6-Hour In-Person Training for Play Therapy (APT Contact Hours)

Join us on September 27, 2025, in beautiful Panama City Beach for a full-day, in-person training workshop—Play Therapy with Preschoolers (9 AM–12 PM) followed by Directive Play Therapy (1 PM–4 PM). This evidence-based, APT-aligned training is crafted for clinicians working with young children, offering a practical blend of developmental insight and hands-on techniques.

Particants can enroll in one or both workshops. Cost $50 per workshop

Play Therapy with Preschoolers

Description:Preschoolers experience the world through play, making play therapy a uniquely powerful approach for children ages 2–5. This workshop equips participants with a deeper understanding of why play therapy is especially effective for this age group, highlighting both developmental needs and therapeutic opportunities. Participants will review core developmental milestones of early childhood, explore practical and age-appropriate play therapy interventions, and learn strategies for engaging caregivers as vital partners in the therapeutic process. Through discussion, demonstration, and case examples, attendees will gain tools to enhance their clinical work with young children and their families.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify three reasons why play therapy is especially effective for children aged 2–5
• Describe key developmental norms for that age group
• Name three therapeutic interventions suitable for young children
• Discuss how caregiver involvement enriches the therapeutic process

Lunch will be on your own with plenty of options nearby.

Following lunch, the session transitions to:

Directive Play Therapy

Description

Directive play therapy offers clinicians a structured yet creative way to support children in processing challenges, developing skills, and strengthening therapeutic relationships. This workshop provides an in-depth look at the foundations of directive play therapy, beginning with its definition and core characteristics. Participants will compare directive approaches with non-directive play therapy in order to provide clarity on how structure and therapist guidance shape the therapeutic process. Practical techniques will be highlighted, with opportunities to explore and practice common directive interventions through role-play. Ethical considerations, including beneficence and professional responsibility, will also be addressed to ensure participants apply these methods with care and integrity. Designed to be interactive and practical, this training will prepare clinicians to thoughtfully integrate directive play therapy into their work with children and families.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Define directive play therapy and list at least three of its core characteristics
• Compare directive play therapy to child-centered approaches by naming three differences
• Recognize and name four common directive techniques
• Practice implementing one directive technique in a role-play activity
• Identify two ethical principles relevant to directive play therapy—such as beneficence (acting in the client's best interest) and responsibility—and explain why they matter

Denise Folsom, LMHC, NCC, RPT-S

APT Approved Provider 22-661

Play therapy credit is only awarded to mental health professionals

Address: 7104 Laird Street Panama City Beach, Fl 32408. The training will be held in the conference room. Our office is located just off Navy Blvd/Thomas Dr. It is a white building with a teal roof.

Contact information: Denise Folsom 850.331.0134 [email protected]

Cancellation Policy for Trainings

With respect to cancellations and refunds is as follows:

• If you register for an event and cancel your registration 30 or more days prior to the event, you will receive a full refund minus a $25.00 processing fee.
• If you register for an event and cancel fewer than 30 days before the event, you will receive a refund of 50% of the registration price.
• If you register for an event and do not attend, our policy is that you forfeit the registration fee.
• Denise Folsom/The Legacy House, PLLC reserves the right to cancel any training due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, you will be notified given options regarding taking another training or a refund if you notify us in writing at [email protected]. The Legacy House’s liability for cancellations is limited to the cost of the registration fee. The Legacy House is not responsible for other expenses incurred by the customer if training is cancelled.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

7104 Laird St, 7104 Laird Street, Panama City, United States