Spring 2026 Play Therapy CE Series:
In-Person, Contact CEs by APT Approved Provider
- Art Techniques for Play Therapists - with Donna Cangelosi
Play therapists often use art activities in their work with play therapy clients. This workshop will provide a more in depth understanding of similarities and differences between imaginative play and creating art as well as the progressive stages of artistic development—with focus on understanding play therapy clients. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of art activities and directives to incorporate in their play therapy practice both in their play rooms and via telehealth.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify significant similarities and differences between art and imaginative play for their work with play therapy clients.
- Gain an appreciation for the power of artistic expression in play therapy.
- Describe the progressive stages of artistic development for assessing children in play therapy.
- Identify at least one art therapy activity for establishing a therapeutic alliance with play therapy clients.
- Identify at least two basic supplies needed to incorporate art techniques into the play therapy setting.
- Gain hands on experience with at least four art activities/directives for use with play therapy clients.
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Art Techniques
- Bibliotherapy for Play Therapists: Healing Wounds & Developing Coping Skills with Picture Books - with Donna Cangelosi
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- List the three stages of bibliotherapy for young children.
- Describe three therapeutic benefits of using bibliotherapy with play therapy clients.
- Discuss four criteria for choosing picture books for play therapy clients.
- Select at least three picture books to use with play therapy clients.
- Identify three ways bibliotherapy can be incorporated with play therapy clients and their parents.
Theoretical Basis: Integrative
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Bibliotherapy
- Attachment, Connection, & Assessment Techniques in Play Therapy - with Crystal Zelman (formerly called Play Therapy Engagement, Rapport Building & Assessment Techniques for Children)
This workshop will explore attachment, connection, and assessment with children through play therapy and therapeutic art. We will review the concepts of attunement, attachment, co-regulation and the therapeutic relationship. The workshop will focus on play therapy engagement, rapport building, and assessment techniques for children utilizing art, sand tray & games, with many activities explored experientially. Participants will learn a variety of play & art directives for exploring common content areas of: activities/interests, friendships/peer relationships, self-awareness/feelings, school & home life, and family relationships. Variations of techniques appropriate for in-person, remote therapy, group work, and family work will be discussed as well.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain engagement & rapport building through the lens of attachment in play therapy.
- Apply concepts of attachment, attunement, and co-regulation in play therapy and with caregivers.
- Describe the main goals and considerations for assessment in play therapy sessions.
- Utilize a variety of play therapy and therapeutic art techniques for engagement and rapport building.
- Employ various play therapy and therapeutic art techniques for assessment of common content areas.
Theoretical Basis: Attachment
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Attachment, Attunement & Assessment
- Creative Play Therapy Interventions for Children & Adolescents with Anxiety - with Crystal Zelman
This highly experiential workshop draws from the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, neurobiology, expressive arts, and play therapy. We will explore creative play therapy strategies and activities for psychoeducation and interventions with children and teenagers ages 6-17 who experience anxiety. We will review important information about children and adolescents with anxiety, including ways to incorporate parents. Participants will learn developmentally appropriate ways to apply cognitive behavioral play therapy with clients, including strategies to foster a calmer nervous system, externalizing the problem, and building a repertoire of effective coping tools.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe developmentally appropriate play therapy psychoeducation strategies about anxiety to children, adolescents, and caregivers.
- Utilize a variety of play therapy, expressive art, and regulating interventions for children and adolescents with anxiety.
- Describe important goals in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy with anxious youth.
- Apply Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy goals and interventions to create an individualized treatment plan.
Theoretical Basis: Cognitive Behavioral
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Anxiety
- Psychodynamic Play Therapy - with Donna Cangelosi
Psychodynamic play therapy addresses psychological functioning beyond observable behavior. Understanding this theoretical orientation is important when working with children in play therapy who often conceal, disguise, or act out their difficulties and underlying emotions. This workshop will introduce key concepts of psychodynamic theories with focus on their application in play therapy. Topics to be discussed include: psychodynamic principles, assessment, defense mechanisms, transference, countertransference, resistance, the roles of the play therapist, and working with parents. Clinical case material and movie clips will be used to illustrate concepts, and play materials for use with various types of presenting problems will be presented.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe two principles of psychodynamic play therapy.
- Discuss two sources of psychological difficulties in children outlined by Anna Freud.
- Describe two examples of symptomatic play.
- List three defense mechanisms often used by children in play therapy.
- Discuss the three steps of the psychodynamic play therapy intake process.
- Describe two roles of the psychodynamic play therapist.
