Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training

12/09/2025

If you’ve ever felt lost in a play therapy session, unsure of what to do next — even with a room full of toys — you’re not alone.

You try play therapy activity after play therapy activity using the “spaghetti against that wall” method hoping one of your play therapy activities will actually “stick” to move your client forward in play therapy.

What typically happens with the “spaghetti against the wall” method is confusion, frustration, and feeling like a failure.

Case conceptualization based on your play therapy model (with a touch of clinical intuition) is your map.

Your case conceptualization reveals what’s activating the problematic behavior and shows the path forward — so you're not just reacting… you're guiding using your play therapy model.

Without a clear play therapy framework you have no map.

👉 How do you organize what you’re seeing in play therapy sessions?

Want to learn more about using play therapy with your clients?

Check out my website for information about play therapy training, membership programs, and free resources!

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/08/2025

Imagine a child in your playroom, trying so hard to hold back an emotional tsunami.

Now picture that same child heading home to a parent who knows exactly how to help them ride the wave instead of getting swept under it.

That’s the real magic of the play therapy change process — the kind that keeps working long after the session ends.

Your play therapy theoretical model shapes how you see parents:

Are they just watching from the sidelines…

or are they the co-healers, the stabilizers, the nervous system whisperers?

When you weave an attachment + neurobiology lens into your play therapy work, everything shifts.

You’re not just helping kids regulate — you’re giving parents the blueprint to become their child’s safest place.

Parents who understand their child’s cues…

who co-regulate instead of escalate…

who reconnect instead of retreat…

become the ones who turn therapeutic gains into everyday healing.

Because the truth?

Play therapy is the spark.

Parents are the ones who keep the fire going.

And if you’re ready to deepen your confidence in partnering with parents — from your play therapy theoretical grounding to your play therapy session strategies —

Play Therapy Academy has a couple of openings right now.

It’s where we take these ideas from “sounds amazing” → to “I’m actually doing this with my clients.”
✨ Ready to step into your next level of clinical clarity?

Schedule your free 30-minute video call to see if Play Therapy Academy is the right fit for you.

Write in the Comments and I’ll send you a link to schedule your free 30-minute video call to see how Play Therapy Academy can be the map you’ve been looking for.

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/06/2025

Because let’s be honest…

Every play therapist has had that moment where a sand tray is overflowing with symbols and your brain is like, “Cool cool cool… but now what?” or “Who Nelly! That’s a lot of miniatures!” 😅

The real issue isn’t the sand tray.

It’s not the client.

It’s not even you.

It’s not having a clear play therapy framework that helps you:
✨ decode what the client is communicating
✨ understand the themes that are emerging
✨ know how to respond in a way that actually supports healing

When you have a grounded play therapy framework, the sand tray stops feeling like guesswork and starts feeling like guidance.

Let the sand tray speak—and know how to listen.

Want to learn more about using play therapy with your clients to facilitate healing?

Check out my website for information about play therapy training, membership programs, and free resources!

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/05/2025

So… what’s the “right” way to do sand tray therapy in play therapy?

Plot twist: there isn’t one.

There’s your way — rooted in your play therapy theoretical model and the heartbeat of your relationship with the client.

Because your play therapy model isn’t just a backdrop…

It shapes how you show up, what you say (or don’t say), and how you make meaning from every scoop of sand and every miniature placed with intention.

When your approach is grounded in a solid play therapy framework, the sand tray stops feeling mysterious and starts becoming a powerful change-maker.

Your values + your client’s nervous system = the real magic.

If you’re craving more confidence, clarity, and grounded guidance in using the sand tray…

✨ Come hang out on my website — I’ve got play therapy trainings, freebies, and resources waiting for you. ✨

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/04/2025

If I say play therapy treatment plans, what’s the first thing that pops into your brain?

“Aaaaagh! I hate writing treatment plans! They’re just more paperwork to make insurance happy.”

“Ugh, they’re so complicated and confusing.”

“Treatment plans are pointless. I never use them and they take forever.”

“I get why we need them… but writing them for play therapy clients? Overwhelming.”

If you’re in the mental health world — even in the play therapy realm — you’ve probably thought one of these at least once. Maybe twice. Maybe last week. 😅

Here’s the twist:

What if I told you treatment plans and treatment planning aren’t the same thing… even though they’re BFFs?

What if I told you treatment planning is the real MVP — the part that actually helps you think clinically — and 👇🏼

👉🏻 a solid play therapy treatment plan has to align with your play therapy theoretical model?

Yeah… I know.

Your head might be screaming.

Your eyes might be doing a full Olympic-level backflip.

Totally valid.

But I promise — this episode makes it all make so much more sense.

And because it’s the Thanksgiving holiday season, I pulled this one straight out of the vault.

It’s an oldie but a goodie, and honestly? It hits even harder the second time around.

In this replay, I’ll walk you through how to turn that frustrating, overwhelming “writing treatment plans” chore into something that actually feels meaningful —

Something that helps you laser-focus on what’s really happening with your clients… so you can help them heal with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn:
✨ Why treatment planning gives your work direction
✨ How your play therapy theoretical model shapes what goes into the play therapy treatment plan
✨ What makes a play therapy treatment plan purposeful instead of just paperwork

Impossible?

