Playful Foundations
Introduction to Theories and Core Concepts in Play Therapy
Non-Contact (Online)
Friday June 12, 2026
2pm-4pm PST
This introductory 2-hour live Zoom training is designed for mental health professionals and graduate students who are new to the field of play therapy. Participants will explore the foundational definition of play therapy and examine the critical therapeutic distinctions between directive and non-directive play therapy approaches.
This training is intended for mental health clinicians, graduate students, and anyone interested in learning more about child-centered play therapy.
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
This introductory 2-hour live Zoom training is designed for mental health professionals and graduate students who are new to the field of play therapy. Participants will explore the foundational definition of play therapy and examine the critical therapeutic distinctions between directive and non-directive play therapy approaches.
Through an integrative review of basic play therapy room setup, essential toy selection, and core historical frameworks, attendees will learn how the therapeutic powers of play are mobilized to facilitate child-centered growth. This training balances conceptual models with practical application, addressing how to intentionally integrate these basic play therapy skills within diverse professional clinical contexts.
Date: Friday, June 12th 2026
Time: 2pm-4pm PST
Location: Non-contact (online via Zoom)
CE Credit: 2 CE hours available (APT and/or NBCC)
By the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:
Define the clinical parameters of play therapy and identify how the therapeutic powers of play distinguish it from recreational play.
Differentiate between directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, analyzing the clinical rationale for selecting each method based on client presentation.
Identify the essential categories of toys and materials required to establish an ethically sound, culturally sensitive, and structurally functional play therapy room.
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
Friday, June 12th 2026
2pm-4pm PST
For licensed clinicians and anyone interested in child-centered play therapy
2 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.
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.