Registered Play Therapy

Young woman and little girl with autistic disorder playing a

This program provides professionals and students in the community with the opportunity to learn more about play therapy or to receive the training necessary to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). The Play Therapy program is offered as a series of eight (8) weekend workshops worth 19 continuing education hours each (16 contact CE's and 3 non-contact CE’s). Individuals can attend one or all of the workshops. 

To become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), individuals must accrue a total of 150 continuing education hours in play therapy per the Association of Play Therapy (APT). Weekend workshops include the content required by APT for any mental health professional interested in attaining the RPT credential. The play therapy education provided aligns with the requirements set forth by APT if all eight (8) workshops are attended. 

The Play Therapy workshops are aligned with the guidelines established by the Association for Play Therapy and pertain to five main areas: 

  • Play Therapy History
  • Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
  • Play Therapy Skills and Methods
  • Play Therapy Special Topics
  • Cultural & Social Diversity

APT Approved

Old Dominion University is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy (APT Approved Provider #08-234).

Information Sessions - 2024

Play Therapy Child with clay

Wondering if our Play Therapy workshops are right for you? Come to our Zoom Q & A session with your questions and learn more about the Play Therapy workshops, the instructor, and more.

Dates:

  • Wednesday, March 20th
  • Wednesday, April 24th
  • Wednesday, May 8th
  • Wednesday, June 5th
  • Wednesday, July 10th
  • Wednesday, August 7th
  • Wednesday, September 4th
  • Wednesday, October 9th
  • Wednesday, November 6th
  • Wednesday, December 4th

Time: 3pm EST
Hosted by: Dr. Sharon Silverberg
Director of Play Therapy, School of Continuing Education

Join the Zoom Meeting

Workshop Details

Days/Times

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sunday

Half-hour lunch break. Lunch not included.

Select "Registered Play Therapy" under the Program drop-down menu.

Registration Fee

$339 per 2-Day Workshop

Contact Hours

19 hours for each 2-day workshop, 16 contact CE's & 3 non-contact CE's

Participants MUST register to reserve a spot PRIOR to the actual weekend workshop.

Seats are limited to the first 30 participants, registration is required. Registration closes the Thursday prior to the start of the weekend workshop 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Participants MUST attend the entire workshop to earn CE Certificate.


 

Additional Information

Target Audience

  • Mental Health Counselors
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatric Nurses
  • Other Mental Health Professionals

  • From I-64, take exit 276 Naval Base/Terminal Blvd.
  • Merge onto International Terminal Blvd. toward Hampton Blvd.
  • Turn left on Hampton Blvd. and continue approximately 2.4 miles.
  • The ODU campus will be on your right.

The Spring Hill Suites by Marriott is located directly across the street from the workshop location. The hotel offers ODU discount rates - (888) ODU-7488.

If for any reason, you wish to cancel your registration, your registration must be received in writing at least one week prior to the workshop start date. You will be assessed a $25 cancellation fee. For more information, please call 757-683-5650.

Individual Workshop Information & Registration

December 9-10, 2023

This workshop will provide information about the rationale, philosophy, history and theoretical underpinnings specific to the application of play therapy with various populations and in different settings. Basic facilitation skills, specific goals, and the role of the play therapist will be explored and practiced in relation to specific theories and in terms of general process of play therapy.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of play therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale of utilizing play therapy with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using play therapy with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when utilizing play therapy with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  5. Review counseling theories in play therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose play therapy interventions for young children, adolescents, teens, and adults with intention and grounded in counseling theory.
  7. Discuss specific examples of play therapy interventions to use when working with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform play therapy techniques with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults using creative interventions presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify three play therapy interventions presented can be used with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving play therapy interventions with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using play therapy interventions with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using play therapy interventions with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.

January 20-21, 2024

The therapeutic power of selected games, structured activities and expressive arts will be explored as they pertain to play therapy. Techniques specific to art, drama, children's literature, puppets and music will be illuminated as ideal mediums through which children and adolescents express and heal themselves through the process of play therapy. Basic techniques and strategies for incorporating such tools and techniques will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing expressive arts in play therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing expressive arts play therapy interventions and techniques.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using expressive arts interventions in play therapy.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing expressive art interventions in play therapy.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly used in expressive arts in play therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose expressive art interventions with intention and grounded in counseling theory (CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Adlerian, etc.).
  7. Discuss specific examples of expressive arts in play therapy.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform expressive art play therapy techniques and interventions as presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three expressive art play therapy interventions presented and practiced.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving play therapy interventions with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using expressive arts in play therapy.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using expressive arts in play therapy.

