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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.

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 Connection

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

A Play Therapy Legend

A special announcement in honor of Dr. Charles Schaefer was shared with APT members on Monday, September 21, 2020. As we honor and celebrate the late “Father of Play Therapy,” we invite you to share your special memories. Additionally, a photo gallery has been created to highlight the many friendships and smiles that surrounded Charlie.

A co-founder of APT, Charlie shared his thoughts in a 2011 History Speaks interview. His scholarly works are renowned and foundational to the credentialing principals of APT.

Publishing Forum Registration Now Open!

Interested in learning the ins and outs of contributing to an APT publication? Join us on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) for a free, one-hour webinar. International Journal of Play Therapy® Clinical Editor Franc Hudspeth PhD, LPC, RPT-S and Play Therapy™ Magazine Clinical Editor Sarah Stauffer PhD, LP (Switzerland), LPC, NCC, NCSC, RPT-S will guide you through the publishing process and provide helpful tips.
 
This special Forum is limited to 300 participants, register by 12:00 p.m. (PDT) on October 7, 2020 to secure your spot. Call in instructions will be provided via email the day before the Forum.

Disaster Activity Book for Children

Looking for a resource in the wake of hurricanes? Too Much Weather is an activity book created by Anne Stewart, PhD, RPT-S and Danielle Budash, PhD, RPT-S to help children cope with the results of natural disasters. Visit the APT Website to download this FREE resource in English or Spanish. Hardcopies available in the APT Store.

IDEA Team - Biweekly Update

Looking for a resource in the wake of hurricanes? Too Much Weather is an activity book created by Anne Stewart, PhD, RPT-S and Danielle Budash, PhD, RPT-S to help children cope with the results of natural disasters. Visit the APT Website to download this FREE resource in English or Spanish. Hardcopies available in the APT Store.

Important Dates:

  • September 25, 2020: APT 2020 Educational Series, Day 2 registration opens
  • September 30, 2020: Deadline extended to submit IJPT manuscript for special issue (Play Therapy in Schools)
  • October 31, 2020:Deadline extended to submit IJPT manuscript for special issue (Play Therapy with Military Families)
  • November 30, 2020: Deadline to submit IJPT manuscript for special issue (Play Therapy in Medical Settings)
Play Therapy in the News more
Calendar more

10/6/2020
2020 Educational Series Day 1

10/24/2020
2020 Educational Series Day 2

11/6/2020
2020 Educational Series Day 3

11/18/2020
2020 Educational Series Day 4

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