Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
General Information
Title: Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice
Presenter: Dr. Jodi Mullen
Dates: Monday-Tuesday, July 12 & 13, 2027. 9:00am - 4:00pm ET each day.
Fee: $645. Early bird until 7/1 $445. Special discounts for early professionals and groups
Venue: Lakewood New Jersey (precise location to be determined shortly)
CE Credits: 11.5
Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
Description
Whether you are new to Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) or looking to level up your clinical skills, this training provides a practical, experiential approach to an evidenced-based approach; one of the most well-researched and developmentally responsive therapeutics ways to working with children.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how children communicate, process emotions, and resolve internal struggles through play. Rather than focusing on techniques alone, this training emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the primary vehicle for change while equipping clinicians with concrete skills they can immediately integrate into practice.
Through case examples, demonstrations, experiential learning activities, role-plays, and interactive discussions, participants will explore the philosophy, essential attitudes, and core clinical skills that foster emotional growth, resilience, and self-direction in children. Special attention will be given to developing confidence in responding therapeutically to challenging play themes, setting effective limits, partnering with caregivers, documenting sessions, and navigating common clinical dilemmas.
Instructors
Dr. Jodi Weinstein Mullen, PhD LMHC-D NCC RPT-S CCPT-Master is a professor at SUNY Oswego in the Counseling & Psychological Services Department, where she has been a counselor educator for over 30 years. She is the Director of Integrative Counseling Services, with offices in Central New York. Dr. Mullen is an international speaker, author, credentialed play therapist and play therapy supervisor. Dr. Mullen provides training, consultation, and supervision to professional helpers. She has authored books on play therapy, counseling children and adolescents, grief counseling and parenting. Dr. Mullen was the 2008 recipient of the Key Award for Professional Training & Education through the Association for Play Therapy. She is the proud Momma of Leah & Andrew.
Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
Objectives
1. Describe the theoretical foundations and historical development of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
2. Identify the core conditions and therapist attitudes that facilitate therapeutic change in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
3. Explain the developmental rationale for using Child-Centered Play Therapy with children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns.
4. Demonstrate foundational clinical skills, including tracking, reflecting feelings, facilitating decision-making, and returning responsibility within Child-Centered Play Therapy sessions.
5. Differentiate therapist-directed interventions from the non-directive philosophy of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
6. Apply evidence-based limit-setting principles using the ACT model within Child-Centered Play Therapy.
7. Identify essential playroom materials and describe their therapeutic purpose in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
8. Apply advanced therapeutic responses that deepen children's emotional expression and self-understanding in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
9. Analyze children's play behaviors and symbolic themes to inform clinical conceptualization within Child-Centered Play Therapy.
10. Demonstrate strategies for responding therapeutically to challenging behaviors while maintaining the principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
11. Describe effective approaches for involving caregivers while preserving the therapeutic integrity of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
12. Integrate culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate considerations into Child-Centered Play Therapy practice.
13. Evaluate common challenges encountered by clinicians and implement strategies for maintaining therapeutic presence and fidelity in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
CE Information
Continuing Education Credits are granted through Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC for the following professions: Psychologists, Social workers, Mental Health Counselors, LMFTs, and LCATs. It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards to verify CE requirements for their state.
Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.
APA
Nachas Consulting is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
ASWB
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC, 2035, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/02/2025 – 08/02/2028 Social workers completing this course receive 11.5 clinical continuing education credits.
NBCC
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting PLLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7503. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
New York State Social Workers
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0785.
New York State Mental Health Counselors
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0195
New York State Psychology
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0072.
New York State Marriage Therapy
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0121.
New York State Creative Arts Therapist
Neuhoff Psychological Consulting, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0112.
References
Haas, S. C., & Ray, D. C. (2020). Child-centered play therapy with children affected by adverse childhood experiences: A single-case design. International Journal of Play Therapy, 29(4), 223–236. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000135 (DOI)
Parker, M. M., Hunnicutt Hollenbaugh, K. M., & Kelly, C. T. (2021). Exploring the impact of child-centered play therapy for children exhibiting behavioral problems: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Play Therapy, 30(4), 259–271. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000128 (American Psychological Association)
Wilson, B. J., & Ray, D. C. (2018). Child-centered play therapy: Aggression, empathy, and self-regulation. Journal of Counseling & Development, 96(4), 399–409. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12222 (Prevention Services)
Satisfactory Completion:
Participants must have signed in and out, attended the entire workshop to receive a certificate. Failure to sign/log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available electronically after satisfactory course completion. A link will be provided for those who have completed the training.
Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
Policies
Application Deadline: July 9, 2027 or until all training spaces are filled, whichever comes first.
Notification of Acceptance
Applicants will be notified, via email, of acceptance when registration is complete, and payment is received.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Tuition/registration payments are refundable until June 12, 2027. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable. In this situation, we will attempt to find someone to take your slot (based on our waiting list).
Accessibility
There will be handicap accessibility.
Course level
Level of clinician
Our Grievance Policy for trainings is available here.
Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
Schedule
| Monday, July 12, 2027. 9:00am - 4:00pm ET | Day 1: 9:00–9:30
9:30–10:30 The Foundations of Child-Centered Play Therapy
10:30–10:45 – Morning Break 10:45–12:00 Understanding the Therapeutic Relationship
12:00–12:45 – Lunch 12:45–2:15 Essential CCPT Skills
2:15–2:30 – Afternoon Break 2:30–4:00 Understanding Children's Play
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| Tuesday, July 13, 2027. 9:00am - 4:00pm ET | Day 2: 9:00–9:15
9:15–10:30 Therapeutic Responses that Deepen the Process
10:30–10:45 – Morning Break 10:45–12:00 Setting Therapeutic Limits
12:00–12:45 – Lunch 12:45–2:15 Clinical Applications
2:15–2:30 – Afternoon Break 2:30–4:00 Putting It All Together
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Child-Centered Play Therapy – A Practical Training for Clinicians at Every Stage of Practice with Dr. Jodi Mullen
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