March 23-24, 2024

The therapeutic power of selected games, structured activities, and narrative techniques will be explored as they pertain to play therapy. Basic techniques and strategies for incorporating such tools and techniques will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing games, activities, and narrative technique in play therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing games, activities, and narrative technique in play therapy interventions.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using games, activities, and narrative technique in play therapy.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing games, activities, and narrative technique in play therapy.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly used with games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  7. Discuss specific examples of games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using games, activities, and narrative techniques in play therapy.

 

June 8-9, 2024

Fundamental theoretical and philosophical concepts related to systems theory and utilizing play therapy techniques in family counseling will be presented. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in family play therapy will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. In addition, methods will be covered illustrating how to implement filial therapy for parents to become healthy agents in their children's lives.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing to use family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly associated with family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose play therapy interventions for family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  7. Discuss specific examples of play therapy interventions for family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform play therapy techniques in family play therapy and Filial therapy through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three ways the family play therapy and Filial therapy interventions presented and practiced can be used.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using family play therapy and Filial therapy.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using family play therapy and Filial therapy.

September 14-15, 2024

Theoretical and philosophical concepts of Group Play Therapy with children, adolescents, and adults will be discussed. Group logistics, process, conflict resolution, and group facilitation skills will be described. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in group play therapy will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. In addition, multicultural and ethical considerations in group play therapy will be addressed.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of group play therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for group play therapy with young children, adolescents, teens, and adults.
  3. Discuss play therapy group logistics and therapy goals for child-centered groups and adolescent/teen/adult groups.
  4. Analyze critical factors to consider when creating a play therapy group.
  5. Describe the process of child-centered group play therapy.
  6. Explain the selection process of clients appropriate for child-centered play therapy groups.
  7. Identify three theoretical approaches and how to integrate them into group play therapy.
  8. Identify three play therapy interventions presented can be used with adolescents and adult groups.
  9. Discuss the ACT Model in child centered play therapy groups.
  10. Identify three ethical considerations as they apply to group play therapy.
  11. Identify potential multicultural considerations in group play therapy.
  12. Discuss group play therapy process and practice with special populations.

December 7-8, 2024

Research has indicated that play therapy is an effective treatment modality with people of all ages. This workshop will explore the process of play therapy and creative interventions when working with adolescents and adults. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in play therapy with adolescents and adults will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. Multicultural considerations and societal influences that specifically pertain to this population will also be addressed.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing play therapy with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing play therapy interventions and techniques with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using expressive interventions in play therapy with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing expressive interventions in play therapy with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly used in play therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose play therapy interventions for adolescents, teens, and adults with intention and grounded in counseling theory (CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Adlerian, etc.).
  7. Discuss specific examples of play therapy creative interventions to use when working with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform play therapy techniques with adolescents, teens, and adults using creative interventions presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three ways the expressive play therapy interventions presented and practiced can be used with teens, adolescents, and adults in the community.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving play therapy interventions with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using play therapy interventions with adolescents, teens, and adults.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using play therapy interventions with adolescents, teens, and adults.

March 29-30, 2025

Through experiential sand tray exercises and didactic methods, information about the rationale, history, and general application of sand tray in play therapy will be illustrated. Basic facilitation skills, theoretical constructs, and strategies for processing sand tray will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing sandtray in play therapy.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing sandtray in play therapy.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using sandtray in play therapy.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing sandtray as an intervention in play therapy.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly used in sandtray.
  6. Discuss how to choose sandtray directives with intention and grounded in counseling theory.
  7. Discuss specific examples of sandtray in play therapy.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform sand tray interventions presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three ways sandtray interventions presented and practiced can be used.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving sandtray.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using sandtray.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using sandtray.

