Rooted in Theory: How Theoretical Orientation Shapes Your Professional Identity as a Play Therapist

Do you know what you actually believe about how kids heal? Or why you reach for one intervention over another in the playroom? Theory isn't just academic. When we don't know our roots, our clinical decisions can become harder to make and harder to defend. This workshop helps you change that.

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF

1. You're new to play therapy and want a solid theoretical foundation to build your practice on
2. You've been practicing for a while but struggle to articulate why you do what you do in the playroom
3. You want to understand the landscape of play therapy theory so you can make more intentional clinical decisions

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This introductory workshop invites you to explore your professional identity as a play therapist through the lens of play therapy theory. You'll review the ten seminal and historically significant theories of play therapy, examine what it means to practice integratively, and explore several integrative approaches shaping the field today. Woven throughout are interactive activities designed to help you connect theory to your own clinical practice. You'll leave with a clearer sense of your theoretical grounding and how it informs every decision you make in the playroom.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this workshop, you'll be better able to:

1. Identify the seminal and historically significant theories of play therapy and describe the core principles of each.
2. Explain the developmental and philosophical assumptions that distinguish play therapy from talk therapy approaches.
3. Compare and contrast major play therapy theories across key dimensions including therapeutic approach and theoretical category.
4. Define integrative play therapy and articulate criteria for ethically and intentionally combining theoretical frameworks in clinical practice.
5. Describe several integrative approaches in the field of play therapy and identify their theoretical foundations.
6. Articulate your own theoretical identity as a play therapist and explain how it informs your clinical decision-making in the playroom.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jordan Klekamp, LMHC, CMHS, RPT-S™ is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™ passionate about making therapy more accessible for kids, teens, and their families.

SCHEDULE

9:00 - 9:15      Registration

9:15 - 10:45    Workshop

10:45 - 11:00  Break

11:00 - 12:30  Workshop

12:30 - 1:30    Lunch Break

1:30 - 3:00      Workshop

3:00 - 3:15      Break

3:15 - 4:45      Workshop

4:45 - 5:00      Closing 

FORMAT

In-Person | Contact | Introductory | Theories

CONTINUING EDUCATION

This workshop is eligible for 6 live contact continuing education hours sponsored by Atlas Institute, APT Provider 26-818. These hours may be applied toward play therapist credentialing with the Association for Play Therapy and annual licensure renewal in Washington State [WAC 246-809-610(3)(a)]. Clinicians licensed outside of Washington State should check with their own licensing board to confirm whether this training qualifies for their CE requirements. To receive CE credit, participants must complete all course requirements, including a workshop evaluation.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Attendee cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a partial refund. All refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee. In lieu of a refund, the full amount paid may be applied as a credit toward a future Atlas Institute training of equal or lesser value. To receive this credit, participants must reference this policy at the time of their next purchase. If Atlas Institute cancels an event, all registered participants will be offered a full refund or a credit toward a future Atlas Institute training of equal or lesser value.

CONTACT

For questions or accommodations, email Jordan at institute@atlascounselingseattle.com

All feedback and complaints regarding Atlas Institute workshops should be submitted in writing to Jordan at institute@atlascounselingseattle.com. If offered resolutions are not satisfactory, the complaint will be reviewed by Atlas Counseling leadership, and a final written decision will be issued within 30 days of receipt.