Child-Centered Approaches in Play Therapy Pasadena Workshop 8.1.26
Facilitator: Maria Perez, ACSW
Training date: August 1st, 2026
Session time: 9:00 am-4:30 PST
Location: Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 1972 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
APT Continuing Education Hours: 6.0 APT Contact CEs
Description:
Non-directive play therapy skills are foundational for every play therapist working with children, families, and groups. This workshop explores the principles of child-centered play therapy and the role of the play therapist in creating a safe and therapeutic playroom environment. Participants will learn to identify common play themes and recognize how children communicate emotional distress through play. Through role-play and experiential activities, attendees will practice essential play therapy skills, including tracking and therapeutic responding. The workshop will also introduce filial play therapy techniques to strengthen caregiver-child attachment and child-centered group play therapy interventions that promote connection and emotional growth.
Learning objectives:
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Analyze the objectives of child-centered play therapy
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Discuss the basic principles of non-directive play therapy
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Describe ways to engage parents in filial play therapy
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Identify the use of play themes to assess progress in child-centered play therapy
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Use role play to practice child-centered play therapy skills
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Explain therapeutic limit setting in the playroom
Agenda:
9:00 am-10:30 am Lecture & experiential learning
10:30 am-10:45 am Break
10:45 am-12:00 pm Lecture & experiential learning
12:00 pm-1:00 pm Lunch break
1:00 pm-2:30 pm Lecture & experiential learning
2:30 pm-2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm-4:15 pm Lecture & experiential learning
4:15 pm-4:30 pm Q & A and wrap-up