June 7-8, 2025

This workshop will investigate specific issues faced by children, adolescents, and families affected by difficult environmental and systematic situations. The implications of trauma, grief, and loss as a result of abuse, crisis, death and divorce will be reviewed as they pertain to the process. The process of play, techniques, treatment plans and consultation procedures will also be explored. Skills and methods to incorporate play therapy techniques to address trauma, grief, and loss will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.

  1. Discuss the historical context and the beginnings of utilizing play therapy to address trauma.
  2. Explain the benefits and rationale for utilizing play therapy interventions and techniques to address trauma.
  3. Analyze the benefits of using play therapy to address trauma.
  4. Assess critical factors to consider when choosing play therapy to address trauma.
  5. Review counseling theories commonly used in addressing trauma through play therapy.
  6. Discuss how to choose play therapy interventions to address trauma with intention and grounded in counseling theory (CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Adlerian, etc.).
  7. Discuss specific examples of play therapy that can be used to address trauma.
  8. Demonstrate basic ability to perform play therapy techniques when addressing trauma as presented through role-plays and small group activities.
  9. Identify at least three ways the play therapy interventions that address trauma presented and practiced can be used.
  10. Describe the most current research and literature involving play therapy to address trauma.
  11. Identify three ethical considerations when using play therapy interventions to address trauma.
  12. Identify potential multicultural considerations when using play therapy interventions to address trauma.

About the Faculty

Dr. Sharon Silverberg

Dr. Sharon Silverberg is the director of the Old Dominion University Registered Play Therapy Program through the School of Continuing Education and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, she is approaching twenty years of clinical experience with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as providing clinical supervision. Dr. Silverberg has presented nationally and internationally on play therapy topics and contributed to a book chapter on clinical supervision in play therapy.

Dr. Silverberg enjoys sharing her clinical experiences and love of play therapy with others while helping them along their journey to becoming competent and confident play therapists!

What our students say

"The ODU Continuing Education Play Therapy classes have ignited my passion to become an excellent Registered Play Therapist. Using play therapy opens doors of resistance allowing deeper, significant change in clients. Keeping a playful attitude deepens connections and empowers clients to tackle the hard stuff. Thanks to Dr. Silverberg's amazing hands-on instruction, I am on my way to becoming the play therapist I want to be!"

- Denise Maxwell


 

"As a therapist, it is crucial to know how to interact with children and their parents in a way that meets them where they are, and provides the best care. We can't assume that we know how to do that. These Play Therapy modules provide excellent training that are applicable not just for counselors, but anyone that provides care to children. Plus, the trainings are fun and interactive."

- Melody Diehl, Resident in Counseling


 

Adult class 3

"To date, I have participated in three of the play therapy workshop weekends. Due to me living in another state, I unfortunately didn't learn of the workshop weekends until half-way through the series. I have participated in the following workshop weekends: Systematic Interventions: Group, Filial & Family Play Therapy, Play Therapy and Creative Interventions with Adolescents and Adults, and Sand Tray & Narrative Techniques in Play Therapy. Dr. Sharon Silverberg is very passionate about helping her students strengthen their skills. She is competent, dynamic, and experienced. Although she has an abundance of experience, she has a way of relating to her students by being transparent and sharing her knowledge in a way that is inspiring without intimidating her students. The workshop weekends always fly by. We have so much fun that we lose track of time. She has a unique way of creating a culture in the class that have the students to show a level of vulnerability in the hands on activities. However, Dr. Silverberg always ensures that the environment is safe for the students. She also makes sure she mixes up the groups to avoid "cliques" from forming. Dr. Silverberg provides a great balance for the workshop weekends by ensuring that we are provided with history/education, discussion time, video learning, "homework", hands on activities, and Q&A. I thoroughly enjoy the hands on activities because I feel I can relate to my clients in a more personal way since I have set in the "client" seat when we practiced the skills/interventions in class. I am also appreciative for the hand-out resources that Dr. Silverberg gives us during the workshop weekends and adds to our Dropbox folder. The workshop weekends have taught me about traits and skills in myself that I can apply to my work."

- Porscha Henson, MA, NCC, LPC


 

Questions?

For information regarding the content of workshops or becoming a Registered Play Therapist, contact Dr. Sharon Silverberg via email ssilverb@odu.edu or phone (757) 831-6890.