Understanding Play Therapy

Workshop Overview

Play therapy offers a way for children and adults to process difficult emotions and learn valuable coping skills, just like you would in traditional psychotherapy. 

The Understanding Play Therapy workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge of play therapy, specifically the historical background, developmental psychology and theoretical underpinnings of play therapy.

Key theoretical foundations that will be explored include Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Child-Centred approaches based on Axline’s principles, Gestalt theory, Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT) and developmental theories from Erikson and Piaget.  

Explore the practical application of therapeutic techniques and tools and learn how to apply basic play therapy techniques.  

The workshop will help participants gain insight into ethical and cultural considerations for application, such as obtaining consent, working with parents, ensuring cultural sensitivity and how to deliver safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate interventions. 

FAQs

Dates and Registration

Class of 2025: on demand

Participants can register at any time and move through the workshop content. Watch the live workshop recording and complete the online journal articles and multiple-choice questionnaire.

NOTE: HPCSA registered professionals who want to claim 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] need to complete the online assessment within 5 days after registering.

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for psychologists, mental health practitioners and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in play therapy and developmental psychology. 

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop. 

Workshop Overview

• Introduction of the workshop topic and session overview 
• Definition and purpose of play therapy 
• Historical background  
• Types of play therapy 
• Attachment theory 
• Psychodynamic theory 
• Child-centred theory – Axlines principles 
• Gestalt theory 
• CBPT- Cognitive Behavioural play therapy 
• Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages 
• Piaget’s cognitive developmental model 
• Developmental psychology 
• How to use toys in sessions 
• Setting up a play therapy room 
• Techniques puppets 
• Case vignette 
• Consent and confidentiality with minors 
• Working with parents- psychoeducation and involvement 
• Cultural sensitivity in play themes and materials 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the different types of play therapy 
• Identify key theoretical underpinnings 
• Explore developmental considerations 
• Describe common tools and techniques used in play therapy 
• Apply basic play therapy techniques to cases 
• Recognise ethical and cultural considerations when working with children 

Workshop Presenter

Sameeha Elias is a Counselling Psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in child psychotherapy and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. 

Sameeha is a guest lecturer in the MA Clinical Programme at Stellenbosch University, and she supervises honours psychology students’ research at SACAP. 

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.