CAPT - Canadian Association for Play Therapy

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CAPT - Canadian Association for Play Therapy

CAPT is the premier professional association in support of Play Therapy in Canada CAPT has a code of professional ethics to which each member must adhere.

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy is the professional organization for those interested in Child and Family Psychotherapy, Play Therapy and Counseling with children and families. CAPT performs many important functions for its members including:

Professional Standards: CAPT sets high professional standards for clinical practice. These standards help to ensure that skilled and effective the

rapy is available throughout the community. Policies and Procedures are in place to govern CAPT and guide professional and ethical practices. Specialized Training: CAPT sets standards of education and training for professional therapist as well as establishing programs of continuing education and training. CAPT examines and accredits programs and training centers in Child & Play Therapy. CAPT has established Foundation Play Therapy Days that is a set of trainings in order to meet our members' needs. Information is available upon request. Professional Publications: The Association periodicals are published to advance the professional understanding of Play Therapy. Articles are published on clinical practice, research and theory in Play Therapy. CAPT members receive these periodicals as a membership benefit.

08/01/2026

Today, we recognize Emancipation Day in Canada—a day that commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Empire in 1834 and honours the resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy of Black communities.

Emancipation Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, recognize the ongoing impact of anti-Black racism, and reaffirm our commitment to creating communities where every child, youth, and family feels seen, valued, and supported.

As play therapists and child-serving professionals, we know that culturally responsive, inclusive, and affirming relationships help create the safety children need to express themselves, build resilience, and heal.

Today, we encourage learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations that help us continue building a more equitable future for all.

07/31/2026

🔔 REMINDER for CAPT Supervisors and Supervisors in Training 📣
Supervisors play a critical role in shaping the future of play therapy. The Community of Practice (CoP) provides a space where supervisors can:
✅ Share expertise
✅ Strengthen supervision practices
✅ Help guide the development of CAPT certification, training, and policies.

Next Meeting Details:
🗓️ SEPT 18, 2026
⏰ 2-4 PM EST
💻 Online

Notes
👉 Please send agenda items to the Executive Director
👉 Send in any supervisory issue that you would like to discuss.

➡️ Registration to open in AUGUST

07/29/2026

🎨 Playroom Insight

One of the most regulating tools in a play therapist's toolkit may also be one of the simplest: sand.

Sand offers children a sensory experience that can help them feel grounded, calm, and connected to the present moment.

It can support:
✨ Anxiety reduction
✨ Emotional regulation
✨ Storytelling and self-expression
✨ Symbolic exploration
✨ Trauma processing in a safe and developmentally appropriate way

For many children, the sand tray becomes a space where words aren't required and healing can unfold through play.

07/27/2026

☀️ We're Taking a Summer Break!

Our Certification Q&A sessions will be taking a short break over the summer and will return on September 24.

When we return, join us to:
🎓 Learn about CAPT's certification pathways and requirements
🎓 Ask questions about your training, supervision, or certification hours
🎓 Hear practical tips and guidance from members of the Certification Committee

We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to connecting with you again in September!

📅 Next Certification Q&A: September 24
➡️ https://canadianplaytherapy.com/certification/

07/24/2026

Save the date! 🗓 Join us in Ottawa, Ontario June 18-19, 2027 for the CAPT Conference!

Will we see you in Ottawa? Let us know 👇

07/22/2026

🌈 Parent Playbook

Meltdowns happen because the brain is overwhelmed—not because children are choosing to misbehave.

When a child's nervous system becomes overloaded, they may lose access to the skills needed to communicate, problem-solve, or self-regulate.

Dysregulation is a stress response, not defiance.

💛 Instead of asking, "What's wrong with this child?"
Try asking, "What is this child communicating through their behaviour?"

Responding with curiosity, connection, and co-regulation helps children build the skills they need to manage big emotions over time.

07/21/2026

🌟 Continue Building Your Play Therapy Skills This August! 🌟

CAPT Foundation Training Days – Special Populations
📅 Week 6: August 10–14, 2026

The final week of CAPT's 2026 Foundation Training Days brings together advanced topics that strengthen your clinical confidence and prepare you to apply play therapy across a variety of real-world situations.

Featured courses include:
👨‍👩‍👧 Play Therapy for Children and Adults Coping with Loss (2-Day Course)
🎭 Using Puppets as a Play Therapy Tool
🌿 Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care in a Play Therapy Environment
🧠 Case Application – Putting It All Together

Whether you're supporting families through grief, expanding your therapeutic toolkit, prioritizing clinician well-being, or integrating everything you've learned into clinical practice, this week is designed to help you strengthen your skills and confidence.

✨ Learn from experienced Certified Play Therapists.
✨ Participate in interactive virtual sessions featuring case discussions, breakout activities, and Q&A.
✨ Continue earning training hours toward becoming a Certified Play Therapist (CPT) while completing your continuing education.

🔗 Register today: https://capttraining.com/foundation-training/

07/20/2026

🍁 Our thoughts are with the individuals, families, communities, and first responders affected by the wildfires across Canada, including those experiencing significant impacts in Northwestern Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and other affected regions.

During times of uncertainty, children often communicate their fears and worries through behaviour, play, or big emotions rather than words.

Gentle routines, opportunities for play, a comforting story, and the presence of caring, responsive adults can help foster a sense of safety, connection, and resilience as children navigate difficult experiences.

To everyone impacted by the ongoing wildfires, we are thinking of you and wishing you safety, strength, and support in the days and weeks ahead.

❤️ Take care of yourselves and one another.

07/20/2026

🔔 ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Incorporating Families into Therapy: The Beauty of Filial Therapy (part 2) by Heddy Swigger, MSW, RSW, CPT
📖 Playground Magazine, Winter '26
📍 Page 13

Heddy Swigger shares a masked case example of how Filial Therapy can be applied successfully in real world situations.

Read the full article in the winter 2026 issue of Playground Magazine ➡️https://canadianplaytherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/69181-Playground-Winter-2026-low-res.pdf

07/17/2026

💛 Diversity & Cultural Representation Survey

CAPT is committed to celebrating the diverse voices, cultures, and expertise within our community.

By participating in this survey, you can help CAPT:
👉 honour cultural and heritage-based traditions with authenticity
👉 showcase community members who want to provide lived perspectives, resources, or specialized insights
👉 maintain accuracy and respect across all our organizational communications.

Complete the survey by August 31, here ➡️ https://form.jotform.com/261346146875262

Address

Grimsby, ON

Telephone

+19059455905

Website

http://www.canadianplaytherapy.com/

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