Course Description

This training is a 1.5-hour recorded webinar focusing on a basic overview of play therapy theories.

This recorded webinar identifies the 10 seminal and historically significant play therapy theories as identified by the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

The similarities and differences among play therapy theories will be discussed, as well as the distinction between a play therapy theory and a play-based approach. A brief history of play therapy will be presented, and content related to prescriptive play therapy and integrative play therapy will be covered.


Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  1. List the 10 seminal and historically significant play therapy theories identified by APT.

  2. Identify at least one similarity and one difference among play therapy theories.

  3. Understand the difference between a play therapy theory and a play-based approach.


Course Format & Requirements

  • This training is delivered as a recorded webinar.

  • A PowerPoint presentation is provided to follow along with the training.

  • Participants are expected to watch the entire webinar and not skip any portion of the training.

  • A post-exam is required and must be completed at the end of the webinar.


Continuing Education Information

This training is approved for 1.5 Continuing Education (CE) hours for the bodies listed below.

To receive a certificate of completion, participants must:

  • Complete all training materials

  • Submit a training evaluation

  • Pass the post-exam with a score of 80% or higher

Upon successful completion, a certificate of completion will be issued.


Play Therapy Credit

  • Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D. is an APT Approved Provider (#12-318) for continuing education.

  • If counting this training toward the 150 hours required for RPT or RPT-S, the 1.5 hours may be applied toward:

    • Play therapy seminal or historically significant theories

    • Special topics

    • Applicants’ choice


NBCC Credit

  • AutPlay Therapy Clinic has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6595.

  • Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.

  • AutPlay Therapy Clinic is solely responsible for all aspects of its programs.


Provider & Governance Information

The AutPlay Therapy Clinic – Robert Jason Grant, Ed.D. is solely responsible for the creation, content, and continuing education hours of each home study training.

Jen Taylor Play Therapy serves as the hosting platform for home study and online trainings.

Instructor Robert Jason Grant, EdD, M.S., LPC, NCC, RPT-S

I hold a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership, Master’s Degree in Counseling, and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families, primarily serving neurodivergent children (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). I am the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. I am also trauma informed and trained and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I utilize several years of advanced training and my own lived neurodivergent experience to work with children and their families. I have infused my experience and love for education and mental health care to create training programs for professionals and caregivers. I am an international trainer and keynote presenter having presented for the American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and The World Autism Congress. I am also a multi- published author of several articles, book chapters, and books including the following titles: The AutPlay® Therapy Handbook: Integrative Family Play Therapy with Neurodivergent Children Understanding Sensory Differences: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens Understanding Autism: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens Understanding ADHD: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens Implementing Play Therapy with Groups: Contemporary Issues in Practice Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives: Diversity of Thought in the Field In 2015, I was awarded Play Therapist of the Year by the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In 2017, I was presented with the APT Service Award by the National Association for Play Therapy. I am currently serving on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy. I am also a part time instructor in the Play Therapy Certificate program at Mid America Nazarene University (MNU). For speaking, training, and consultation inquires, you may contact me at (417)-755-9042 for more information. You may also email me at [email protected]

Until March 31, 2025: THIS COURSE IS FREE

Regular Price $30

What Students Are Saying

5 star rating

Good. All students of play therapy, please watch!

Charis Wong

5 star rating

This was one of the Best things I have ever done! Thanks...

Michelle Stamps

Loved every seconed of it!

Loved every seconed of it!

Read Less
5 star rating

Brilliant course

Ashleigh Rielly

5 star rating

Very Informative!

Kayla Farlow

The content was very informative and the website was easy to use. Highly recommend!

The content was very informative and the website was easy to use. Highly recommend!

Read Less

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to the Course

    1. Play Therapy Theories: A Basic Overview Powerpoint (2024)

    2. Play Therapy Theories: A Basic Overview (2024)

    3. Handout

    4. References

    1. Course Evaluation (Required)

    2. Quiz (Reqiured)

    3. Stay in Touch! Join the mailing list for course sales and updates

About this course

  • Free
  • 8 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content