Child-Centered Play Therapy 101
Foundations for Following the Child's Lead
Thursday September 17th, 2026
Non-Contact (Online)
Clinician session: 2pm-5pm PST
Closed to licensed clinicians and students in a mental health program
3 APT and/or NBCC CEs available
In this training, participants will learn the foundational skills that distinguish CCPT from other play therapy approaches, including tracking, reflecting feelings, imaginative play themes, and therapeutic limit setting.
This training is intended for mental health clinicians and graduate students in a mental health program.
Presented by Jennifer Sims, MA, LPCC, RPT
The Redwood Center for Children and Families, APT Approved Provider 26-820
And in partnership with Cascadia Training, NBCC ACEP No. 6475
Curious about Child-Centered Play Therapy but not sure where to begin?
This engaging 3-hour introductory training provides a practical and accessible overview of one of the most researched and developmentally appropriate approaches to working with children. Participants will explore the philosophy, history, and core principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), gaining a deeper understanding of why play is a child's natural language and how the therapeutic relationship facilitates healing and growth.
In this training, participants will learn the foundational skills that distinguish CCPT from other play therapy approaches, including tracking, reflecting feelings, imaginative play themes, and therapeutic limit setting. We'll also examine the therapist's role in creating an emotionally safe environment where children can express themselves freely, process difficult experiences, and move toward greater resilience.
Whether you are new to play therapy or looking to strengthen your understanding of child-centered practice, this training will provide a solid foundation for recognizing the power of following the child's lead.
Date: Thursday, September 17th 2026
Time: 2pm-5pm PDT
Location: Non-contact (on Zoom)
Closed to licensed clinicians and students only. 3 APT and/or NBCC CEs available - choose the CE track of your choice at checkout.
Participants will learn to:
Describe the history, philosophy, and core principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Explain why play serves as a child's primary language for communication and emotional expression.
Differentiate Child-Centered Play Therapy from directive and skills-based play therapy approaches.
Identify the foundational CCPT skills, including tracking, reflections, facilitative responding, therapeutic limit setting, and returning responsibility to the child.
Describe the therapist's role in fostering safety, acceptance, and self-directed growth through the therapeutic relationship.
Primary Areas:
Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
Play Therapy Skills and Methods
Format: Live webinar/Zoom training with lecture, case examples, reflective exercises, and experiential discussion.
APT and NBCC credit available to mental health professionals & graduate students in a mental health program. Choose the CE track of your preference at checkout. All ticket purchasers will receive access to the recording and materials for 30 days after the training.
Live Training
Thursday September 17th, 2026
This session is closed for licensed clinicians and students in a mental health program only.
3 APT & NBCC CEs available
All live event ticket purchasers will receive access to the recording and materials for 30 days after the live training.
All payments are final and non-refundable. If an unexpected emergency prevents you from participating, you may email us at trainings@theredwoodcenter.org to request an exception.
If a program is canceled by The Redwood Center, participants will receive a full refund.
For our complete cancellation and refund policy, view our Training Policies here.
The Redwood Center for Children and Families
Felton, California
Purchase the Recording
If the live training is full or you can't make the time, you can purchase access to the recording here. Recording and materials will be available by the end of the week following the training.
Recording and materials will be available 1-2 weeks after the live session.
Meet Your Trainer
About Jen
Jennifer Sims is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Play Therapist™ with nearly 20 years of experience supporting children and families. Known for her engaging, experiential teaching style, she helps parents and professionals turn challenging skills into approachable, hands-on learning.
Jen has advanced training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, EMDR for children, and AutPlay. She regularly develops and presents trainings
on non-directive play therapy and related topics, and was featured at the Sixth Annual Innovative Child Therapy Symposium in 2025.