Strengthening Roots; Inspiring Growth
Learn more about the programs we offer
Watching the Expert Series
Join Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Trainer, and Supervisor, Mandy Jones-Fischer, for a Watching the Expert series. During this seven-part series, Mandy will take us through a case, including a review of the MIM, a Parent Demonstration, four play sessions, and a termination session. Parent feedback work will not be reviewed, aside from the parent demonstration session.
The series will review work with a two-parent household and their four-year-old biological son. Parents requested services for their son who was struggling with hitting, kicking, screaming, and biting, and who faced expulsion from preschool. Follow along as Mandy works through the treatment goals, grounded in structure and nurture, and examine how she focused on supporting parents in fostering their child’s emotional growth. You will see work with both parents individually across the span of a year, culminating with the termination session with parents and child together.
*You’re welcome to attend any session in the series—participation in all sessions is not required*
Roots of Me: Examining the Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray
Dive into self-discovery for play therapists using sandtray in a hands-on, in-person session!
There is a reason you are a therapist. You are not just any type of therapist. You are a play therapist. When was the last time you examined why? In this highly experiential course, we will use four lenses to examine the self as therapist: family system of origin, touch, identity as healer, and identities within (and outside of) the play therapy room. This four-part program will examine each lens through a left-brained, relational neuroscience perspective paired with a right-brained sandtray perspective. Relational neuroscience tells us that the relationship between the therapist and client is the biggest agent of change and contrary to graduate school teachings, the embodiment of therapist as self plays a critical role in a client’s healing. By examining parts of the play therapist as self that are divisive or uncomfortable, we are better able to be fully present in body and soul for our clients.
Dates:
Friday, Sept. 18 2026 at 8:30 am to Saturday, Sept 19, 2026 at 5 pm
Location:
The Workshop-Austin, TX
Level One Theraplay® & MIM
Theraplay is a child-focused, adult-led model of play therapy. Participants in this training will learn how to support caregivers to build a healthy relationship with their child through predictable, fun, connected play activities. Strong parent-child relationships serve as a foundation for the child’s self regulation, which allows the child to develop optimally and build resilience. After completing training, participants will have the skill and experience to begin applying Theraplay principles in their work with children and families. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by joining the Theraplay community through observation of supervision sessions and participation in networking workshops.
Dates:
Sept 21-24, 2026
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hosted by The Theraplay Institute
Location:
The Center for Childhood Development
7086 8th Ave
Jenison, Michigan 49428
One Day Group Theraplay®
Group Theraplay® is an adult-directed, structured play group that incorporates playful, cooperative and nurturing activities that enhance the emotional well-being of children. Unlike other play group approaches, Theraplay learning takes place on a non-verbal level. Instead of talking about positive social behavior, the group leaders and children do positive social interaction. Positive messages from the group interaction gradually become a part of the child’s internal sense of self. If you are a professional working in classrooms, day cares, residential settings or with family groups, this training is for you.
This training will take place a day after the Level One Theraplay & MIM in Grand Rapids May 4-7, 2026 and there are seats still available. Those not participating in the Level One are still welcome to participate so long as they have completed the prerequisites by the day of the training.
Dates:
Sept 25, 2026
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hosted by The Theraplay Institute
Location:
The Center for Childhood Development
7086 8th Ave
Jenison, Michigan 49428
Roots of Me: Examining the Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray
Dive into self-discovery for play therapists using sandtray in a hands-on, in-person session!
There is a reason you are a therapist. You are not just any type of therapist. You are a play therapist. When was the last time you examined why? In this highly experiential course, we will use four lenses to examine the self as therapist: family system of origin, touch, identity as healer, and identities within (and outside of) the play therapy room. This four-part program will examine each lens through a left-brained, relational neuroscience perspective paired with a right-brained sandtray perspective. Relational neuroscience tells us that the relationship between the therapist and client is the biggest agent of change and contrary to graduate school teachings, the embodiment of therapist as self plays a critical role in a client’s healing. By examining parts of the play therapist as self that are divisive or uncomfortable, we are better able to be fully present in body and soul for our clients.
Dates:
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026 at 8:30 am to Friday, Oct 9, 2026 at 5 pm
Location:
Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro-Chicago, IL
Rooted in Presence: Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray, Nature, Animals, and Touch
Get In Touch With Your Wild Side!!
Self-care through exploration of touch, llamas, BIG pigs, and nature? If your answer is, “yes please!” then this course is for you! This experiential play therapy training explores the integration of self of the therapist with the healing elements of sandtray, animals, nature, and therapeutic touch in clinical practice. Participants will examine how their personal history with touch, attunement, and use of self influence the therapeutic relationship, particularly when engaging in play therapy. Drawing on principles from sandtray therapy, animal-assisted interactions, and nature-informed practice, this course highlights how nonverbal communication, embodiment, and the natural world can deepen connection and support regulation, attachment, and meaning-making. Special attention is given to the intentional and ethical use of touch in play therapy, including considerations of safety, consent, and healing properties. Through reflective exercises and experiential activities, clinicians will deepen their awareness of how their presence, boundaries, and sensory engagement shape the therapeutic process. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the impact that touch has had on their lives and how the use of touch, or lack thereof, impacts their play therapy practice.
Dates:
Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 at 8:30 am to Saturday, Nov 14, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Location:
Timberview Ranch and Retreat-Clinton, IL
Roots of Me: Examining the Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray
Dive into self-discovery for play therapists using sandtray in a hands-on, in-person session!
There is a reason you are a therapist. You are not just any type of therapist. You are a play therapist. When was the last time you examined why? In this highly experiential course, we will use four lenses to examine the self as therapist: family system of origin, touch, identity as healer, and identities within (and outside of) the play therapy room. This four-part program will examine each lens through a left-brained, relational neuroscience perspective paired with a right-brained sandtray perspective. Relational neuroscience tells us that the relationship between the therapist and client is the biggest agent of change and contrary to graduate school teachings, the embodiment of therapist as self plays a critical role in a client’s healing. By examining parts of the play therapist as self that are divisive or uncomfortable, we are better able to be fully present in body and soul for our clients.
Dates:
Friday, Jan 8, 2027 at 8:30 am to Saturday, Jan 9, 2027 at 5 pm
Location:
Family Houston-Houston, TX
Roots of Me: Examining the Self of the Play Therapist through Sandtray
Dive into self-discovery for play therapists using sandtray in a hands-on, in-person session!
There is a reason you are a therapist. You are not just any type of therapist. You are a play therapist. When was the last time you examined why? In this highly experiential course, we will use four lenses to examine the self as therapist: family system of origin, touch, identity as healer, and identities within (and outside of) the play therapy room. This four-part program will examine each lens through a left-brained, relational neuroscience perspective paired with a right-brained sandtray perspective. Relational neuroscience tells us that the relationship between the therapist and client is the biggest agent of change and contrary to graduate school teachings, the embodiment of therapist as self plays a critical role in a client’s healing. By examining parts of the play therapist as self that are divisive or uncomfortable, we are better able to be fully present in body and soul for our clients.
Dates:
Friday, Apr 9, 2027 at 8:30 am to Saturday, Apr 10, 2027 at 5 pm
Location:
Oklahoma Play Therapy Training Institute – Oklahoma City, OK