Sand tray

Alabama Association for Play Therapy

Danyale Weems, LCSW, RPT-S™ Friday, January 23, 2026

When Worlds Split: A Play Therapist Role in Divorce Transitions

Description

Children who are often caught in the throes of their caregivers divorce experience emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges that require sensitive, developmentally appropriate
interventions. Clinicians experience a parallel process becoming entangled with their child
clients who are in the middle of a high conflict divorce which pose unique challenges clinically
and ethically. Many times Clinicians are placed in the crossfire between parents, courts and
children making it difficult to manage alliances, navigate the legal processes, and maintain
neutrality.

This full-day interactive workshop is designed to deepen play therapists, counselors, social
workers, and mental health professionals working with children impacted by contentious custody
battles which often involve maltreatment allegations, and coercive control dynamics.

Deepen your understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities while equipping yourself with
practical play therapy interventions which are effective and developmentally appropriate. An
integrative approach that will work through a combination of experiential learning, case studies, and
evidence-based interventions. Participants will gain hands-on strategies for creating therapeutic
safety, navigating alliance issues, setting appropriate boundaries with parents, and documenting
play therapy work for legal settings. Participants will leave with language for explaining their role
to parents, strategies for responding to subpoenas or attorney requests, and a deeper
understanding of the intersection between play therapy, attachment disruption, and family
systems under stress. documenting in a legally sound manner, and setting boundaries with
high-conflict parents.

This workshop will help clinicians reduce risk, increase competence in court-involved cases, and
offer grounded, ethical therapeutic services to children experiencing the emotional toll of
parental conflict.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify their scope of practice and boundaries to courts, attorneys and parents.
  2. Discuss the impact of parental separation and divorce on children
  3. Describe the continuum of parental separation in play therapy from mild estrangement to alienation.
  4. Discuss ways to maintain neutrality, manage triangulation and avoid being in the middle of conflict
  5. Demonstrate at least 3 play therapy interventions to help children process conflict, anxiety and divided loyalty.
  6. Identify 3 ethical pitfalls play therapists face in high conflict cases.

Presenter

Danyale Weems, LCSW, RPT-S™

Danyale Weems is the founder of Waves Counseling in Carrollton, Georgia, where she has dedicated over 17 years to helping children, teens, families, and adults navigate life’s transitions. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida (2001) and her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University (2008). A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Danyale serves as a Supervisor for Social Workers and Play Therapists in training and is an EMDR Approved Consultant, guiding clinicians in trauma-informed and experiential approaches to healing.

Danyale is no stranger to the Alabama Association for Play Therapy, having presented multiple breakout sessions over the years. Her passion for helping families through change—especially in the context of divorce and relational transitions—shines through her engaging and practical teaching style. She brings a wealth of experience, insight, and heart to every training she leads.

Schedule

Registration8:00-8:30
Morning Session Part I8:30-10:00
Morning Break10:00-10:15
Morning Session Part II10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own12:00-1:00
Afternoon Session Part I1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break2:30-2:45
Afternoon Session II2:45-4:00
All times are CST

Continuing Education Credit

Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.  

Counselors:  Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified.  Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit. 

Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.   

Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284. 

Registration Fees

REGISTRATION FEESEarly Bird Registration
Now until December 19		Registration
December 20-January 21		On-Site Registration
January 22-23
AAPT/APT Member$150$170$190
Non-Member$170$190$210
Full-Time Student
(with proof of enrollment)		$135$150$165

Register HERE: https://forms.gle/84sETqThvppJTwPp9

Group Discount

A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.

Scholarships

Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, January 22nd, and all day Friday, January 23rd, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Hannah Finley at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc). 

Location

Lifeline Children’s Services

200 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242

Special Needs

Please contact CE & Registration at ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org

Cancellations

Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after January 21, 2026.  In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.

Membership Information

To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.

Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!

Alabama Association for Play Therapy

Amy Davis, PhD, LPC, SB-RPT™ Friday, April 25, 2025

Ethical Excellence in Play Therapy: Principles, Challenges, and Best Practices

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Description

Ethics form the foundation of effective and compassionate play therapy practice. This interactive six-hour workshop equips play therapists with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical challenges with confidence and integrity. Participants will explore foundational ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—and apply them to the unique dynamics of the playroom. Through discussions, case studies, and role-playing, attendees will learn to address common dilemmas such as confidentiality, dual relationships, and boundary-setting while developing strategies for inclusive and culturally responsive care. Special emphasis will be placed on cultural and diversity considerations, highlighting strategies for providing inclusive and equitable care to clients from diverse backgrounds.

