Play Therapy Essentials: A Guide for Adults Who Care

Laying the foundation for children’s mental health and emotional development.

Children speak the language of play long before they speak the language of insight. Play Therapy Essentials invites you into that world—offering clear, compassionate guidance and practical tools you can use immediately. When a child feels seen, safe, and supported, growth follows. This course translates evidence-informed principles into everyday practice so you can respond to big feelings and complex behaviors with confidence. You’ll learn what to do, how to do it, and—crucially—how to stay regulated and present while you do it.
(5 hours)
Enrollment expires 1 year from date of purchase.
This online course is presented in English.

Buy $47.50 Take a Look! Enroll Later

Course curriculum

1. Pre-Assessment Survey
  FREE PREVIEW
1. Origins and Evolution of Play Therapy
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Psychoanalytic Beginnings
3. Dual Purpose of Play in the Psychoanalytic Era
4. Humanistic Turn
5. Systemic and Learning‑Informed Models
6. Contemporary Integration
7. Trauma‑Informed Foundations
8. Chapter 1 Reflection
1. Core Principles of Effective Play Therapy
2. Scenario: Safety and Permission in Practice
3. Attunement and Respect
4. Scenario: Attunement and Respect in Practice
5. Choice and Agency
6. Scenario: Choice and Agency in Practice
7. Symbol and Metaphor
8. Scenario: Symbol and Metaphor in Action Protective Factors
9. Co-Regulation Before Correction
10. Scenario: Co-Regulation Through Play Therapy Techniques
11. Developmental Fit
12. Scenario: Developmental Fit in Play Therapy Practice
13. Relationship as the Vehicle
14. Scenario: Relationship as the Healing Force in Practice
15. Chapter 2 Review Questions
1. Approaches in Focus: Child‑Centered and Directive Play Therapy
2. Directive (Guided) Play Therapy
3. Integrating Both Approaches
4. Scenario: Using Child-Centered and Directive Play Therapy at Home
5. Scenario Part Two: Directive
6. Chapter 3 Reflection
1. Child Development in Play Therapy
2. Developmental Stages and Play
3. Milestones in Cognitive and Emotional Development
4. Assessing Developmental Needs Through Play
5. Chapter 4 Review Questions
1. The Therapeutic Powers of Play
2. Emotional Literacy and Expression
3. Mastery and Problem-Solving
4. Attachment and Trust
5. Integration of Traumatic Experiences
6. Social Skills and Perspective Taking
7. Meaning-Making and Identity Development
8. Chapter 5 Reflection
1. Supporting Emotional and Behavioral Challenges
2. Recognizing Signs of Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and Trauma
3. Using Play Therapy to Support Emotional Regulation
4. Tailoring Play Therapy for Different Needs
5. Bringing It Together
6. Chapter 6 Review Questions
1. Purposeful Play That Heals, Builds, and Transforms
2. Play as a Natural Language for Expression
3. How Play Builds Resilience and Coping Skills
4. Play Therapy Techniques for Emotional Regulation
5. The Transformative Power of Play
6. Chapter 7 Reflection
1. Advanced Applications for Complex Needs
2. Integrating Cognitive‑Behavioral Techniques into Play Integrating
3. Trauma‑Informed Play Therapy
4. Sensory-Based Play Interventions
5. Integrating Advanced Approaches Thoughtfully
6. Chapter 8 Review Questions
1. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
2. Carl Rogers’ Humanistic Approach in Play Therapy
3. Techniques for Reflective Listening and Emotional Validation
4. Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship Through Play
5. Chapter 9 Reflection
1. Creative Expression in Play Therapy
2. Using Art and Drama Therapy in Play Sessions
3. Storytelling and Puppet Play for Emotional Processing
4. Integrating Music and Movement into Play Therapy
5. Chapter 10 Discussion
1. Strengthening the Caregiver–Child Relationship
2. Coaching Parents in Therapeutic Play
3. Strengthening Parent–Child Bonds Through Play
4. Overcoming Parent–Child Communication Barriers
5. Chapter 11 Review Questions
1. Bridging Theory and Practice in Play Therapy
2. Designing Effective Play Therapy Interventions
3. Ethical and Cultural Considerations in Practice
4. Supervision and Feedback in Play Therapy
1. End of Course Summary
2. Handout
3. End of Course Reflection
4. Course Completion
5. End of Course Quiz
6. Course Feedback Form

About this course

$47.50
5 Clock Hours
Early Care and Education
All Ages