February 5, 2026
Play Therapy for School Counselors
Place: via Zoom (email sca4pt@gmail.com for Zoom link and info)
Time: 12 – 1 pm
Free APT CEUs for SCAPT Members
Presenter:
Dr. Jennifer Geddes Hall is an associate clinical professor of Counseling at Clemson University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist. Previously, she was a special education teacher and school counselor and has over 20 years of experience as a child/teen therapist in clinical and school settings. Dr. Geddes Hall is currently the SCAPT president and has served on the board for ACAC (a division of ACA).
Description:
This virtual introductory workshop will review the rationale for using child-centered play therapy with children in schools, logistical issues (materials needed, frequency of sessions, and communicating with teachers and caregivers), and the skills of play therapy. How play therapy fits into a comprehensive school counseling program will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Identify at least one reason why play therapy is appropriate to use in schools with children
2. Name two basic skills used in play therapy
3. Provide one way in which they can use play therapy in schools
March 27, 2026
SCAPT Spring 2026 Conference: Play Therapy in a Virtual Space
Place: Columbia, SC (LRADAC) 2711 Colonial Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
6 hr CE
Presenter:
Dr. Keeland LoDato is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University, LPC-S in South Carolina, and LCMHC in North Carolina. She primarily provides individual counseling to children, adolescents, and young adults in private practice and school-based counseling. Dr. LoDato’s research interests focus on improving accessibility to mental health services and telehealth. She has conducted two research studies on the use of play therapy in a virtual space.
Brief Description:
This training provides practical guidance on using Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in a virtual setting, with a focus on maintaining therapeutic presence and supporting child-led play online. Participants will learn strategies for adapting play materials, engaging children effectively, and addressing common telehealth challenges. The session will include PowerPoint, group discussion, and engagement in building a virtual playroom and role play.
Longer Abstract:
This training explores how to effectively apply Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) principles within a virtual therapy setting. Participants will learn how to maintain therapeutic presence, foster a safe and permissive environment online, select and adapt digital and at-home play materials, and navigate common challenges of telehealth with children. The training emphasizes practical strategies to support emotional expression, relationship-building, and child-led play while remaining developmentally responsive and ethically sound in a virtual space.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe one way that Child-Centered Play Therapy principles can be effectively translated to a virtual therapy setting.
2. Demonstrate at least 2 strategies for creating a safe, engaging, and child-led play environment during telehealth sessions.
3. Implement one practical adaptation to play materials, limit setting, and therapist presence to address common challenges of virtual play therapy.
4. Describe two key ethical and developmental considerations when providing CCPT in a virtual setting.
5. Describe one way to collaborate with caregivers to support boundaries, engagement, and therapeutic presence during virtual play therapy.
6. Demonstrate at least three CCPT skills while utilizing a virtual playroom.
September, 2026
SCAPT Fall Conference
Presenter:
Rose LaPiere will be presenting on Nature Based Play Therapy.
Description:
More information coming soon.