Understanding Play Room Set Up, Themes

and Techniques of Play Therapy

Even the most heartfelt play therapist can freeze when the child starts breaking toys, testing limits, or falling silent.

CCPT is not just a theory, it is a structured, intentional approach with clear strategies for navigating the messiness of the playroom with confidence.

In this section, we will walk through the real-world moments that often leave therapists second-guessing:

"What do I say when the child asks me to play a certain way?"

"How do I handle aggression or unsafe behavior without shaming?"

"What if the child just keeps repeating the same theme over and over?"

This section is designed to calm your nervous system as a therapist and equip you with the tools that make CCPT feel grounded, not vague. Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a renewed trust in the child’s lead, and in your own skills.

Welcome to Book Club!

What a FUN and interactive way to learn. In this hybrid training experience, you will …. 

📕 Purchase the book "Child Centered Play Therapy" by Rise Vanfleet, et al.. It is now yours to keep and refer to for

guidance.

🏡 Read the assigned section TWO at home (3 non-contact APT & NBCC CEs)

🍎 Complete an exam (80%+) to earn your reading CE certificate

☕️ 1. Join a live group discussion (2 contact CEs) in person in Loudoun Co, VA (location TBD)

-OR-

👩🏻‍💻 2. Join a live group discussion (2 non-contact CEs) via Zoom

🤓 After completion, receive 5 total NBCC & APT CES

🎓 Discussion certificates are awarded the same day; reading certs follow exam completion

"Understanding Play Room Set Up, Themes and Techniques of Play Therapy"

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, participants will be able to:

Identify the essential materials and environmental setup required for an effective Child-Centered Play Therapy

playroom.

Describe the structure and flow of a typical CCPT session, including the therapist's role before, during, and after

the session.

Demonstrate understanding of tracking and therapeutic language used in CCPT to reflect the child’s experience

and promote emotional expression.

Explain the rationale for non-directive responding in CCPT and how it supports the child’s autonomy and internal

motivation.

List and describe the four categories of therapeutic responses used in CCPT: tracking behavior, reflecting content,

reflecting feelings, and returning responsibility.

Evaluate how the therapist’s consistent use of CCPT techniques fosters a safe, accepting, and growth-promoting

therapeutic relationship.

📗 Child Centered Play Therapy by Rese VanFleet, et. al

Before Class Discussion, Read Section 2 of Book

Certificate:

"Understanding Play Room Set Up, Themes and Techniques of Play Therapy"

Discussion Time: 10/03/25 ... 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST

(virtual/in-person)

Discussion 2 CEs:

2 APT/NBCC CEs

Reading Before Class 3 CEs:

3 APT non-contact CE/3 NBCC (after exam)

Cost: $99 for all 5 CEs

Agenda (Eastern Time) 12N -2pm (EST)

12n-1pm Discuss Begins! Talk about the assigned reading with one another

1pm-2pm  Activities to explore topics of reading

2pm  Book club is over! See you next time

Save $15 by purchasing 2 sections of the CCPT Book, Save $30 by purchasing 3 AND

Save $45 by purchasing all 4 sections of the book! Bundle Option Available at Check Out.