Using an ethical decision-making framework, participants will practice resolving complex scenarios and strengthening their ability to balance client needs with professional responsibilities. Additionally, the workshop will emphasize the importance of ethical self-reflection and professional growth, empowering participants to sustain ethical excellence in their practice. This training is ideal for mental health professionals, registered play therapists, and graduate students seeking to enhance their ethical competence in play therapy.

Learning Objectives

  1. Participants will explore key ethics as they apply to the practice of play therapy.
  2. Participants will learn to recognize common ethical challenges in play therapy and how to address them effectively.
  3. Participants will develop skills to navigate cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors ethically, ensuring inclusive and equitable play therapy practices.
  4. Participants will gain strategies for maintaining client confidentiality in play therapy while managing communication with parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders.
  5. Participants will practice applying an ethical decision-making framework to real-world scenarios encountered in play therapy.
  6. Participants will learn techniques for ongoing ethical self-reflection, supervision, and consultation to enhance their professional practice and ensure adherence to ethical standards in play therapy.

Presenter

Amy Davis, PhD, LPC, NCC, is a School Based Registered Play Therapist specializing in school counseling and counseling children and adolescents. She has a PhD in counselor education from the University of Alabama and an MA in school counseling from the University of North Alabama. Amy Davis is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair in Counselor Education at the University of North Alabama. In addition to teaching, Dr. Davis has been seeing children and adolescents part time in private practice as a play therapist since 2021 at her private practice, Sweetwater Counseling and Consulting. Dr. Davis is a past president of the Alabama Association for Play Therapy and an active member of many counseling organizations. Her research interests include school counseling, play therapy in the school settings, aggressive toys in play therapy, and bibliotherapy. Dr. Davis has presented on these topics at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels.

Schedule

Registration8:00-8:30
Workshop Session I8:30-10:00
Morning Break10:00-10:15
Workshop Session II10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own12:00-1:00
Workshop Session III1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break2:30-2:45
Workshop Session IV2:45-4:00
All times are CST

Continuing Education Credit

Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.  

Counselors:  Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified.  Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit. 

Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.   

Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284. 

Registration Fees

REGISTRATION FEESRegistration
March 10, 2025- April 23, 2025
AAPT/APT Member$125
Non-Member$150
Full-Time Student
(with proof of enrollment)		$100
Space is not Guaranteed Until Your Registration is Processed.

Group Discount

A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.

Scholarships

Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, April 24th, and all day Friday, April 25th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Shay Dobbins at pres-elect@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc). 

Location

True Divine Baptist Church | 4601 Troy Highway, Montgomery, AL 36116

Special Needs

Please contact CE & Registration at ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org, Registration & CE Coordinator

Cancellations

Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after April 23, 2025.  In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.

Membership Information

To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.

Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!

Alabama Association for Play Therapy

Mary Ruth Cross, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S™ & Leslie Baker, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S™ Friday, January 24, 2025

Restoring Hope to Youth in Play: Suicide Assessment, Treatment & Prevention

Description

Participants will assess for suicide risk via Prescriptive play, integrated expressive play into care, and suicide prevention tools.

This workshop will address diverse populations’ needs. This workshop will address issues of diversity by elucidating the unique risks and warning signs for many populations, including vulnerable ones, as well as provide assessments and interventions that are culturally sensitive and aware of the need for diversity.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe 3 risk factors to identify suicidal behavior in youth in play settings.
  2. Describe 3 warning signs to identify suicidal behavior in youth & adults in play settings.
  3. List 1 or more screening assessment tools for youth coping with suicidal thoughts/ideation and/or suicidal behaviors that can be integrated into play.
  4. List 2 or more play based prevention strategies for youth coping with suicidal thoughts/ideation and/or suicidal behaviors.
  5. Examine and apply at least 3 play-based strategies for working with youth with suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behaviors.
  6. Identify at least 5 myths about the assessment and treatment of suicidality in youth.

Presenters

Mary Ruth Cross, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S

Mary Ruth Cross, a compassionate and empathetic Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, has dedicated over 30 years to the mental health field. As the Owner and CEO of Treehouse Family Counseling Services in San Ramon, CA, she and her staff provide counseling to children and families, with a special focus on play therapy. Mary Ruth’s treatment team model, which supports the whole family, is a testament to her understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to healing. The practice harnesses the healing power of play to bring about healing for children, teens, couples, adults, and families, reflecting Mary Ruth’s deep empathy and care for her clients.

