Play Therapy… in a World of Change
On June 7 and 8, 2025, the Canadian Play Therapy Association presents “Play Therapy… In A World of Change”.
This conference seeks to highlight how play therapy, as a diverse therapeutic modality, can meet the challenges posed by a world in constant flux, building communities while addressing issues such as trauma, identity, socio-political shifts, digital transformation, and the impacts of global crises on mental health.
Attendees will explore innovative practices, research, and case studies that demonstrate how play therapy supports children, families, and individuals navigate an ever-changing world.
- NOMINATION FORMS COMING SOON
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Ocean Point Resort in Victoria, BC.
Come be part of an event featuring Board Updates, the recognition of distinguished play therapists, and an opportunity to network with fellow professionals.
Nominate a distinguished play therapy colleague for either the Monica Herbert Award or the Betty Bedard-Bidwell Volunteer Award. Nomination Deadline: April 30, 2025.
- BOOK HOTEL
Location
The conference will be held at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort on beautiful Victoria Island in British Columbia. Join us and receive discounted rates on double and single occupancy rooms.
Delta Ocean Pointe Resort
100 Harbour Rd,
Victoria, BC
Canada V9A 0G1Enjoy discounted rates when you book before May 1, 2025.
Use discount code: CAPT
- CHECK FLIGHTS
Travel
Traveling from outside the province?
Please note that flights should be booked to Victoria International Airport (YYJ). From the airport, various transportation options are available to reach the conference venue.
Plan ahead to ensure your smooth arrival!
Why Attend?
Learning Objectives
Join us for a transformative learning experience that explores the evolving role of play therapy in today’s dynamic world. Through expert-led sessions, you will:
- Understand how play therapy addresses the changing needs of children, adults, and families in an increasingly complex society.
- Discover new and innovative techniques for integrating play therapy into contemporary therapeutic practices.
- Examine the importance of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and social justice in play therapy approaches.
- Identify the effects of global and societal changes on children’s mental health and explore how play therapy fosters healing, resilience, and community support.
International Renowned Speakers
Gain insights from internationally renowned experts Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina on both days of the conference.
Learning Insights
Participate in two out of six dynamic morning breakout sessions led by CAPT guests and facilitators, in addition to a panel discussion covering: cultural humility, diversity and equity, emotional resilience, neurodiversity, and more.
Professional Development
Earn Continuing Education Units for your participation*:
- 11 CEU credits (2-day attendance)
- 6 CEU credits (Saturday only)
- 5 CEU credits (Sunday only)
Networking Opportunities
Connect with play therapy professionals, supervisors, and pioneers in the field from across Canada and the world.
Amazing Resources
Explore the Vendor Market featuring play therapy resources, tools, and practice essentials.
Meet Our Speakers
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Isabella Cassina is the Director of Project Management at the International Academy for Play Therapy (INA) based in Switzerland, University Lecturer, Founding Member of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA) and Editor-in-chief of the Italian Play Therapy Magazine. She is a Social Worker, registered Therapeutic Play Specialist, and pursuing a PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy.
Isabella has been Head of Social Services for the Swiss Red Cross asylum seekers and refugees sector. She is expert in International Cooperation and Project Development with over 12 years of international field experience in contexts of crisis and high vulnerability. She is author of books, articles and board games for families and schools.
Claudio Mochi is the Director of the University Master’s Program in Play Therapy of the International Academy for Play Therapy (INA) and the European University of Rome, Founder and President of the Association for Play Therapy Italy (APTI). He is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist, a Registered Play Therapist SupervisorTM, expert in Emergency Interventions and Disaster Mental Health with 25 years of international field experience.
He has worked with major humanitarian organizations in post-disaster scenarios in the creation and development of psychosocial programs dedicated to survivors and training of local staff. Claudio has presented on Play Therapy and trauma in 6 Continents totaling over 20 Countries. He has authored books, chapters and numerous articles.
WORKSHOP PRESENTERS
Agenda
7:30AM
Check in, collect your conference materials, and get ready for an inspiring event!
8:00AM
Indigenous Opening Smudging and Ceremony
Join us as we open the conference with a warm welcome, introductions, and a meaningful land acknowledgment. Experience a traditional Indigenous smudging and ceremony, honoring the land and setting a reflective and respectful tone for the conference.
8:30AM
Hear from renowned experts Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina, as they investigate the dynamic intersection of play therapy with the needs of children, families, and communities in a rapidly evolving global, cultural, and technological landscape.
10:00AM
Recharge with refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees. Explore exhibitor booths, connect with vendors, and engage with peers in the play therapy community.
10:30AM
Choose from 6 specialized workshops designed to enhance your skills, deepen your knowledge, and provide hands-on learning opportunities:
- Culturally Humble Approaches to Trauma Informed Care: Play Therapy Techniques That Can Assist Children, Youth & Families Affected by Trauma
- Influence of Play Therapy on Classroom Management
- Playing with Change: The Evolution of Play Therapy in a Digital Age
- Neuroscience in the Play Room: Increasing Capacity to Navigate Change and Uncertainty
- Working with Parents in a Play Therapy Setting: the Challenges and Possibilities
12:30PM
Enjoy a delicious meal while engaging in conversation with colleagues and new connections. Take time to visit exhibitors, discover new resources, and expand your professional network.
