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Beyond the Box

The Beyond the Box Play Therapy Training Pathway

The Beyond the Box Play Therapy Training Pathway is fully approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and intentionally designed to provide clarity, structure, and continuity throughout the certification process. Through a phased training model, participants progress through required instruction, supervision, and experiential components in a way that supports ethical practice, professional growth, and timely completion—without unnecessary confusion, delays, or added expense.

How the Pathway Works

A Clear, Three-Part Training Model

The Beyond the Box pathway integrates all required components of play therapy training into a structured, supportive framework. Each component serves a distinct purpose and is tracked independently to ensure clarity and compliance with professional standards.

Instruction

Participants complete required academic coursework through online learning and live workshops designed to build a strong theoretical and practical foundation in play therapy.

Supervision

Clinical supervision provides reflective guidance, ethical support, and professional development as participants apply play therapy principles in real-world settings.

Experiential

Experiential hours consist of direct client contact using play therapy and are completed independently at the participant’s place of employment or through approved arrangements.

Important Note:

Experiential hours are completed independently and are not included in training packages.

Beyond the Box: Play Therapy Training Phases

ComponentPhase OnePhase TwoPhase Three
Experiential50–75 hours100–150 hours100–175 hours
Instruction50 hours online + 24 workshop hours25 hours online + 16 workshop hours45 workshop hours
Supervision5–10 hours with one video or live observation10–13.5 hours with two video observations13.5 hours with two video observations

Breakdown of 150 Academic Hours

Delivery FormatCourse TitleHours
OnlineFoundations of Play Therapy25 hrs
OnlineTheories of Play Therapy25 hrs
OnlineSocial & Cultural Considerations25 hrs
WorkshopEthics in the Playroom8 hrs
WorkshopNeurodiversity in the Playroom8 hrs
WorkshopPlaying in the Schools8 hrs
WorkshopTrauma in the Playroom16 hrs
WorkshopFilial Play Therapy8 hrs
WorkshopPlay Diagnosis and Assessment8 hrs
WorkshopPsychodynamic Play Therapy8 hrs
WorkshopExpressive Media & Sandtray16 hrs
WorkshopPlay Therapy Techniques16 hrs
WorkshopTrauma-Focused IPT8 hrs
WorkshopThe ADHD Porcupine: Techniques for the Oppositional, Defiant, and Diverse8 hrs

*workshops will frequently be added as instructors are added*

A Structured Pathway Designed for Progress

To support timely completion within a two-to-three-year timeframe, the Beyond the Box program is organized into three sequential phases, each lasting approximately eight months. This phased structure provides increasing levels of depth, responsibility, and clinical integration.

Phase One (8 Months)

  • Instruction: Online coursework and live workshops

  • Supervision: Limited supervision hours with one video or live observation

  • Experiential: 50–75 client contact hours (completed independently)

Phase Two (8 Months)

  • Instruction: Reduced academic coursework with continued workshop participation

  • Supervision: Increased supervision support with two video observations

  • Experiential: 100–150 client contact hours (completed independently)

Phase Three (8 Months)

  • Instruction: Advanced workshops focused on integration and specialization

  • Supervision: Ongoing clinical supervision

  • Experiential: 100–175 client contact hours (completed independently)

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