 Mary Ruth is a California State University East Bay graduate and has been on faculty at John F. Kennedy University and the University of Phoenix, teaching in the counselor education programs.  Mary Ruth is a Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor™, and a sought-after workshop leader in the field of play therapy, suicide, grief and loss, high conflict families and trauma as well as other related mental health issues.   Mary Ruth is a member in good standing with the Association for Play Therapy, the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Board-Certified Counselors, American Psychological Association and the Association for Death Education and Counseling.  Mary Ruth co-facilitates a grief support group in Livermore, CA.  She is also co-author of a children’s book on trauma called “Snug and Rug and the ‘No Good Very Bad Thing’: A Story of Coping, Calming & Courage for Children” and is co-author and co-editor of the book ASSESSING AND TREATING SUICIDAL THINKING AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: A Play Therapy Guide for Mental Health Practitioners.

Leslie Baker, LMFT, NCC, RPT-S™

Leslie Baker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, National Board-Certified Counselor, Gottmann Certified Therapist, and a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor™. She is the CEO and Owner of Therapy2Thrive® Ruby Hill Marriage and Family Counseling Center. Leslie has over 30 years of practical experience as a clinician and supervisor. She has presented workshops on the topic of suicide for 11+ years. Her background includes more than 13 years as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Phoenix in the College of Social Sciences, Master of Counseling program, and nine years as the Lead Area Chair for the Master’s in Counseling Program. For an additional ten years, she has been an Adjunct Faculty and Associate Professor for John F. Kennedy University in Campbell, CA, and an Adjunct Professor for Antioch University in Santa Barbara, CA. Leslie is an active member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), East Bay Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (EBCAMFT), Association for Play Therapy (APT), and the California Association for Play Therapy (CALAPT) and World Association of Professional Sandtray (WAPT) and  Mental Health Virtual Reality (MHVR).

Leslie served on the Committee for Technology as a clinical member of the San Francisco Chapter of the CALAPT. Recently, Leslie has presented to local, national, and international groups focusing on using play therapy and integrating expressive play-based therapies for trauma treatment, treatment of suicide, and incorporating technology into treating youth. A Certified Suicide Bereavement-trained Clinician since 2017, Leslie has worked with suicide loss survivors, treating those who cope with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Leslie is the author of a children’s book Healing Feelings a story of coping with a grown-up mental illness and co-author of a children’s book Snug and Rug and the ‘No Good Very Bad Thing to assist youth in coping, calming and courage. She is also a contributing author to two book chapters on advancing technology use in play therapy. Leslie is the co-editor and co-author of Assessing and Treating Suicidal Children and Adolescents: A Play Therapy Guide for Mental Health Professionals and School-Based Settings published by Taylor and Francis.

Schedule

Registration8:00-8:30
Workshop Session I8:30-10:00
Morning Break10:00-10:15
Workshop Session II10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own12:00-1:00
Workshop Session III1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break2:30-2:45
Workshop Session IV2:45-4:00
All times are CST

Continuing Education Credit

Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.  

Counselors:  Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified.  Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit. 

Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.   

Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284. 

Registration Fees

REGISTRATION FEESEarly Bird Registration
Now until December 20		Registration
December 21-January 22		On-Site Registration
January 22-24
AAPT/APT Member$140$160$180
Non-Member$160$180$200
Full-Time Student
(with proof of enrollment)		$125$140$155

Register HERE: https://forms.gle/wMc6zuRDdhhuRKda9

Group Discount

A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.

Scholarships

Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Thursday evening, January 23rd, and all day Friday, January 24th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Dorian Bayles at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc). 

Location

Lifeline Children’s Services

200 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242

Special Needs

Please contact CE & Registration at ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org

Cancellations

Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after January 22, 2025.  In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.

Membership Information

To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.

Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!

Alabama Association for Play Therapy

James Jackson, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S™ Saturday, January 27, 2024

Sand Tray at the Beach: Play Therapy Using Sand, Water, & Figures

 

REGISTRATION FULL

Description

Sand tray therapy is an approach within the broader field of play therapy that provides clients with a number of different therapeutic elements including sand, water, the container, and objects such as images, figures, toys, etc. It aligns with the core principles of play therapy by providing a safe and therapeutic space for clients to explore their emotions, communicate symbolically, and work through psychological challenges using play and creativity. Therapists can structure sand tray experiences in a variety of ways for clients to access and integrate these elements in their therapeutic journeys. 

This workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the origins of sand tray, examine significant theoretical frameworks from which to view the sand tray process, and practice basic sand tray therapy skills that can help facilitate clients’ play therapy using sand trays.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify and describe significant contributors and developments in the history of sand tray therapy.
  2. Identify and describe elements of at least three (3) different theoretical approaches to sand tray therapy within the context of play therapy.
  3. Demonstrate basic sand tray therapy skills, vital for effectively engaging clients in play therapy sessions.
  4. Describe how sand tray therapy might be integrated into their own therapeutic approach. 
  5. Describe how diversity considerations inform the practices of sand tray therapy. 

Presenter

James L. Jackson, Jr., Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, is a Professor of Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling program coordinator at the University of Montevallo and an outpatient therapist at Alabama Psychiatry and Counseling Services in Birmingham, Alabama. James has been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has over 20 years experience providing therapy with children, adolescents, and adults through both office-based and in-home services. James’ public school experiences include teaching children from kindergarten through high school in rural Tennessee as well as teaching and supervising graduate counseling students in Alabama, Colorado, and in Texas on the U.S./Mexico border. A former professional touring musician, James incorporates music and other creative arts activities (including sand tray, in his educational and therapeutic work. James is a member of the Alabama Association for Play Therapy, Alabama Counseling Association, American Counseling Association, and the Association for Play Therapy.

Schedule

Registration8:00-8:30
Workshop Session I8:30-10:00
Morning Break10:00-10:15
Workshop Session II10:15-12:00
Lunch On Your Own12:00-1:00
Workshop Session III1:00-2:30
Afternoon Break2:30-2:45
Workshop Session IV2:45-4:00
All times are CST

Continuing Education Credit

Six Contact Hours will be awarded for a full day of attendance.  

Counselors:  Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6211.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are identified.  Alabama Association for Play Therapy is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Marriage and Family Therapists: The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (ABEMFT) automatically approves NBCC-approved courses for CE credit. 

Play Therapists: AAPT is approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to offer continuing education specific to play therapy. APT Approved Provider No. 98-045.   

Social Workers: AAPT is approved by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners (ASBSWE) to offer continuing education to social workers. ASBSWE Provider No. 0284. 

Registration Fees REGISTRATION FULL

REGISTRATION FEES Registration
Dec. 1, 2023- Jan. 19, 2024
AAPT/APT Member$125
Non-Member$150
Full-Time Student
(with proof of enrollment)		$100
Space is not Guaranteed Until Your Registration is Processed.

Group Discount

A discount of $10.00 per registrant for groups of 3 or more registering together. Email the Treasurer (treasurer@alabamaplaytherapy.org) to complete a Group Registration. Credit Cards are accepted if registering online. No purchase orders accepted.

Scholarships

Scholarships to attend the AAPT workshop will be offered to full-time students who volunteer to be available Friday evening, January 26th, and all day Saturday, January 27th, to assist with the conference. Volunteer duties may involve working registration, assisting with setup before the event, cleaning up after the event, selling books for the presenter, and preparing materials for the workshop. Students interested in volunteering for the event should contact Sarah Knapp at studentrep@alabamaplaytherapy.org and submit proof of enrollment in a counseling or related program (SW, MFT, etc). 

Location

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, 21196 East Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Lodging- ROOM BLOCK FULL

The Alabama Association for Play Therapy has contracted with Gulf State Park to provide a limited number of rooms at a discounted rate of $119 for the nights of Friday, January 26th, and Saturday, January 27th. Reservations must be made before Wednesday, December 27th. ROOM BLOCK FULL

Check-In: 4:00 PM

Check-Out: 11:00 AM

Instructions for Guests wishing to check availability to extend their stay:

  • Edit travel dates at the top of the landing page, then click the UPDATE icon
  • If the requested dates are not available at the group rate, reach out to Central Reservations at 1-800-618-4350 and mention your group code 918 for assistance.

Special Needs

Please contact CE & Registration at ceandregistration@alabamaplaytherapy.org, Registration & CE Coordinator

Cancellations

Registrants canceling up to 48 hours before a workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $20 administrative fee (per day). All requests must be made in writing or by email. No refunds will be issued for any reason after April 4, 2023.  In the unlikely event the workshop cannot be held, registrants will receive complimentary admission to a rescheduled workshop or a full value voucher, good for one year, for a future workshop.

Membership Information

To join the Association for Play Therapy, click here.

REGISTRATION FULL

Sign up to receive emails from AAPT so you can stay up-to-date with all the news and announcements from AAPT!