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Seminal Theory Series
Object Relations & Developmental
Play Therapy
November 20, 2026 | Live Zoom Webinar
Discover Our Pop-Culture Infused Seminal Theory Series
The Seminal Theory Series brings together the ten foundational theories that have shaped play therapy, exploring their history, core principles, clinical application, contemporary relevance, and lasting influence on the field - all through engaging pop-culture lenses.
The series will appeal to clinicians who want to strengthen the theoretical foundations behind their work, newer play therapists and students building a broader understanding of the field, experienced practitioners looking to refresh or compare approaches, and anyone who enjoys learning through familiar stories and fandoms. It is especially relevant to therapists working toward the RPT credential.
Join us for a playful tour through the approaches that built the field of play therapy.
First Session
"It's You I Like" Developmental Play Therapy Lessons from Mr.Rogers
With Lexie Daley, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S
What can Mr. Rogers teach us about developmental play therapy? Through examples from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, this training explores how Fred Rogers used developmentally attuned language, pacing, expectations, questions and responses to meet children where they were developmentally and communicate in ways that respected their internal worlds. These examples provide a framework for considering how play therapists can similarly attune their therapeutic responses to children's developmental needs.
Drawing on the Play Therapy Dimensions Model and concepts from The Therapeutic Powers of Play, participants will explore how developmental considerations can guide play therapy decision-making. The training will examine how play supports developmental growth, emotional expression and regulation, relationships, mastery, and meaning-making, while considering how developmental disruption may influence a child's play and needs. Participants will apply these concepts to consider how and when to adjust their therapeutic stance, level of direction, and play therapy interventions based on the developmental needs of the child.
1. Participants will be able to articulate how the therapeutic powers of play promote child development and address developmental disruption.
2. Participants will be able to apply the Play Therapy Dimensions Model and developmental theory to inform play therapy responses and therapeutic decision-making.
3. Participants will be able to select play therapy interventions that support developmental growth and address developmental disruption.
First Session Learning Objectives
Second Session
This is What it Sounds Like: An Introduction and Exploration of Object Relations Theory in Play Therapy
With NanDee Walker, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S
This training will introduce and explore the origins and evolution of Object Relations Theory within a Play Therapy context. With reference to K-Pop Demon Hunters, we will explore foundational concepts from Melanie Klein, Ronald Fairbairn, and others such as internalization, splitting, and integration.
Object Relations is the foundational scaffolding for several powerfully validated modalities including Attachment Theory and Practices. This training will explore methods for building an authentic therapeutic alliance and tools for managing objective countertransference within a Play Therapy Lens. We will explore contemporary research and clinical case presentations through an integration of experiential group work and dynamic geek therapy intervention techniques.
Second Session Learning Objectives
1. Participants will be able to describe the historical figures and development of Object Relations Play Therapy Theory.
2. Participants will explore and evaluate Object Relations Play Therapy Theory including strengths, limitations, and contemporary relevance in clinical play therapy practice.
3. Participants will playfully apply at least 2 key principles of Object Relations Play Therapy Theory to clinical play therapy practice using case presentations and role play.
4. Participants will explore and express Object Relations Play Therapy Theory’s contributions to the evolution of Play Therapy.
Details & Registration
Date: Friday,
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM Mountain Time (See how this translates into your timezone).
Location: Online Zoom Training (MST Timezone)
Pricing:
$110 Full Professional Rate
$85 Mid-Level Professional Rate
$55 Student / Accessible Professional Rate
*Pricing includes CE Certificate
Schedule:
November 20, 2026
8:50
Check In/Sign in
9:00
First Presentation Begins
11:00
30 Minute Break
11:30
Second Presentation Begins
1:30
Presentation Ends
What if I can't make the training live? We've got you covered! With this event, you can register to attend live or for the recording only and watch it whenever it works for you. All registrants will receive access to the recordings, which will be available for 30 days.
Continuing Education Credits: Following successful completion of a post-test with a score of at least 80%, this training will provide:
• 4 NBCC Contact CE Hours if you attend live, and 4 NBCC Non-Contact CE Hours if you attend by recording.
• 4 APT Non-Contact CE Hours. The Association for Play Therapy (APT) classifies both live and recorded webinars as non-contact continuing education, and participants may apply these hours toward RPT™ credentialing requirements.
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. A New Hope Academy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7816. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. A New Hope Academy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Presenters
NanDee Walker, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S
NanDee Walker, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S, is a passionate leader in the field of play therapy, known for her dynamic approach to supervision, ethics, and bibliotherapy.
With years of experience guiding clinicians and leading consultation groups, NanDee brings both warmth and wisdom to every presentation. Her mission is to empower therapists to grow with integrity, creativity, and heart—always keeping the child at the center of the work.
Lexie Daley, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S
Lexie Daley, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S is the owner and clinical director of Sandcastle Family Counseling in Riverton, Utah. She has more than ten years of experience teaching, training, supervising, and providing therapy to children and families. Lexie is passionate about helping families and therapists
understand children through a developmental lens and communicate with children in ways that honor their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and expressing themselves. Her work centers on making therapy more accessible and meaningful by meeting children where they are developmentally.
As a therapist, supervisor, and educator, Lexie enjoys making complex therapeutic concepts practical, engaging, and immediately applicable to clinical practice. She is particularly interested in integrating play therapy and family therapy approaches to support children and their families together, with an emphasis on how family relationship patterns influence healthy development and psychological well-being.
