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

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.

6 Non-Contact CE Hours Total

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM CDT

Schedule:

9:00 am - Webinar begins

4:30 pm - Webinar ends

Includes 1-hr lunch break and two 15-min breaks

Live Webinar

Fee: $150 (6 Non-Contact CEs)

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to apply the three therapist attitudinal conditions in CCPT to respond to difficult situations..
2. 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.
3. Participants will be able to respond to a child when they do not play in the play therapy room.
4. Participants will be able to apply decision-making model to responding consistently from CCPT approach.
5. Participants will be able to respond to child when they are silent.
6. Participants will learn how to match therapist responses to goals of CCPT.

CE Credits:

You will receive 6 total non-contact CE hours for this presentation. APT Approved Provider: 22-674. Participants must be present and complete an evaluation and exam in order to receive the CE credits and full completion of the course.

Program Presenter:

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.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

Registration is final and a refund will not be processed. EmpathyWell reserves the right to cancel this webinar 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.