Charissa D Pizarro, PsyD Psychological Services LLC

Play is the language of children, and learning to listen, guide, and respond through play is at the heart of effective play therapy. This interactive workshop invites clinicians to explore both directive and nondirective approaches, gaining clarity on when and how to use each to meet the unique needs of clients. Participants will deepen their understanding of the Therapeutic Powers of Play, the core mechanisms through which play promotes emotional healing, self-expression, and growth. Using this framework, we will examine how play fosters safety, mastery, connection, and regulation within the therapeutic relationship.

Clinicians will also learn how to create a playroom that is safe, culturally sensitive, and inclusive, and how to integrate experiential activities and skills that nurture connection and transformation. Through demonstrations, reflection, and hands-on learning, participants will discover how to use play with purpose to help clients express, process, and heal. In addition to technique, this workshop offers space for self-reflection and professional growth. Together, we’ll explore boundaries, therapeutic presence, and the question, “What kind of play therapist do I want to be?” The final segment focuses on self-care for play therapists, addressing the emotional demands of this work and strategies for sustaining joy, authenticity, and resilience in practice.

Whether you are new to Play Therapy or deepening your skills, this training will provide practical tools, renewed inspiration, and a stronger sense of purpose in your clinical journey.