CAPT Foundation Play Therapy Training
The CAPTTM Foundation Play Therapy Training offers individual days of unique training in the theory and practice of play therapy. The 180 hours are one of the steps needed to Become a Certified Play Therapist. The program instructors are professional skilled play therapists who bring expertise on a wide variety of topics.
CAPT Committees and Board of Directors have acted responsibly and made some significant changes to how we do business. These changes will pertain to 2023 for now and from there, a determination about future offerings will be examined and presented.
If you are using these training days as credits toward Certification as a Play Therapist, you must remain in the CAPT system and not move to another comprehensive program in Canada throughout. If, however, you choose to start your training with another Approved Provider of Foundation Play Therapy in Canada, you would be required to remain with that provider throughout.
Please note: All sessions are scheduled in Eastern Time (EST) and run daily from 9:00AM to 3:30PM(EST).
Frequently Asked Questions
All the Play Therapy Foundation Training days are presented at a post-master’s level. Therefore, it is important that you enter each of these days equipped with the background to fully understand the advanced concepts that will be presented.
Clinical experience in child psychotherapy and play therapy is not a requirement to enter the Play Therapy Foundation Training days but will aid in your level of understanding of the materials that will be presented each day.
Although a Master’s degree is not mandatory to take this training, some college or university course(s) or postgraduate training workshops you have completed will help in your understanding of the concepts presented in this training. The following courses, or similar ones, would be helpful:
- General Concepts and Principles of Child Development: biological, psychological, and social development
- Child and Adolescent Behavioural Disorders/Psychopathology: abnormal child psychology
- Theories of Personality: understanding of personality development
In order to become fully Certified as a Play Therapist, you must have these courses as part of the Education requirements.
- Offered live on-line each day from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Eastern Time, with ½ hour for lunch and two 15 minutes breaks.
- Nothing will change in this teaching. You will receive real time instruction of the same calibre as previously advertised.
- The training will include the ability to ask questions, to dialogue and to break out into separate rooms for group work, sharing and discussion.
- The training platform is encrypted and is presented under the Personal Health Information Protection Act Guidelines, allowing the instructor to present cases while adhering to privacy.
- Instruction will be taught by our regular high quality and fully experienced CAPT Play Therapy instructors.
- The Foundation Play Therapy Credit Guidelines previously allowed as being 25% on-line and 75% in person training have been waived temporarily and all Foundation Training will be accepted for full credits starting immediately.
- The learning platform will allow for daily quizzes, polls and evaluations.
- This training WILL NOT be recorded for future viewing.
Those who are situated in remote areas will have the opportunity to attend this training without the extra expense of travel and accommodations.
Registration for the individual days of training from the selection of 23 one- or two-day courses will be available soon.
The training platform is 256 end-to-end encrypted and is presented under the Personal Health Information Protection Act Guidelines, allowing the instructor to present cases while adhering to privacy.
There will be an orientation system posted on-line for all to review on how to use the Learning Management System.
Registration for the individual days of training from the selection of 23 one or two days will be open soon.
For more information on technical content within these courses, please contact the Education Committee Chair at education@canadianplaytherapy.com.
CAPT CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel training in writing under the following conditions:
- Cancellations must be received up to and including 30 days before the start of each two-week training
- Cancellations must be received up to and including 15 days before the start of each two-week training to be offered a credit less 50% of the registration fee.
- No refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests received after the start of each two-week training except under special circumstances as approved by the CAPT Education Committee.
For More Information please contact Kip Sharpe: kip@capttraining.com
The Education Committee of CAPT will consider exempting students from specific course credits through Prior Learning Assessment under certain circumstances. The exemptions will support the Foundation Training Requirements for CAPT Certification as a Certified Play Therapist or Certified Play Therapy Intern as per the CAPT Certification Standards. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Results of the review of your material will be provided to you in writing.
Each day of the Foundation Training runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Please adjust for your local time zone if you are joining virtually from outside the Eastern Time zone. We recommend logging in 5–10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.