1:30PM
Join a dynamic conversation with industry experts as they discuss key trends, challenges, and opportunities in play therapy.
3:45PM
Refuel with a coffee break and take a moment to reflect on the day’s learning. Another chance to explore the exhibition hall, connect with vendors, and engage in meaningful discussions.
4:00PM
Cap off the day with another inspiring keynote session, offering fresh perspectives and valuable takeaways.
4:30PM
Wrap up the day with final reflections, acknowledgments, and a look ahead at what’s next for the play therapy community.
6:30 PM - 8:30PM
Unwind after a full day of learning with a reception, offering a chance to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. Then, join us for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we’ll reflect on the past year, discuss key updates, and look ahead to the future of CAPT. Your voice and participation are important—see you there!
7:30AM
Check in, collect your conference materials, and get ready for an inspiring event!
8:00AM
We begin the day with a warm welcome, thoughtful introductions, and a meaningful land acknowledgment to honor the space we gather in.
8:30AM
Gain valuable insights from distinguished experts, Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina, as they share their research on the dynamic intersection of play therapy with the needs of children, families, and communities in a rapidly evolving global, cultural, and technological landscape.
10:00AM
Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and take time to reconnect with colleagues and new connections. Visit exhibitor booths, engage with vendors, and make meaningful professional connections as you explore the exhibition hall.
10:30AM
Engage in hands-on learning with specialized workshops tailored to enhance your play therapy skills and deepen your understanding. Select from one of 6 breakout sessions:
- Culturally Humble Approaches to Trauma Informed Care: Play Therapy Techniques That Can Assist Children, Youth & Families Affected by Trauma
- Influence of Play Therapy on Classroom Management
- Playing with Change: The Evolution of Play Therapy in a Digital Age
- Neuroscience in the Play Room: Increasing Capacity to Navigate Change and Uncertainty
- Working with Parents in a Play Therapy Setting: the Challenges and Possibilities
12:30PM
Enjoy a delicious meal while engaging in conversation with colleagues and new connections. Take time to visit exhibitors, discover new resources, and expand your professional network.
1:30PM
Conclude the event with a powerful keynote session, leaving you inspired with fresh perspectives and key takeaways for your practice.
3:00PM
Networking & Exhibition Hall
As the conference comes to an end, we reflect on the insights shared, acknowledge our community, and look ahead to the future of play therapy.
Play Therapy…In A World of Change
As the world evolves, so do the challenges faced by children, families, and communities. In this thought-provoking keynote, Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina will explore the dynamic role of play therapy beyond the playroom—emphasizing how play therapists can equip not only children but also caregivers and professionals with the tools to navigate change.
Drawing from their process-oriented approach, “Coping with the Present While Building for the Future,” they will introduce core concepts such as Good Practice, the Safest Possible Environment (SaPE), and the Castle Metaphor, alongside play-based psychosocial intervention strategies. Through engaging discussions, real-world case studies, and interactive activities, participants will gain a practical framework for integrating play therapy into broader support systems.
This keynote sets the stage for deeper learning throughout the conference, inspiring participants to embrace their role as agents of resilience and empowerment in an ever-changing world.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the role of the play therapist beyond the therapy room in highly challenging settings;
- List the main steps of play-based psychosocial interventions in crisis;
- Discuss 3 metaphors to guide the play therapist in working in vulnerable situations;
- Describe the role of therapeutic powers of play in promoting safety and empowerment in a
complex and dynamic world; - Identify 3 self-care strategies to support play therapist in difficult and complex times.
Attend In-Person or Virtually
Register now to participate in this year’s conference in-person or virtually. Save $75 off your registration rate with the early bird registration*.
(Only available to the first 50 registrants when you register before April 30, 2025.)
Interested in taking a group? Contact us at kip@capttraining.com for information on group rates.
CAPT Member Rate
Available for members of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy [CAPT] who are active members of the Association.
Rate: $490.00
Student Member Rate
Available for members of CAPT who are registered students of an undergraduate or graduate educational program.
Rate: $300.00
One-day Rate
Available for CAPT members and non-members for either Saturday or Sunday attendance.
Rate: $300.00
Non-CAPT Member Rate
Available for non-members of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy [CAPT].
Rate: $590.00
Sponsorship Opportunities
The “Play Therapy… in a World of Change” Conference is an event that offers an exceptional opportunity for sponsors and vendors to showcase their products, services, and expertise to an engaged audience of therapists, educators, mental health professionals, and other key stakeholders in the field.
Benefits of Sponsorship and Vending:
- Direct Audience Engagement – Gain exposure to a highly engaged community of child therapists, mental health professionals, educators, and key stakeholders actively seeking valuable resources.
