UNDERSTANDING PLAY THERAPY

Workshop Overview

Play therapy offers a way for children and adults to process difficult emotions and learn valuable coping skills, just like you would in traditional psychotherapy. 

The Understanding Play Therapy workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge of play therapy, specifically the historical background, developmental psychology and theoretical underpinnings.

Key theoretical foundations that will be explored include Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Child-Centred approaches based on Axline’s principles, Gestalt theory, Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (CBPT) and developmental theories from Erikson and Piaget.  

Explore the practical application of therapeutic techniques and tools and learn how to apply basic play therapy techniques.  

The workshop will help participants gain insight into ethical and cultural considerations for application, such as obtaining consent, working with parents, ensuring cultural sensitivity and how to deliver safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate interventions. 

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for psychologists, mental health practitioners and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in play therapy and developmental psychology. 

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop. 

Workshop Presenter

Sameeha Elias is a Counselling Psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in child psychotherapy and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. 

Sameeha is a guest lecturer in the MA Clinical Programme at Stellenbosch University, and she supervises honours psychology students’ research at SACAP.