The counselors at EmpathyWell have extensive experience providing training to graduate students, school counselors, professional counselors, play therapists, PTA organizations, teachers, and school administration at the local, state, national, and international levels. Custom presentations and trainings are available upon request. Contact us if you are interested in partnering with EmpathyWell for a specific training event.

Possible Presentation Topics for Mental Health Professionals
  • Introduction to Child-Centered Play Therapy
  • Advanced Child-Centered Play Therapy
  • Play Themes in Child-Centered Play Therapy
  • Ethics in Play Therapy
  • Treatment Planning in Play Therapy
  • Parent Consultations in Play Therapy
  • Collaborating with Other Providers in Play Therapy

Upcoming Trainings

 

Assessment in Play Therapy: Using Evaluation to Enhance the Process
June 12, 2025
Online & Live

Assessment and evaluation can provide unique insight into a child's experiences, strengths, and challenges. This insight can inform treatment planning, explore progress, and, overall, provide the play therapist and systemic stakeholders greater understanding of the child's experiences. This workshop will explore how to use both formal and informal assessment tools in play therapy and in parent consultation to enhance the process. Participants will learn specific assessment tools and how to integrate them into the play therapy treatment plan.

Earn 3 Non-Contact CEs!

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Activity Therapy: Meeting the Developmental Needs of Older Children in Play Therapy
July 11-12, 2025
Online & Live

Older children (9-15 years) operate in the in-between world of verbal and non-verbal expression. Therapists trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) often struggle with how to work with this population in a philosophically consistent and genuine way. This workshop is focused on levelling up CCPT for older children to meet their developmental needs. Participants will learn how to modify CCPT for older children and how to integrate experiential activities from a humanistic approach. Presenters will offer modifications to the play therapy room and the process to match developmental level. Participants will walk away with ways in which to conceptualize the play therapy process and how to incorporate this understanding into a treatment plan for the child. This will be an active and interactive presentation. This workshop is designed for participants who have an introductory understanding of CCPT and the CCPT protocol.

Earn 12 Non-Contact CEs!

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How Did We Get Here? History of Play Therapy
August 7, 2025
Online & Live

The APT Registered Play Therapist Credentialing Standards require that play therapists gain at least five hours in history of play therapy. The purpose of this standard is to help play therapists have a deeper grounding in philosophy, practice, and research of play therapy. Knowing history of play therapy allows therapists to have better understanding of the current state of various approaches, as well as understanding of the public’s embrace of play therapy practices. History of play therapy is filled with philosophical and ethical dilemmas faced by founding practitioners and researchers. Play therapy can be traced back 100 years indicating that play therapy is one of the oldest forms of therapy still currently in practice. Such a long history leads a play therapist to wonder why play therapy has endured, why some approaches have thrived while others have evolved or ceased to be practiced, and how have the early play therapy architects shaped our current state.
This workshop will trace the roots of play therapy from the beginning to uncover stories of early play therapists and how their work affects our values, beliefs, similarities, differences, and practice today. Using an experiential instructional style, Dr. Ray will actively engage participants in the critique of artifacts, literature pieces, stories, and research tidbits related to play therapy history. This workshop will be presented atheoretically in order to objectively evaluate the events and work of play therapists over the last 100 years, leading participants to draw their own conclusions based on critical view of history.

 

Earn 5 Non-Contact CEs!

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The Multicultural Play Therapy Room: How to Intentionally Design Your Play Therapy Environment for Cultural Opportunities
August 28, 2025
Online & Live

Play therapists are called upon to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse child population. In addition to facilitation of multiculturally-inclusive play therapy through skills and approaches, play therapists are responsible for providing an environment of inclusivity – the playroom. Given that traditional child-centered play therapy literature (e.g., Axline, 1974; Cochran et al., 2023; Landreth, 2024; Ray, 2011; VanFleet et al., 2010) provides limited discussion of concrete steps to ensure cultural inclusivity for playroom structure and materials/toys, there is a need for play therapists to be more intentional in their selections for the playroom. This workshop will inform play therapists’ decision-making in designing a multicultural playroom that fits the needs of a rapidly diversifying society. Dr. Turner will provide an intensive exploration of what constitutes a multicultural playroom (Ray et al., 2022), including a clear and detailed evidence-based description of a multicultural playroom, active behaviors for play therapists to ensure cultural inclusivity in their playrooms, and a list of toys/materials that are essential to a multicultural playroom. The goal of this workshop is for participants to reflect on their intentionality toward cultural inclusivity and the role of each selected toy/material.

 

Earn 3 Non-Contact CEs!

