Description

This 3‑hour  training provides therapists with the foundational knowledge and hands‑on techniques needed to effectively integrate play therapy into clinical practice. Topics include the therapeutic powers of play, directive vs. nondirective approaches, essential categories of therapeutic toys, and practical interventions for assessment and emotional regulation. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how play facilitates healing—along with specific strategies they can immediately apply with children in the therapy room. Participants will receive a set of some of the play therapy tools used in the session. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this training, you will be able to:

1. • Describe the therapeutic powers of play and explain how they influence change within the play therapy process. 
   • Distinguish between directive and nondirective play therapy approaches and identify clinical indicators for each. 
   • Identify at least three play-based interventions to aid in the assessment phase of treatment. 
   • Identify at least three play-based interventions to support emotional expression and regulation.

Delivery Method

In Person 

Time: 1:00 – 4:15

at

Eastside Branch of the Lexington Public Library

3000 Blake James Drive

Lexington, Kentucky 40509 

Cost
$85

Credit Hours
3.0 (ACE)

Accreditation

University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers completing this course receive 3.0 clinical continuing education credits. 

Instructor

Tisha Gaynor, MSSA, LISW-S, LCSW, RPT-S 

Tisha Gaynor is a Licensed Clinical Social Work and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, with advanced training in trauma-informed care and attachment-based interventions. She earned her undergraduate degree from Xavier University and her graduate degree from Case Western Reserve University. Tisha currently leads the mental health program at the International Adoption Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she specializes in supporting children and families through trauma and attachment-focused therapeutic approaches that foster healing and resilience. Tisha’s therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, DBT, CPP, Theraplay, and CBT to support children and families navigating challenges including attachment, adjustment, anxiety, and executive functioning.

How to Claim Credit
You must sign in and out of the training, attend the training in its entirety and complete the evaluation.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
If this course is canceled, you will be contacted and given the option of a full refund, or course credit to be used within 1 year.

Questions
Contact Christina.Krantz@uky.edu with any questions regarding this course, registration assistance or to request accommodations.