Theoretical Basis: Psychodynamic
Primary Areas: Seminal Theory
Focus: Psychodynamic Play Therapy
- Play Therapy for Children of Divorce - with Donna Cangelosi
Research has shown play therapy to be an ideal treatment for addressing the challenges children experience following parental divorce. This workshop will provide an understanding of the adjustments these children face and themes commonly seen in their play. Assessment considerations, treatment planning, play materials and techniques as well as general guidelines for working with parents will be discussed & explored.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify four presenting problems commonly seen among children of divorce to aid in their work with play therapy clients.
- Gain an understanding of pre-divorce factors which influence children’s adjustment to divorce to promote healing of play therapy clients.
- Describe three factors affecting children’s adjustment to parental divorce which may be seen in play therapy.
- Better understand the process of mourning in children when it is demonstrated among play therapy clients.
- Gain hands on experience with at least three play therapy techniques for use with children of divorce.
Theoretical Basis: Psychodynamic
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Divorce
- Sandtray Basics & Beyond in Play Therapy with Children, Teens & Adults - with Crystal Zelman
This workshop will explore the basics of sandtray therapy to support children, teens, families, and adults. Important concepts in play therapy such as containment, externalization, & holding space will be explored. Participants will learn how to apply a variety of directives, as well as process sand trays with diverse client presentations & presenting problems in play therapy. Specialized directives drawing from the field of EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs will also be taught. This workshop includes many opportunities for experiential learning.
Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the differences between sandtray & sandplay in play therapy.
- Describe the 6-step protocol for sandtray in play therapy.
- Utilize a variety of non-directive and directive prompts during sandtray play therapy.
- Offer various comments, questions, and a holding presence during processing of sand trays in play therapy.
Theoretical Basis: Integrative; Sandtray
Primary Areas: Skills and Methods; Special Topics
Focus: Sandtray
**Scroll down for cost & registration information**
Presenters:
Donna Cangelosi maintains a private practice with children, adolescents, and adults in Wayne NJ, where she provides psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and parent education. She co-edited Play Therapy Techniques, Volumes 1 and 2, The Playing Cure, Essential Play Therapy Techniques, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. Dr. Cangelosi is the author of Saying Goodbye in Child Psychotherapy and several chapters and articles on working with children of divorce and the theory and practice of psychodynamic play therapy.
Donna Cangelosi maintains a private practice with children, adolescents, and adults in Wayne NJ, where she provides psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and parent education. She co-edited Play Therapy Techniques, Volumes 1 and 2, The Playing Cure, Essential Play Therapy Techniques, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. Dr. Cangelosi is the author of Saying Goodbye in Child Psychotherapy and several chapters and articles on working with children of divorce and the theory and practice of psychodynamic play therapy.
Crystal Zelman is the owner and primary clinician for Morris County Play Therapy, is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Crystal is an EMDR Certified Therapist, utilizing EMDR with adults and children. Crystal facilitates workshops for professionals through both in-person & virtual continuing education opportunities. She also enjoys providing case consultation to other social workers working towards their play therapy (RPT) certification.
Crystal taught as a Part-Time Lecturer at Rutgers University, teaching clinical social work classes to masters level students from 2015-2023 & currently presents for the Rutgers School of Social Work CE Program. Crystal previously worked in Early Intervention, supporting children ages birth to 3 with developmental delays & their families for 10+ years. She also worked for 9+ years with children who had a parent or other family member with cancer, supporting children's inner resilience & coping.
Crystal taught as a Part-Time Lecturer at Rutgers University, teaching clinical social work classes to masters level students from 2015-2023 & currently presents for the Rutgers School of Social Work CE Program. Crystal previously worked in Early Intervention, supporting children ages birth to 3 with developmental delays & their families for 10+ years. She also worked for 9+ years with children who had a parent or other family member with cancer, supporting children's inner resilience & coping.
What Previous Participants are Saying:
Other Workshops Offered Periodically:
- “Wonderful presentation, topics, and practical examples to apply in practice! Really appreciate the interactive and experiential approach to training.”
- “Crystal is a gem. The activities were diverse & easy to use.”
- “I enjoyed the opportunity to be hands on and engaged in learning through multisensory approach.”
- “Kept my attention/interest & it was very applicable.”
- “Extremely practical & helpful!”
- “Training was flexible for all levels of skills/prior knowledge.”
- “I enjoyed the structure of the training - experiential activities, lecture, etc. So helpful! Also enjoyed the small group setting.”
