What's a Theory Anyway? Finding Your Theoretical Orientation in Play Therapy
February 9, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Date:
February 9, 2026
Time:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Location:
Live Webinar
Description:
One of the first dilemmas a new play therapist must face is choosing a theoretical orientation from which to learn and work. Yet many are unsure of what a theory even is, let alone which to focus on! This training is intended to help play therapists explore the definition of a theory while learning which basic tenets and goals are specific to each of the ten seminal or historically significant theories listed by APT. We will explore the basic philosophy and tenets of each play therapy theory while highlighting the basic skills or methods utilized within each. Participants will have the opportunity to explore their own thoughts about development, systems, psychopathology, and more as they seek to discover which play therapy theory most closely matches their own worldviews.
Learning Objectives:
- Define “theory” as utilized in play therapy.
- Outline the basic tenets of at least 5 theories of play therapy.
- Identify at least 2 play therapy theories that relate to personal worldviews.
Your Instructor
Dr. Nash is a licensed clinical psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Dr. Nash is the author of multiple book chapters on the development of social skills and using play therapy to treat social skills deficits, as well as introductions to play therapy and working with preschool children. Dr. Nash recently published Nature-based Play Therapy: A Prescriptive Approach to Integrating the Therapeutic Powers of Nature and Play. She has presented at national and international conferences on play therapy and is the former president of the Board of Directors for the New England Association for Play Therapy. Dr. Nash is the owner of Riverside Psychological Associates, LLC in Connecticut where she provides individual and family therapy sessions for people across the age range, play therapy consultation, and continuing education trainings for play therapy and supervision. She is actively involved with the Association for Play Therapy and is on the Board of Directors.
CE Information:
All of our Live Webinars meet APT's definition of a Live Webinar. This Live Webinar will represent (4) Non-contact CE Hours. The Play Therapy Training Institute is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) Approved Provider 95-002.
Please Note: The CE certificate will be awarded within 3 business days to those who attend the entire webinar, complete a multiple-choice test, and fill out course evaluations. No partial credit will be given. Play Therapy credit may not be awarded to non-mental health professionals.
APT Primary Areas: Special Topics
Please contact us with any questions.
For general information, special needs, or grievances, please contact us at ptti@mac.com. You will receive a response within 24 hours