Foundations of Play Therapy: Seminal Theories & Approaches Webinar 3.27.26-3.28.26

Presenter: Kristen Borgmeyer, MSW, LCSW, Registered Play Therapist™

Session date: March 27th & 28th, 2026

Session time: 9:00 am-2:30 pm CST

CEs: 10 APT Non-Contact CEs

Location: Zoom webinar

Session description:

There are many paths a play therapist can take to address mental health issues in clients across the lifespan. However, play therapists may struggle with knowing the best approach to support their clients in the playroom. Therefore, it is important that they are grounded in one or several play therapy seminal and historical theories to support children and adolescents in individual, group and family play therapy. This webinar will explore the historical and seminal play therapy theories and its application in a variety of settings. Participants will also learn the history of play therapy and its use in play therapy with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Learning objectives:

1. Analyze the history of play therapy
2. Assess seminal and historical play therapy theories used to address mental health issues in children and adolescents
3. Describe the basic tenets of the play therapy seminal theories
4. Explain the difference between play therapy seminal theories
5. Apply seminal play therapy theories to group play therapy sessions
6. Explore the therapeutic powers of play in play therapy seminal theories
7. Discuss evidence-based practices that support play therapy
8. Review cultural considerations for seminal and historical play therapy theories
9. Compare play therapy skills among the different play therapy theories
10. Explain the use of play therapy theories in family play therapy sessions

Agenda Day 1:

• 9:00 am-10:40 am Lecture & experiential learning
• 10:40 am-10:55 am Break
• 10:55 am-12:25 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 12:25 pm-12:40 pm Break
• 12:40 pm-2:15 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 2:15 pm-2:30 pm Q & A and wrap-up

Agenda Day 2:

• 9:00 am-10:40 am Lecture & experiential learning
• 10:40 am-10:55 am Break
• 10:55 am-12:25 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 12:25 pm-12:40 pm Break
• 12:40 pm-2:15 pm Lecture & experiential learning
• 2:15 pm-2:30 pm Q & A and wrap-up

This webinar meets the requirements of APT for a live webinar

What you'll get:

• 10 APT Non-Contact CEs
• Certificate of Completion

*Course evaluation and quiz must be completed to receive CE credits. Certificates will be provided upon completion of webinar, evaluation, and quiz.