Intro to
Play Therapy
February 6, 2026| In Person, Las Cruces, NM
Intro to Play Therapy
This training is an introduction to play therapy for therapists who do not have formal play therapy training or are new to play therapy education. This training will cover a brief history of play therapy, an overview of theories as well as basic play therapy skills - providing a foundation for working with children. Participants will engage in practicing basic play therapy responses and skills to implement in their beginning play therapy sessions.
Training Objectives:
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Describe play therapy and its benefits for helping children who present for therapy.
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Identify three major figures in play therapy history.
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List four seminal/historically significant theories of play therapy.
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Name the categories of play therapy toys.
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Identify two ways to play therapy differs from typical psychotherapy.
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Engage in practicing basic skills such as tracking and limit setting.
Presenter
Madison (Madi) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in child-centered play therapy, helping young clients and clinicians navigate their emotional landscapes with creativity and resilience. Madi is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), offering trauma-informed care that guides clients toward healing, drawing on the strength they may not yet realize they possess.
Madi enjoys exploring epic narratives highlighting personal values inspired by the themes of overcoming adversity and discovering inner strength. Madi brings a sense of wonder and imagination into therapeutic work, believing that everyone has the potential to rise to the challenges they face. Whether through the quiet determination of a reluctant hero or the power of friendship and support, Madi helps children and clinicians tap into their own resilience, supporting them on their unique journeys of growth and healing.
Details & Registration
Date: February 6, 2026
Location: A New Hope Therapy Center
715 E Idaho Ste 2B, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Pricing:
$175 Full Professional Rate
$130 Mid-Level Professional Rate
$85 Student / Accessible Professional Rate
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
Schedule:
8:45
Check In
9:00
Presentation Begins
11:30
1.5 Hour Lunch Break
3:00
15 Minute Break
4:30
Presentation Ends
Of note: This is an in person training. Please dress comfortable, layers are suggested as our room can be chilly in the morning. You are welcome to bring your refillable water bottle or coffee cup - we have a water station and a Keurig for your use! We will have light refreshments available, however if you have food sensitivities, please feel free to bring your own!
This training will provide 6 CE Credits. A New Hope Therapy Center, our sister organization and partner for trainings and workshops, is an Approved Provider for the Association for Play Therapy (APT) - Approved Provider 20-631 and Maria Laquerre-Diego is an Approved Provider for the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board CCE020981