therapy news, research, publications, networking, and professional tools.

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Play Therapy Research

APT encourages play therapy research that demonstrates the value and effectiveness of play therapy, increases play therapy knowledge, and supports evidence-based play therapy practices.

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Publications

APT provides official publications exclusively to its membership, in the form of the International Journal of Play Therapy®, Play Therapy™ Magazine, PlayToday e-newsletter, and more!

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Play Therapy Forums

A professional network of support is an important resource for any mental health professional. Connect with fellow members and exchange clinical knowledge.

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E-Learning Center

Earn valuable non-contact continuing education from various play therapy sources, including APT’s Annual Conference Workshops, the International Journal of Play Therapy®, and more!

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Annual Conference

The Annual APT Conference takes place every October, offering play therapy education to mental health professionals and graduate students from an array of disciplines.

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Association Newsmore

APT Office Closed

With the Christmas holiday right around the corner, please note that the APT Office will be closed Monday, December 23 through Friday, December 27, 2024. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 30, 2024. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Leadership Academy Application Period Closes Soon

The application period for the 2025 Leadership Academy closes December 31, 2024. This exclusive online program is your chance to gain valuable insights into Association Management and see firsthand how APT operates using the Policy Governance© Model. It's a fantastic opportunity for APT members eager to step into leadership roles and make a difference in their branches!

Since 2004, APT's Leadership Academy has empowered play therapists to build their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of the Policy Governance© Model, and learn the ins and outs of APT's operations. Classes kick off in January and wrap up in May, with only 30 spots available — don't miss out on this unique experience!

Is Your CE APT Approved?

Wondering how to identify APT continuing education trainings? Look for the words "APT Approved Provider" followed by a five-digit number (XX-XXX) on marketing materials and certificates of attendance. Only current APT Approved Providers may offer APT Continuing Education, which are required to obtain and renew an APT credential.

For a list of current providers, visit APT's Approved Providers Directory.

Important Dates:

  • December 30, 2024 APT Magazine Advertising Order Form for March 2024 Issue Due
  • December 31, 2024: Leadership Academy Registration Closes
  • December 20, 2024-January 20, 2025: Call for 2025 Conference Proposals
  • January 8, 2025: APA Call for Proposals Deadline
  • February 2-8, 2024: International Play Therapy Week
Play Therapy in the News more
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