History of Play Therapy

The History of Play Therapy: Why We Play, How It Works, and Where It All Began

Play is the universal language of children—and play therapy has a rich, decades-long history rooted in curiosity, creativity, and the belief that play is essential for growth. This training takes you on a clear, engaging walk through the foundations of play therapy, exploring why play matters, how theory evolved, and the seminal ideas that shaped the field.

Across three hours, we’ll break down the major movements in play therapy—from the early pioneers to contemporary approaches—and examine what each contributed to how we understand children, healing, and the therapeutic relationship. You’ll deepen your understanding of why play works, how theory guides practice, and where your own clinical identity fits into this lineage.

Whether you’re new to play therapy or strengthening your clinical foundation, this workshop brings the “why” and the “how” together in a way that’s accessible,…