Presented by: Marit Appeldorn, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S™

Marit Appeldoorn, LICSW, RPT-S is a therapist, supervisor, and consultant outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a former president of the Minnesota Association for Play Therapy, and is the co-founder of Safe Haven, a group providing consultation, supervision, and training to therapists and supervisors. She is on the faculty of Winona State University and teaches courses on play therapy and somatic interventions. She has presented workshops both locally and nationally, and her Reflective Play Therapy Supervision model was introduced at the APT International Conference in 2025. Marit also offers virtual Reflective Play Therapy Supervision (RFPTS) supervision groups as well as coaching and consultation for play therapy supervisors. 

Friday February 20, 2026

CE Content - 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Virtual)

This workshop is an introduction to Reflective Play Therapy Supervision (RFPTS), a model which applies what we know works best about play therapy to the practice of supervision! We will explore the main components of the model including play therapy elements, supervisor functions (the "4 P's"), and phases. Whether you are new to supervision, a seasoned supervisor, or just exploring the topic, this presentation will offer you tools to assess play therapy skills and
targeted, playful tools to maximize play therapist growth and development.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will identify the Four P's of supervisory functions within the Reflective Play Therapy Supervision (RFPTS) model.

2. Participants will describe the characteristics of each of the three phases of play therapy supervisee development within the Reflective Play Therapy Supervision model.

3. Participants will apply the Reflective Play Therapy Supervision model to identify and practice play-based supervisee needs assessment and developmentally attuned intervention techniques.

ORAPT/APT Member: $

Professional Non-Member: $

Student: $

ORAPT is an APT Approved Provider (#99-054). 3 Non-Contact APT CEs pending*

*The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (OBLSW) has placed the Association for Play Therapy (APT) on its list of Accepted Credentialing Bodies. Social workers who take courses approved by an APT Approved Provider (such as ORAPT) can count the hours toward their continuing education requirement.*

Presented by: Melissa Wetterlnd, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S™

Melissa Wetterlund, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S is the co-creator of the Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT) model and a nationally recognized trainer, consultant, and educator in the field of play therapy. She is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor with over two decades of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Through her training programs and consultation work, Melissa supports the development of confident, competent clinicians and supervisors. She is an AAMFT and BBHT-approved supervisor and serves as an AAMFT supervision mentor, equipping the next generation of clinical leaders.

Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, 2026
CE Content - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM both days; with 1 hour lunch and two breaks
Location: Portland, OR (TBD)

This introduction to Somatic Experiential Play Therapy  provides a foundational knowledge on how to track the physiological responses of children during play, emphasizing the principles of neuroscience and the fight, flight, freeze, and collapse stress responses. Additionally, the course explores the role of metaphor in play, offering tools for interpreting the symbolism behind common play themes. You will gain insight into what children’s physiological states communicate during play and learn how to respond in ways that support and regulate their nervous systems, aiding in the resolution of trauma.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the basic theory underlying Somatic Experiential Play Therapy (SEPT) and its application in the therapeutic process.

2. Learn the foundational principles of neuroscience that support Somatic Tracking in the playroom.

3. Identify five specific responses used to either invite activation or promote regulation throughout the different stages of SEPT.

4. Develop skills to read and interpret the nervous system of children in order to make informed decisions about how to reflect and respond in the playroom.

5. Learn how to observe and respond to both the need for regulation and activation to maintain children within the window of tolerance during play therapy.

6. Understand how to mobilize effective fight or flight responses in the playroom to facilitate the discharge and healing of stuck trauma energy.

7. Recognize and support the signs of freeze, collapse, and dissociation as they appear in play.

8. Develop the ability to interpret common metaphorical themes in children’s play.

9. Gain strategies for discussing a child’s play with parents that respect confidentiality while providing meaningful insight into their child’s emotional challenges. When done correctly, this approach builds parental trust and enhances their motivation to support the therapeutic process.

10. Differentiate the roles of the therapist and the parents, highlighting how both are essential in facilitating meaningful change. It is crucial for parents to understand that their active involvement is a necessary component of their child’s healing journey.

11. Acquire techniques for setting clear boundaries with parents by outlining our expectations. Oftentimes, a lack of clarity around what is needed from parents hinders accountability and follow-through. This training will equip you with tools to ensure clear communication and foster greater parental responsibility.

ORAPT/APT Member: $

Professional Non-Member: $

Student: $

ORAPT is an APT Approved Provider (#99-054). 12 APT Contact CEs pending*

*The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (OBLSW) has placed the Association for Play Therapy (APT) on its list of Accepted Credentialing Bodies. Social workers who take courses approved by an APT Approved Provider (such as ORAPT) can count the hours toward their continuing education requirement.*