- Strategic Networking – Build meaningful connections with decision-makers, industry influencers, and thought leaders in play therapy and mental health.
- Enhanced Brand Visibility – Showcase your products, services, and expertise to a targeted audience eager to discover innovative solutions.
- Exclusive Sponsorship Perks – Enjoy special access to conference speakers, VIP events, and exclusive opportunities to amplify your brand’s presence.
Sponsorship Packages
We offer several levels of sponsorship, each designed to offer maximum exposure to our diverse and engaged audience. Sponsorship packages include branding and marketing opportunities, conference tickets, discounted hotel rates, and more.
- Platinum Sponsor (Exclusive) – $10,000
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000
- Silver Sponsor – $2,500
- Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
Vendor Packages
Host a booth at our vendor market, designed to allow companies to showcase their products and services in front of a diverse audience of therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals. Vendor packages include half and full-table opportunities, branding and marketing, event conference passes, and more.
- Premier Vendor – $2,000
- Standard Vendor – $1,200
Overview
On June 7 and 8, 2025, the Canadian Play Therapy Association presents “Play Therapy… In A World of Change”.
This conference seeks to highlight how play therapy, as a diverse therapeutic modality, can meet the challenges posed by a world in constant flux, building communities while addressing issues such as trauma, identity, socio-political shifts, digital transformation, and the impacts of global crises on mental health.
Attendees will explore innovative practices, research, and case studies that demonstrate how play therapy supports children, families, and individuals navigate an ever-changing world.
Why Attend?
International Renowned Speakers
Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina presenting on June 7 and June 8, 2025.
Learning Insights
6 Afternoon breakout sessions with CAPT Guests, Facilitators, and Panel Discussions addressing key topics in cultural humility, diversity and equality, emotional resilience, neurodiversity, and more.
Amazing Resources
Vendor Market featuring play therapy resources, professionals and community members.
Networking Opportunities
Network with play therapy professionals and pioneers in the field from across Canada and the world.
Professional Development
Earn Continuing Education Units for your attendance:
- 11 CEU credits (2-day attendance)
- 6 CEU credits (Saturday only)
- 5 CEU credits (Sunday only)
Please note, virtual access and recordings are available during and post-conference (CEUs not granted for recordings).
Registration
Register now to participate in this year’s conference in-person or virtually. Save $75 off your registration rate. This discount is available to the first 50 registrants when you register before April 30, 2025. Contact us at secretary@canadianplaytherapy.com for information on group rates.
CAPT Member Rate
Available for members of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy [CAPT] who are active members of the Association.
Rate: $490.00
Student Member Rate
Available for members of CAPT who are registered students of an undergraduate or graduate educational program.
Rate: $300.00
One-day Rate
Available for CAPT members and non-members for either Saturday or Sunday
Rate: $300.00
Non-CAPT Member Rate
Available for non-members of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy [CAPT]
Rate: $590.00
Conference Agenda
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Workshop Speakers
Sponsorship Opportunities
The “Play Therapy… in a World of Change” Conference is an event that offers an exceptional opportunity for sponsors and vendors to showcase their products, services, and expertise to an engaged audience of therapists, educators, mental health professionals, and other key stakeholders in the field.
Benefits of Sponsorship and Vending:
- Targeted Exposure: Reach a highly engaged audience of child therapists, mental health professionals, educators, and other key stakeholders.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with decision-makers, influencers, and thought leaders in the field of play therapy.
- Brand Visibility: Showcase your products, services, and resources to a captive audience.
- Exclusive Access: Sponsors enjoy special access to conference speakers, VIP events, and more.
Sponsorship Packages
We offer several levels of sponsorship, each designed to offer maximum exposure to our diverse and engaged audience. Sponsorship packages include branding and marketing opportunities, conference tickets, discounted hotel rates, and more.
- Platinum Sponsor (Exclusive) – $10,000
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000
- Silver Sponsor – $2,500
- Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
Vendor Packages
Host a booth at our vendor market, designed to allow companies to showcase their products and services in front of a diverse audience of therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals. Vendor packages include half and full-table opportunities, branding and marketing, event conference passes, and more.
- Premier Vendor – $2,000
- Standard Vendor – $1,200
Keynote speakers, Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina, will investigate the dynamic intersection of play therapy with the needs of children, families, and communities in a rapidly evolving global, cultural, and technological landscape.
Book Your Hotel Package
Conference attendees are welcome to join us in Victoria, British Columbia and stay at the beautiful Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort.
Discount Rates are available if you register before May 1, 2025.
Use discount code: CAPT to receive a special price for 2 and 3-day for double and single occupancy.
Join Us - The Time is Now
The CAPT Conference is your chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside leading experts and passionate professionals in the field of play therapy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain new insights, strengthen your skills, and be part of a community dedicated to supporting clients through play.
Secure your spot today!
"I think the training programs are great! I attended last year's [2023]conference [in Niagara Falls] virtually, which was very convenient for me as I am in Manitoba."
CAPT MemberManitoba