Play therapy has the unique ability to give meaning where words fail.
Since 2015, Lipscomb has held the distinction of being recognized as one of only a few dozen Approved Centers of Play Therapy Education in the world approved by the Association for Play Therapy. Learn more.
Through an educational environment characterized by academic excellence and Christian faith, the Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts seeks to contribute to the advancement of play therapy by offering students and practitioners high quality training and supervision. Our faculty are Registered Play Therapists with extensive experience in practicing play therapy, supervising play therapists-in-training, and researching the clinical effectiveness of play therapy.
Sometimes, it's very difficult to wrap words around painful experiences for adults, too. Sometimes, it's impossible. So play therapy offers a creative way to deeply healing work. — Dr. Denis' Thomas, Founding Director
During our workshops, mental health professionals learn how to utilize the therapeutic powers of play with clients across the lifespan. In play therapy, children use play to learn about themselves, others, and the world; process their emotions; and develop new skills. Just as adults talk about their experiences, children play to express themselves. Through expressive arts therapy, adolescents and adults use expressive mediums such as sandtray, art, writing, and music to more deeply express their thoughts and feelings. Expressive arts therapy allows clients alternate means for communicating when talk therapy is limiting.
Lipscomb University's Department of Psychology, Counseling, & Family Science is proud to offer graduate students the opportunity to specialize in play therapy. A play therapy specialization is available to those who pursue the Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT). The play therapy specialization is structured to provide students with foundational knowledge, clinical experience, and preparation to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy.
Learn more.
CMHC Specialization in Play Therapy MFT Specialization in Play Therapy
Professional Workshops
Sandtray and Expressive Arts Therapy
Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy & Expressive Arts Spring Conference Presents:
Introduction to Sandtray and Expressive Arts
About
This experiential training is designed for mental health professionals and graduate students interested in learning how to incorporate the therapeutic powers of play into counseling with teenagers and adults. The presenters will provide foundational knowledge for facilitating sandtray and other expressive art approaches. Participants will be introduced to materials and protocols for facilitating sandtray and expressive art sessions along with multiple opportunities for hands-on practice.
Date
February 17-18, 2023, from 9:00am-4:30pm
Location: Ezell 301 (#2 on campus map)
Event Details
Costs:
Professionals: $300
Lipscomb Alumni: $200
Lipscomb Students: $50
Continuing Education:
12 Live In-Person Contact CEs (6 per day) approved by NBCC and APT
APT Approved Provider # 15-409
NBCC ACEP # 4585
Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4585. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Daily Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 - Check-In (onsite registration not available)
9:00 - 10:30 - Instructional Time
10:30 - 10:45 - BREAK
10:45 - 12:15 - Instructional Time
12:15 - 1:15 - LUNCH
1:15 - 2:45 - Instructional Time
2:45 - 3:00 - BREAK
3:15 - 4:30 - Instructional Time
Snacks will be provided. On-campus lunch options will be available, or participants are welcome to bring their own.
Prerequisites:
All participants must have earned a master’s degree or higher in a mental health profession or be a current student in good standing in a mental health related graduate training program. No prior play therapy training or clinical experience is required.
Materials:
All required materials will be provided for participants to use during the conference. Participants are encouraged to bring their own art supplies, sandtray, and/or miniatures, if desired.
Instructors:
Kasie Lee, PhD, LPC-MHSP, NCC, RPT-S, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University and director of the Center for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Dr. Lee completed a master's degree in human development counseling at Vanderbilt University and doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas where she specialized in play therapy. Dr. Lee is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and approved by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a trainer and supervisor for mental health professionals seeking certification as Child-Centered Play Therapists and Child-Parent Relationship Therapists.
Damian McClintock, PhD, LPC(TX), RPT, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University. Dr. McClintock completed his master’s degree in counseling at East Tennessee State University with a specialization in couple and family therapy and a doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas with a specialization in play therapy. Dr. McClintock is certified by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a Child-Centered Play Therapy Trainer and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Trainer.
Objectives:
Day 1
Introduction to Sandtray Therapy
Participants will be able to:
- Describe developmental rationale for incorporating therapeutic powers of play into counseling with teenagers and adults
- Explain ethical considerations for incorporating play therapy and expressive arts into counseling
- Describe rationale for incorporating sandtray into counseling with teenagers and adults
- Select appropriate materials, including various types of sand, trays, and miniatures for facilitating sandtray sessions
- Display trays, miniatures, and other materials in a manner conducive to the therapeutic use of sandtray
- Understand protocol for facilitating and processing a sandtray session with a teenager or adult client
Day 2
Introduction to Expressive Arts in Counseling
Participants will be able to:
- Understand the variety of expressive art mediums (visual art, music/sound, dance/movement, drama/improvisation, writing/storytelling, and play) that can be utilized with teenagers and adults
- Describe the importance of intentionally offering theoretically-informed expressive art interventions based on an individual client’s needs and interests
- Select appropriate materials, including various types of art mediums, for facilitating expressive techniques
- Display art supplies and other materials in a manner conducive to the therapeutic use of expressive arts
- Understand protocol for facilitating and processing an expressive art technique with a teenager or adult client
- Implement at least 3 expressive art techniques with teenagers and adults experiencing a variety of mental health concerns
Cancellations & refunds: Participants who request a refund prior to the beginning of the conference will be offered a full refund. No-shows will not receive a refund or CE credit. Attendees are expected to be present for the entire duration of the training day. CEs will only be awarded for actual time in attendance.
