Building Connection Through Play: Core Principles of Play Therapy with Emily Like Schuleman MS, LPCC, PMH-C

“Play is the child’s language, and toys are their words.” - Garry Landreth

Working with children requires more than a smaller chair, it requires a therapeutic understanding of play as a child’s primary form of communication.

Join Emily Like Schuleman, MS, LPCC, at this interactive seminar which blends lecture, discussion, and case study observation to introduce the foundations of play therapy. Participants will explore its historical development, practice basic techniques like reflective responding and limit-setting, and learn to identify developmentally appropriate play behaviors.

Additionally, this training emphasizes cultural sensitivity and the therapist’s role in creating safety and trust. Clinicians will leave with increased confidence in their work with children, clearer documentation skills, and a stronger framework for understanding what they observe in the playroom.

Learning Objectives:

• Define play therapy and explain its core principles.

• Describe the historical development of play therapy, including contributions from pioneers such as Virginia Axline and Melanie Klein.

• Demonstrate basic play therapy techniques, such as reflective responding and therapeutic limit-setting.

• Recognize developmentally appropriate play behaviors in children.

• Apply core concepts to a brief case example or scenario.

• Explain the therapeutic value of play as a child’s primary language of communication.

• Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity in play therapy practice.

• Reflect on the role of the therapist in fostering safety, trust, and emotional expression.

Continuing Education Details:

Earn 3 CE hours pre-approved by the MN Board of Social Work and pending approval from the Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, and Behavioral Health and Therapy for LPCs and LPCCs.