Yes. The CAPT Foundation Play Therapy Training fulfills the core training requirement toward becoming a Certified Play Therapist (CPT) or Certified Play Therapist–Supervisor (CPT-S) with CAPT.
However, completing the training alone does not grant certification. Additional requirements must also be met. Check out our certification standards for the complete list.
Yes. In addition to the Foundation Training, certification for CPT (for example) also requires:
- Clinical supervision hours
- Direct play therapy clinical hours
- Membership in CAPT
- Licensed professional within a provincial governing body
- Completion of required forms and documentation
Every professional pathway is different, and your required hours may vary depending on your background and designation. Checkout our certification section for more information.
You can look at the certification section of the site as well as join one of our Monthly Certification Q&A Sessions hosted by the Certification Chair.
In these sessions you can answer questions about certification, get clarity on your specific pathway and more. It’s your opportunity to connect live with the Certification Chair for answers, guidance, and support.
See the next available date.
Foundation Play Therapy Training Days
- Daily fees for non-members is $220.00 plus taxes.
- Daily fees for CAPT members are $190.00 plus taxes.
- Training sessions run daily from 9:00AM to 3:30PM (EST)
History, Models & Process
Techniques
Special Populations
Introduction to Play Therapy
Ethical Practice
Assessment, and Treatment Planning
Using Play With Families
Attachment Theory and Therapy
Brain Research and Child Development
Creating an Inclusive and Culturally Competent PT Practice
Group Therapy
Case Application
- Training Date(s):August 5, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):May 4, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):May 8, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):May 7, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):May 11, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):May 14, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):June 10, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):June 15, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):August 7, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
- Training Date(s):August 14, 2026Number of Training Days:{acf_number_of_training_days}View Course Details
Discover the Foundation of Play Therapy
Begin your journey today.
The Foundation Play Therapy Training Series is designed for mental health professionals, educators, and child-focused practitioners who want to integrate play therapy approaches into their work with individuals, children and families.
Through interactive, virtual sessions led by experienced, certified play therapists, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to use play as a pathway for communication, healing, and growth.
Whether you’re just beginning your play therapy journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this training offers a flexible and accessible learning experience — from anywhere.
- About Play Therapy
- Training Through CAPT
- Schedule and Pricing
- Approved Providers
About the Foundation Play Therapy Training
The CAPT™ Foundation Play Therapy Training provides 180 hours of specialized instruction in the theory and practice of play therapy. These hours form a key step toward becoming a Certified Play Therapist (CPT).
Each training day focuses on a unique aspect of play therapy, blending theory with practical applications.
Courses are facilitated by skilled and experienced Certified Play Therapist Supervisors (CPT-S) who bring diverse expertise and real-world experience to every session.
Training Through CAPT
If you choose to complete your Foundation Play Therapy Training directly through CAPT, you will complete all 30 Foundation Training courses offered by CAPT.
These 30 courses are organized into three areas, with 10 courses per area:
- Each course is offered at least once per year.
- Students can take the required courses in any order and across multiple years.
- Completion of all three areas does not need to occur within a single year.
- The completion of all 30 courses are required to pursue your Certified Play Therapist (CPT) title.
Program Schedule
All sessions are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time (EST) and run daily from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (EST).
Courses are offered virtually, providing a flexible and accessible format that allows you to learn from wherever you are.
Pricing
- Daily fees for CAPT members are $190.00 plus taxes.
- Daily fees for non-members is $220.00 plus taxes.
- For group rates (4 or more individuals) please contact us at ed@canadianplaytherapy.com
Approved Providers in Canada
In addition to CAPT Training, there are several Approved Providers across Canada with agreements to deliver Foundation Play Therapy Training that meets CAPT’s standards.
Because specific course offerings may vary by provider, students are encouraged to remain with the same provider for the duration of their Foundation Training.
If you need to switch providers for a specific reason, please contact the Certification Committee at certification@canadianplaytherapy.com for prior approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the Play Therapy Foundation Training days are presented at a post-master’s level. Therefore, it is important that you enter each of these days equipped with the background to fully understand the advanced concepts that will be presented.