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Ultimate Partnership in Play Therapy: Processes and Concepts to Make Your Parent Consultations More Effective
September 13, 2025
Highland Village, Texas

When play therapists in agency, school, and private practice settings work with children, they necessarily work with parents and caregivers. Play therapists often cite working with parents or guardians as the most challenging aspect of counseling with children (Landreth, 2024; Ray, 2011). In order to have access to working with children, play therapists must forge collaborative relationships with caregivers. Partnering with parents starts from the first marketing outreach and extends to session-to-session support and education. All interactions between play therapist and parent are initiated to facilitate growth in the child. A play therapist’s goal is to develop a relationship with parents in which caregivers feel accepted, understood, and safe so that they will be open to encouragement, skill-building, and change in parenting style. The first aim of this workshop is to provide participants with processes regarding structure of reaching out and holding consultations with parents/caregivers that support progress in the child’s play therapy. Secondly, this workshop will offer play therapists skill concepts that effectively help to improve parenting practices and ways to teach these concepts to parents successfully. Workshop participants will learn how to align with parents/caregivers to keep children in play therapy, how to develop plans for parents/caregivers, and what methods and strategies are used with parents/caregivers to benefit their children. Using examples from real-life cases, Dr. Ray will demonstrate use of the model through handouts, experiential activities, and role-play.

 

Earn 6 Contact CEs!

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Playful Education: Child Teacher Relationship Training
September 26, 2025
Online & Live

Based on an evidence-based program that implements an understanding of play and relationship, this workshop offers a guide for school counselors and therapists to activate the powers of play to boost teaching practices and increase educator effectiveness. In this workshop, participants will learn play strategies that can be integrated in classrooms and school-wide systems to help support the emotional and behavioral needs of children, as well as initiate systemic support for teachers and staff. Participants will learn the purpose and goals of implementing play times with individual and groups of students, skills necessary to facilitate playtimes, and how to transfer play skills to the larger classroom. In a step-by-step manner, Playful Education provides a roadmap of how to facilitate play for the purpose of strengthening the learning and holistic development of students. Dr. Ray will also provide practical suggestions on gaining the support of parents and administrators, expanding play into the overall school culture, and the role of play therapy programs in schools to support teachers.

 

Earn 6 Non-Contact CEs!

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Child-Centered Play Therapy: What to Do When (Part 1)
October 23, 2025
Online & Live

The person-centered philosophy that serves as the basis for child centered play therapy (CCPT) is marked by trust in the innate tendency present in all individuals for growth-enhancing self-structure, emotions, and behaviors. The child is capable of determining the direction for therapeutic change and the effective CCPT therapist provides self and environment to facilitate the child’s active and innate processes for enhancement. When relationship and child-directivity are the central components of therapy, situations arise that present clear challenges to the therapist. Some examples may include a child who does not play, asks many questions, insists on therapist self-disclosure, wants to play competitive games, persists in wanting therapist to lead, does not seem to be working on presenting issues, acts aggressively, and many others. A therapist may find it difficult to respond to these situations in a way that allows the child to lead yet is therapeutically effective. We will look at specific situations in CCPT that are difficult to respond to and discuss best and effective practices. Part 1 of this workshop will focus on a decision-making model consistent with CCPT philosophy and apply this model to situations such as a child who is silent, does not play, refuses to enter or leave room.

 

Earn 6 Non-Contact CEs!

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CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
November 7-9, 2025
Highland Village, Texas

This is a 3-day advanced in-person training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice! Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent as determined by the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy. This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop.

 

Earn 18 Contact CEs!

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Child-Centered Play Therapy for Autistic Children: Best Practices and Modifications
November 13, 2025
Online & Live

Grounded in the latest CCPT research with autistic children, this webinar offers evidence-based strategies to enhance therapeutic attunement and foster deeper connections in play therapy. The presenter will discuss the application of the CCPT model of change and explore CCPT skills that support the social-emotional competence of autistic children, including modification considerations. Dr. Chung will share real play therapy cases that demonstrate how CCPT therapists can attune to autistic children, allowing them to express themselves authentically. This webinar is ideal for play therapists committed to expanding their CCPT practice with neurodivergent children!

 

Earn 3 Non-Contact CEs!

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Child-Centered Play Therapy: What to Do When (Part 2)
December 5, 2025
Online & Live

The person-centered philosophy that serves as the basis for child centered play therapy (CCPT) is marked by trust in the innate tendency present in all individuals for growth-enhancing self-structure, emotions, and behaviors. The child is capable of determining the direction for therapeutic change and the effective CCPT therapist provides self and environment to facilitate the child’s active and innate processes for enhancement. When relationship and child-directivity are the central components of therapy, situations arise that present clear challenges to the therapist. Some examples may include a child who does not play, asks many questions, insists on therapist self-disclosure, wants to play competitive games, persists in wanting therapist to lead, does not seem to be working on presenting issues, acts aggressively, and many others. A therapist may find it difficult to respond to these situations in a way that allows the child to lead yet is therapeutically effective. We will look at specific situations in CCPT that are difficult to respond to and discuss best and effective practices. Part 2 of this workshop will review the decision-making model consistent with CCPT philosophy and apply this model to situations such as aggressive behaviors, negative talk, interactive play, and returning responsibility.

 

Earn 6 Non-Contact CEs!