Child-Centered Play Therapy 101
Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy & Expressive Arts Presents:
CCPT 101: Basics in Child-Centered Play Therapy
About
Children often have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts and feelings, which may produce obstacles for the child therapist or counselor. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a unique evidence-based counseling approach in which the relationship between therapist and child is the foundation for therapeutic change. In CCPT, the healing factor is identified as the relationship between the play therapist and the child. Relationship is based on clear communication between therapist and child, yet the child communicates through play. The therapist provides attitudinal conditions and developmentally appropriate materials to facilitate free expression and self-directed play of the child. In a safe environment, the child moves toward self-enhancing behaviors and ways of being.
This workshop is intended to present step-by-step introductory methods on how to help children accurately express themselves to the counselor in their own language of play. This workshop will offer a process for developing healing relationships with children, as well as help counselors use play therapy to reach treatment goals. Play therapy will be described and demonstrated in detail regarding its use and effectiveness with challenging children who present in both community and school settings. Participants will learn the CCPT treatment protocol as well as actively engage in CCPT skills throughout the workshop experience.
This workshop serves as the introduction to CCPT certification. Participants will earn continuing education credits as well as complete the first educational component toward CCPT certification. Completion of this workshop allows the participant to have a greater understanding of CCPT and begin to practice basic CCPT skills. Participants who wish to practice CCPT as a therapeutic approach will need to complete CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application. For more information about becoming a Certified CCPT Practitioner, visit the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas. Learn more.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will describe and demonstrate the use and effectiveness of CCPT in community and school settings.
- Participants will identify and discuss the use and implementation of CCPT protocol.
- Participants will demonstrate CCPT skills and attitudes.
- Participants will describe the historical antecedents of play therapy.
- Participants will be able to identify appropriate play materials for playrooms.
- Participants will be able to identify the procedures for limit setting.
Date
July 28 & 29, 2023, from 9:00am-4:30pm
Location: Ezell Boardroom (#2 on campus map)
Event Details
Costs:
$320
Registration will be available June 1 - July 14, 2023, or until full capacity has been reached
Continuing Education:
- 12 Live In-Person Contact CEs (6 per day) approved by NBCC and APT
- Completion of CCPT 101 fulfills all CCPT 101 educational requirements towards becoming a Certified CCPT Practitioner. Learn more.
- For the purpose of Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Credentialing, this training covers:
- 9 hours of Seminal or Historically Significant Theories and 3 hours of Skills & Methods.
- For more information about becoming an RPT, visit the Association for Play Therapy. Learn more.
This event is sponsored by:
- Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy & Expressive Arts APT Approved Provider #15-409
- University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy APT Approved Provider #95-004
- Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4585. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. NBCC ACEP # 4585
Daily Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 - Check-In (onsite registration not available)
9:00 - 10:30 - Instructional Time
10:30 - 10:45 - BREAK
10:45 - 12:15 - Instructional Time
12:15 - 1:15 - LUNCH
1:15 - 2:45 - Instructional Time
2:45 - 3:00 - BREAK
3:15 - 4:30 - Instructional Time
Snacks will be provided. Lunch is on your own.
Prerequisites:
All participants must have earned a master’s degree or higher in a mental health profession or be a current student in good standing in a mental health related graduate training program.
This training will cover content from Dr. Garry Landreth’s text, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (3rd Edition). We recommend that you read this book prior to attending the training.
Also, this will be an interactive training. You should come prepared to play. You will be asked to practice skills during role-plays and engage in other playful activities as well as small group discussions throughout the training. We recommend that you dress comfortably as you may be moving around the room and possibly sitting on the floor.
Instructors:
Kasie Lee, PhD, LPC-MHSP, NCC, RPT-S, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University and director of the Center for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Dr. Lee completed a master's degree in human development counseling at Vanderbilt University and doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas where she specialized in play therapy. Dr. Lee is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and approved by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a trainer and supervisor for mental health professionals seeking certification as Child-Centered Play Therapists and Child-Parent Relationship Therapists.
Damian McClintock, PhD, LPC(TX), RPT, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University. Dr. McClintock completed his master’s degree in counseling at East Tennessee State University with a specialization in couple and family therapy and a doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas with a specialization in play therapy. Dr. McClintock is certified by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a Child-Centered Play Therapy Trainer and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Trainer.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Participants who request a refund prior to the beginning of the conference will be offered a full refund. No-shows will not receive a refund or CE credit. Attendees are expected to be present for the entire duration of both training days. CEs will only be awarded for full attendance both training days.
