Child-Centered Play Therapy: What to Do When (Part 1)

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Online & Live

 

Register here!

 

Registration closes October 16

 

Online and live training in advanced topics in Child-Centered Play Therapy! Learn how to respond to difficult situations in CCPT while staying theoretically consistent!

 

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!

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CDT

Location: Live Webinar

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to apply the three therapist attitudinal conditions in CCPT to respond to difficult situations.
  • Participants will learn how to respond to progressing the child to the playroom, staying in the playroom, and leaving the playroom in child-centered play therapy.
  • Participants will be able to respond to a child when they do not play in the play therapy room.
  • Participants will be able to apply decision-making model to responding consistently from CCPT approach.
  • Participants will be able to respond to child when they are silent.
  • Participants will learn how to match therapist responses to goals of CCPT.

Speaker:

Dee C. Ray, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S is co-owner of the counseling practice, EmpathyWell, in Highland Village, TX where she facilitates play therapy, training, consultation, and supervision. Dr. Ray is Regents Emerita Professor in the Counseling Program and Director Emerita of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas.  Dr. Ray has published over 150 articles, chapters, and books in the field of play therapy, specializing in research specifically examining the process and effects of Child Centered Play Therapy.  Dr. Ray is author of Playful Education: Using Play Therapy Strategies to Elevate Your Classroom, A Therapist’s Guide to Development: The Extraordinarily Normal Years, Advanced Play Therapy: Essential Conditions, Knowledge, and Skills for Child Practice, and co-author of Multicultural Play Therapy and Group Play Therapy. She is a founding board member and past president of the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling, as well as past board chair of the Association for Play Therapy. She is an American Counseling Association Fellow, and two-time recipient of the Association for Play Therapy Outstanding Research Award, among many others.

Fees, CEs, and Participation

This online and live training is only $150 per participant. This fee gets you 6 Non-Contact CE hours. EmpathyWell, PLLC is an Approved APT Provider: 22-674. Participants must be present for entirety of workshop in order to receive CE credits and full completion of the course. Participants must also complete an exam and evaluation after the workshop in order to receive the CE credits and full completion of the course.  

Complaints Review & Resolutions: Individuals may contact EmpathyWell, PLLC at [email protected] or (972) 498-1307 if they would like to express a concern about a continuing education program provided by EmpathyWell, PLLC. We will consider all complaints, make any necessary decisions or changes, and respond within 5-10 business days.

Confidentiality and Security of Participant Information: EmpathyWell, PLLC will keep all participant information received during registration confidential and secure including participant name, phone number, email address, address, education level, and license/certification information. During any live webinar or in-person program, EmpathyWell, PLLC will ask for verbal consent prior to taking photos involving participants or sharing photos including participant images on marketing materials or social media.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY:

Registration is final and a refund will not be processed. EmpathyWell reserves the right to cancel this web series in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If such occurs, EmpathyWell will attempt to notify registrants prior to the workshop and refund all registration, workshop, and fees. In all instances, the liability of EmpathyWell is limited to refunding such fees.