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Past Trainings

CCGPT: Child-Centered Group Play Therapy
January 18-19, 2025
Online & Live

Child-centered group play therapy (CCGPT) is a developmentally appropriate modality for children experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral issues. CCGPT integrates child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and group therapy, which increases the complexity of its implementation and therefore requires advanced knowledge of play therapists. In the process of CCGPT, children have the opportunity to develop relationship with the play therapist and relationships with other group members. These therapeutic experiences release each child’s potential toward growth and positive changes. This workshop will address the philosophies, implementation, considerations, and skills important for facilitating effective CCGPT process. Note: This workshop is for participants who have training and experience in basic Child-Centered Play Therapy.

Earn 12 Non-Contact/Live Webinar CEs!

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CCPT: What To Do When...
October 14, November 18, and December 16, 2024
Online & Live

The person centered philosophy that serves as the basis for child centered play therapy (CCPT) is marked by trust in the innate tendency present in all individuals for growth-enhancing self-structure, emotions, and behaviors. The child is capable of determining the direction for therapeutic change and the effective CCPT therapist provides self and environment to facilitate the child’s active and innate processes for enhancement. When relationship and child-directivity are the central components of therapy, situations arise that present clear challenges tothe therapist. Some examples may include a child who does not play, asks many questions, insists on therapist self-disclosure, wants to play competitive games, persists in wanting therapist to lead, does not seem to be working on presenting issues, acts aggressively, and many others. A therapist may find it difficult to respond to these situations in a way that allows the child to lead yet is therapeutically effective. We will look at specific situations in CCPT that are difficult to respond to and discuss best and effective practices. Note: This workshop is for participants who have training and experience in basic Child-Centered Play Therapy.

Earn 6 Non-Contact CEs!

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Developmental Supervision at Its Best: Meeting Supervisees Where They Are to Help Them Become Who They Want to Be
December 9, 2024
Online & Live

The process of becoming a play therapist is a journey of self-discovery, seeking knowledge, and building skills. Supervision is critical to promoting competent and effective play therapists but a supervisor must meet supervisees where they are developmentally in order to guide the supervision process successfully. This workshop will address the roles and best practices of supervisors at each supervisee developmental level from beginning student to practicing novice. Dr. Ray will address how play therapists develop and can be supervised over time to become more effective in their roles.

Earn 6 Non-Contact CEs!

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CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
November 8-10, 2024
Highland Village, Texas
Sold out!

This is a 3-day advanced in-person training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice! Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent as determined by the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy. This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop.

Earn 18 Contact CEs!

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Play in the Neighborhood: Growing as a Play Therapist in Our Community
September 18, 2024
11:30am-12:45pm
Highland Village, Texas
Sold out!

Join us for an in-person networking and CE event to meet with other play therapists in the local area and discuss ways to support children and families within our community! Earn 1 Contact CE as Dr. Dee C. Ray presents on Growing as a Play Therapist in Our Community. This event is free of charge for any play therapist in Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Carrollton, and Denton. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Come visit our office to meet other play therapists in your area and learn about ways to build a network within our community!

Earn 1 Contact CE!

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CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
September 22-24, 2023
Highland Village, Texas
Sold out!

This is a 3-day advanced in-person training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice! Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent as determined by the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy. This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop.

Earn 18 Contact CEs!

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Advanced Child-Centered Play Therapy Web Series

Register for individual workshops or entire 5 part series!
December 17, 2022 – April 1, 2023

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is the most widely recognized evidence-based play therapy intervention supported by decades of research to supports its use with children across cultures and presenting issues. The Advanced Child-Centered Play Therapy Web Series is designed for the play therapist who has fundamental knowledge and skills in CCPT and now ready to take the leap to deeper ways of working. In this series, Dr. Dee Ray, the renowned leader in the CCPT approach and research, will take participants through advanced topics in CCPT that typically go unaddressed in basic play therapy education. If you’re looking to go to the next level of CCPT effectiveness, this series is for you.

Series
  • 12/17/22: Ultimate Partnership in Child-Centered Play Therapy: Processes and Concepts to Make Your Parent Consultations More Effective – Registration Closed
  • 1/14/23: The Complexity of Trauma: The Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach – Sold Out!
  • 2/18/23:Measuring Progress in Child-Centered Play Therapy I: Articulation and Documentation of Change – Sold Out!
  • 3/11/23:Measuring Progress in Child-Centered Play Therapy II: Measuring Change In and Out of Session – Sold Out!
  • 4/1/23: Child-Centered Play Therapy Developmental Supervision at Its Best: Meeting Supervisees Where They Are to Help Them Become Who They Want to Be – Sold Out!

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CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
August 18-20, 2022
Sold out!

This is a 3-day advanced online training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice! Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent as determined by the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy. This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop.

Earn 18 Non-Contact/Live Webinar CEs!

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CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
June 2-4, 2022

This is a 3-day advanced online training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice! Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent as determined by the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy. This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop.

Earn 18 Contact CEs!

Sign Up for More Information for Professionals

For more information on our upcoming events or training opportunities, please fill out the form below to be added to our email list. If you’d like to inquire about custom presentations, supervision, or consultation services, please contact us here.