Child-Centered Play Therapy 102
Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy & Expressive Arts Presents:
CCPT 102: Child-Centered Play Therapy Practice and Application
About
This is a 3-day advanced in-person training in the practice and application of Child-Centered Play Therapy. This intensive training will build upon basic CCPT skills by addressing advanced topics in CCPT. Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent to register.
Content will include: understanding development, the process of CCPT (relational disruptions and enacting conditions), themes in CCPT, advanced limit setting, specific presenting problems/populations, parent consultation, advocacy/general research findings, and opportunities to apply the skills and practice!
This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child age 3-10 prior to the workshop.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to describe how child development impacts play therapy.
- Participants will be able to distinguish between play behaviors and play themes.
- Participants will be able to demonstrate when and how to use limit-setting and choice giving from a child-centered perspective.
- Participants will be able to demonstrate child-centered play therapy skills and attitudes.
- Participants will be able to cite and access research findings on the effectiveness of CCPT.
- Participants will be able to articulate the change process for various presenting problems.
- Participants will be able to integrate feedback into practice of CCPT.
Date
September 15 & 16, 2023, from 9:00am-5:30pm
September 17, 2023, 9:00am - 1:15pm
Location: McClure Center located on the ground floor of McFarland Science Center (#4 on campus map)
Campus Map
Event Details
Costs:
$720
Registration will be available until September 1, 2023, or until full capacity has been reached. Due to the intensive nature of this training, enrollment is extremely limited.
All participants must have completed CCPT 101 (or equivalent as determined by the Center for Play Therapy at University of North Texas) in order to register. If you are uncertain regarding your CCPT 101 status, please wait to register until you have contacted the Center for Play Therapy at cpt@unt.edu.
Continuing Education:
- 18 Live In-Person Contact CEs approved by NBCC and APT
- Completion of CCPT 102 is an educational requirement towards becoming a Certified CCPT Practitioner. Learn more.
- For the purpose of Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Credentialing, this training covers:
- 11 hours of Seminal or Historically Significant Theories and 7 hours of Skills & Methods.
- For more information about becoming an RPT, visit the Association for Play Therapy. Learn more.
This event is sponsored by:
- Lipscomb University Center for Play Therapy & Expressive Arts APT Approved Provider #15-409
- University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy APT Approved Provider #95-004
- Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4585. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Lipscomb University, Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. NBCC ACEP # 4585
Daily Schedule:
Friday & Saturday Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 - Check-In (onsite registration not available)
9:00 - 10:45 - Instructional Time
10:45 - 11:00 - BREAK
11:00 - 12:45 - Instructional Time
12:45 - 1:45 - LUNCH
1:45 - 3:30 - Instructional Time
3:30 - 3:45 - BREAK
3:45 - 5:30 - Instructional Time
Sunday Schedule:
8:30 - 9:00 - Check-In
9:00 - 11:00 - Instructional Time
11:00 - 11:15 - BREAK
11:15 - 1:15 - Instructional Time
1:15 - 2:15 - Celebratory Lunch!
Snacks will be provided. Lunch is on your own Friday & Saturday. Sunday will we host a celebratory lunch for those who are able to stay and join us.
Prerequisites:
Participants must have completed CCPT 101 or equivalent in order to register. If you are uncertain regarding your CCPT 101 status, please wait to register until you have contacted the Center for Play Therapy at UNT at cpt@unt.edu.
This workshop includes a supervision session and requires that each participant conduct and record a CCPT session with a child prior to the workshop. Only participants who can attend with a recorded session with a child age 3-10 will be allowed to participate in the training.
Instructors:
Kasie Lee, PhD, LPC-MHSP, NCC, RPT-S, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University and director of the Center for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Dr. Lee completed a master's degree in human development counseling at Vanderbilt University and doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas where she specialized in play therapy. Dr. Lee is a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and approved by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a trainer and supervisor for mental health professionals seeking certification as Child-Centered Play Therapists and Child-Parent Relationship Therapists.
Damian McClintock, PhD, LPC(TX), RPT, is an assistant professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lipscomb University. Dr. McClintock completed his master’s degree in counseling at East Tennessee State University with a specialization in couple and family therapy and a doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas with a specialization in play therapy. Dr. McClintock is certified by the Center for Play Therapy at UNT as a Child-Centered Play Therapy Trainer and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Trainer.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Participants who request a refund at least 2 weeks prior to the conference will be offered a full refund. No-shows will not receive a refund or CE credit. Attendees are expected to be present for the entire duration of all training days. CEs will only be awarded for full attendance.
Looking for more Play Therapy trainings in the greater Nashville area and beyond? Check out The Association for Play Therapy!