Other Workshops Offered Periodically:
- Grieving Children & Teens: Creative Art Interventions for Individual & Group Play Therapy
- Medical Play Therapy: Supporting Children Through Their Own or a Caregiver's Illness
Cost: Single Workshop with payment & registration at least 2 weeks in advance: $200 (or $225 after)
2 Bundle Workshop Rate: $385 (Choose any 2 workshops in the same series)
3 Bundle Workshop Rate: $550 (Choose any 3 workshops in the same series)
4 Bundle Workshop Rate: $675 (Choose any 4 workshops in the same series)
Registration:
Please email the following to [email protected]:
1. Your Name;
2. Mental Health License(s) Type & Certification(s);
3. Address;
4. Phone Number; and
5. Payment can be completed by mailing a check or via Zelle.
For check payments, please mail a check made out to:
Crystal Zelman LLC to
9 Broadway, STE 20
Denville, NJ 07834
For Zelle payment instructions, please email [email protected]
Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable; any participant who needs to cancel is welcome to find someone to fill their spot, or choose another workshop to attend within the same fall series of 2026.
To address any concerns or to resolve any disputes regarding this event, email: [email protected]
2 Bundle Workshop Rate: $385 (Choose any 2 workshops in the same series)
3 Bundle Workshop Rate: $550 (Choose any 3 workshops in the same series)
4 Bundle Workshop Rate: $675 (Choose any 4 workshops in the same series)
Registration:
Please email the following to [email protected]:
1. Your Name;
2. Mental Health License(s) Type & Certification(s);
3. Address;
4. Phone Number; and
5. Payment can be completed by mailing a check or via Zelle.
For check payments, please mail a check made out to:
Crystal Zelman LLC to
9 Broadway, STE 20
Denville, NJ 07834
For Zelle payment instructions, please email [email protected]
Cancellation policy: Registration is non-refundable; any participant who needs to cancel is welcome to find someone to fill their spot, or choose another workshop to attend within the same fall series of 2026.
To address any concerns or to resolve any disputes regarding this event, email: [email protected]
Personalized Workshops
We offer presentations for professionals, including professional development for school personnel, mental health conferences, and personalized workshops for your agency. In-person and/or virtual presentations are experiential, interactive and engaging, and can be specifically designed with a targeted topic for your audience. Our workshops have been previously presented nationally & internationally, including for the Child Life of Greater New York Conference, the National Association of Social Workers, Rutgers School of Social Work Continuing Education, the Association for Oncology Social Workers (AOSW), Art Psychotherapy Counseling Services, various school districts, college students, and educators throughout the state of New Jersey.
Previous workshops have included:
Previous workshops have included:
- Sandtray Basics and Beyond
- Grieving Children & Teens: Creative Interventions for Individual & Group Work
- Creative Interventions for Children & Adolescents with Anxiety
- Play-Based Engagement, Rapport Building, and Assessment Techniques for Children & Teens
- Facilitating Coping with COVID-19 Related Changes and Losses When Working in a School Setting
- How to Navigate Grief, Loss, and a New Normal During COVID-19
- Basic Play-Based Interventions with Children
- What Every Educator Needs to Know About Children Affected by Adult Cancer in the Family
- Facilitating Coping with a Hospital Experience: Medical-Specific Play and Art-Based Strategies and Interventions for Children
- Working with Children who Have a Parent with Cancer: First Encounter to Anticipatory Grief
- Bridging the Play Therapy-Child Life Gap: Play and Art Techniques in Child Life
- Working with Children, Teenagers and Young Adults with Illness in the Family
- A Toolbox for Educators: Strategies for Helping Children Affected by Adult Cancer in the Family
- Working with Children Affected by Adult Cancer in the Family: Play & Art Therapy Techniques
Self Care & Team Building Groups
Creative, experiential, and professionally facilitated groups for children or adults are available that cater to your organization or populations' needs. Therapeutic or team building experiences can be brought to your school's students, your organization's employees, or your agency's clients. Both children and adults alike can benefit from fun and playful interactions offered through expressive play-, art- or yoga-inspired activities. Our groups have been previously offered at Camp Clover (children's bereavement camp), local NJ elementary school Health & Wellness Summit, and the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of Morristown Medical Center, and other mental health service organizations.
Previous groups have included:
Previous groups have included:
- Bereavement-specific art & craft groups (children & teens)
- Mini-retreats for families affected by cancer with various themes: art, music, drama and yoga (families)
- Staff yoga and mediation (adults)
- Inner child workshops (adults)
- Mind/Body/Emotions (children)