TRAININGS OFFERED
I offer play therapy trainings and continuing education opportunities for mental health professionals who want to develop or strengthen their clinical work with children. Trainings are grounded in play therapy theory, child development, therapeutic relationships, and practical clinical application.
Current training topics include foundational, intermediate, and advanced Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), as well as assessment in play therapy. Trainings are designed for clinicians at different stages of professional development, from those beginning their study of play therapy to experienced clinicians seeking continued skill development.
Introduction to Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
This foundational training introduces participants to the philosophy, principles, and core skills of Child-Centered Play Therapy. Participants learn the rationale for play therapy, the therapeutic powers of play, the role of the therapist, and essential CCPT skills such as tracking behavior, reflecting content, reflecting feelings, facilitating decision-making and responsibility, and limit setting. The training emphasizes developing a trusting therapeutic relationship while maintaining a child-centered, non-directive stance.
Intermediate Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Designed for clinicians with foundational CCPT knowledge, this training focuses on strengthening therapeutic skills, deepening understanding of the therapeutic relationship, and increasing therapist self-awareness. Participants explore play behaviors and play themes, advanced applications of core CCPT skills, limit setting using the ACT model, and reflective practices that support therapeutic presence, emotional regulation, and intentional use of self in the playroom.
Advanced Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
This advanced training emphasizes the integration of play themes, therapist self-reflection, deliberate practice, and advanced skill refinement. Participants learn to recognize and track emerging themes across sessions, maintain therapeutic presence during complex play sequences, and engage in reflective processes that strengthen clinical decision-making while preserving a non-directive approach. Extensive practicum experiences and feedback opportunities support continued professional growth and mastery of CCPT skills.
Assessment in Play Therapy
Assessment is an important component of effective play therapy practice. This training explores the role of assessment as a tool for screening, clinical formulation, treatment planning, progress monitoring, and outcome assessment while maintaining a child-centered perspective. Participants will learn how to integrate commonly used measures such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Developmental Profile-4 (DP-4), Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC), and the BRIEF into their clinical work. The training also explores the use of assessment data to support parent consultation, treatment planning, and outcome-informed play therapy practice.
Continuing Education
James B. Carroll is an Association for Play Therapy Approved Provider (APT Approved Provider 25-772) and a National Board for Certified Counselors Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP 7781).
Continuing education hours, play therapy education hours, eligibility requirements, and other applicable information are identified for each training. Participants are responsible for confirming that a training meets the requirements applicable to their individual license, credential, or professional development needs.
Training Availability
Training dates and availability vary throughout the year. If you are interested in attending an upcoming training or would like information about offering a training for your organization or professional group, contact me for current availability and scheduling information.
Contact Me About Play Therapy Training.