Clinical experience in child psychotherapy and play therapy is not a requirement to enter the Play Therapy Foundation Training days but will aid in your level of understanding of the materials that will be presented each day.
Although a Master’s degree is not mandatory to take this training, some college or university course(s) or postgraduate training workshops you have completed will help in your understanding of the concepts presented in this training. The following courses, or similar ones, would be helpful:
- General Concepts and Principles of Child Development: biological, psychological, and social development
- Child and Adolescent Behavioural Disorders/Psychopathology: abnormal child psychology
- Theories of Personality: understanding of personality development
In order to become fully Certified as a Play Therapist, you must have these courses as part of the Education requirements.
- Offered live on-line each day from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Eastern Time, with ½ hour for lunch and two 15 minutes breaks.
- Nothing will change in this teaching. You will receive real time instruction of the same calibre as previously advertised.
- The training will include the ability to ask questions, to dialogue and to break out into separate rooms for group work, sharing and discussion.
- The training platform is 256 end-to-end encrypted and is presented under the Personal Health Information Protection Act Guidelines, allowing the instructor to present cases while adhering to privacy.
- Instruction will be taught by our regular high quality and fully experienced CAPT Play Therapy instructors.
- The Foundation Play Therapy Credit Guidelines previously allowed as being 25% on-line and 75% in person training have been waived temporarily and all Foundation Training will be accepted for full credits starting immediately.
- The learning platform will allow for daily quizzes, polls and evaluations.
- This training WILL NOT be recorded for future viewing.
Fees are listed on each individual course page. Please note that pricing differs for CAPT members and non-members. If you are a member, be sure to use the designated discount code at checkout to receive the member rate.
Applicable provincial taxes will apply, and taxation is calculated based on the province in which you reside. If, for any reason, the system applies the incorrect tax, a refund will be issued once you notify us.
CAPT’s training is delivered through a secure, encrypted Learning Management System (LMS) that meets 256-bit end-to-end encryption standards and follows Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) guidelines. This allows instructors to present clinical material while maintaining full privacy and confidentiality.
An online orientation will be available to guide students on how to navigate and use the LMS.
CAPT CANCELLATION POLICY:
You may cancel training in writing under the following conditions:
- Cancellations must be received up to and including 30 days before the start of each two-week training
- Cancellations must be received up to and including 15 days before the start of each two-week training to be offered a credit less 50% of the registration fee.
- No refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests received after the start of each two-week training except under special circumstances as approved by the CAPT Education Committee.
The Education Committee of CAPT will consider exempting students from specific course credits through Prior Learning Assessment under certain circumstances. The exemptions will support the Foundation Training Requirements for CAPT Certification as a Certified Play Therapist or Certified Play Therapy Intern as per the CAPT Certification Standards. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Results of the review of your material will be provided to you in writing.
Each day of the Foundation Training runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Please adjust for your local time zone if you are joining virtually from outside the Eastern Time zone. We recommend logging in 5–10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.
Yes. The CAPT Foundation Play Therapy Training fulfills the core training requirement toward becoming a Certified Play Therapist (CPT) or Certified Play Therapist–Supervisor (CPT-S) with CAPT.
However, completing the training alone does not grant certification. Additional requirements must also be met. Check out our certification standards for the complete list.
Yes. In addition to the Foundation Training, certification for CPT (for example) also requires:
- Clinical supervision hours
- Direct play therapy clinical hours
- Membership in CAPT
- An active mental health designation
- Completion of required forms and documentation
Every professional pathway is different, and your required hours may vary depending on your background and designation. Checkout our certification section for more information.
You can look at the certification section of the site as well as join one of our Monthly Certification Q&A Sessions hosted by the Certification Chair.
In these sessions you can answer questions about certification, get clarity on your specific pathway and more. It’s your opportunity to connect live with the Certification Chair for answers, guidance, and support.
See the next available date.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the next step toward becoming a Certified Play Therapist and join a community of professionals dedicated to helping people heal and grow through play.
Registration for Foundation Play Therapy Training Days is now open — with virtual sessions available in May, June, and August for your convenience.
Start your learning journey today — where play meets purpose.