Stick around. Let’s find out together. 🤓

If I say play therapy treatment plans, what’s the first thing that pops into your brain?“Aaaaagh! I hate writing treatment plans! They’re just more paperwork to make insurance happy.”“Ugh, they’re so complicated and confusing.”“Treatment plans are...

12/04/2025

🌟 Start the New Year in 2026 with Confidence and Impact in Play Therapy! 🌟

Imagine walking into your play therapy room without the nagging whispers of imposter syndrome or constant second-guessing.

Instead, you’re equipped with finely tuned play therapy skills, a clear sense of purpose, and the confidence that you’re truly helping children and families heal.

This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s exactly what Play Therapy Academy can help you achieve.

Through transformative group consultations and self-paced courses, you’ll:
✅ Master the art of seeing beyond behaviors to uncover the roots of your clients' challenges.
✅ Approach every stage of play therapy with clarity and confidence.
✅ Partner with parents to empower families and create lasting transformation.

✨ Ready to level up your play therapy skills and make a real difference?

Hop over to the Consultation page on my website to learn more!

Schedule a free 30-minute video call to find out how Play Therapy Academy can help you reach your goals.

Write in the Comments and I’ll send you a link to schedule your free 30-minute video call to see how Play Therapy Academy can be the map you’ve been looking for.

💖 Let’s chat about how to equip you to heal and transform lives through play therapy. 💖

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/03/2025

Play therapists often whisper the same questions:
❓ How do I know I’m identifying real themes in the sand tray?
❓ What if I confuse my own projections with the client’s story?
❓ How can I track progress when every tray looks different?
❓ What do I do when clients want to show parents their tray?

Here’s the truth: without solid play therapy training, it’s easy to doubt yourself — and miss opportunities for healing.

This play therapy training will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

You’ll learn how to interpret, track, and process sand trays with a neuroscience and attachment foundation — so you can support your play therapy clients safely and effectively through the change process.

📍 St. George, UT | Dec 6–7, 2025
Registration closes December 04, 2025

Hop over to my website to register today!

Write in the Comments and I’ll message you the link. You can also message me for the link.

Small-group format (12 therapists max) means your questions actually get answered and you can experience the power of creating and processing your own sand trays.

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/02/2025

If you’ve ever sat in front of a sand tray wondering – “Is it okay to interpret this?”

You’re not alone — and the answer isn’t a simple yes/no.

Here’s the real tea: ⤵️

Your play therapy theoretical model is the GPS.

It decides👇
🎯 How you show up in the play therapy session while your client is using the sand tray
(your stance, your presence, your level of direction)
🎯 What you say — and how you say it
(curiosity, reflection, interpretation… or staying silent)
🎯 WHEN you can offer any interpretation at all
(because timing in the change process is everything)

And then… there’s your client.

Their age, regulation, readiness, and meaning-making capacity are the difference between
✨ a powerful insight
vs.
😵‍💫 an “ummm… what?” moment.

Attunement > assumptions. Every. Single. Time.

Want to feel more grounded using sand tray therapy (and play therapy in general) without guessing?

Slide over to my website for play therapy trainings + free resources that keep you growing and your clients healing. ✨

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

12/01/2025

Imagine two days where it’s not about rushing through slides or cramming into a packed room.

Instead, picture yourself sitting with just 11 other play therapists, hands in the sand, deeply engaged in learning how to use this powerful modality. ✨

You’ll walk away knowing how to:
✔ Confidently interpret what clients create in the sand tray
✔ Accurately identify play themes without second guessing
✔ Facilitate healing without overwhelming clients
✔ Ground everything you do in neuroscience and attachment theory

This isn’t just another play therapy training — it’s an intimate, high-impact experience designed to give you lasting confidence in your sand tray work.

📍 St. George, UT | Dec 6–7, 2025
Early bird pricing $397 ends November 22, 2025
Registration closes December 04, 2025

Hop over to my website to register today!

Write in the Comments and I’ll message you the link. You can also message me for the link.

🎟 Spots are capped at 12 for a reason — you’ll get personalized support and a relaxed, enhanced learning environment.

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

11/28/2025

Ever had a moment in the playroom where your client builds the exact same scene for the third play therapy session in a row — and you just know something deeper is happening? 🧐

That’s the magic (and mystery) of play themes.

Recognizing play therapy themes isn’t about decoding or over-analyzing — it’s about tuning in to the patterns that whisper what the nervous system is trying to say.

👉 The toys they gravitate toward.
👉 The stories that keep repeating.

👉 The way their energy shifts when you step closer or stay quiet.

Each of those moments is data. Emotional data. Neurobiological data. Attachment data.

When you track play therapy themes over time — and ground your interpretations in your play therapy model — you start to see the story of healing unfold right in front of you. 💫

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I really recognize play themes and make sense of them clinically?” — this carousel is for you.

✨ Swipe through for practical tips + perspective shifts that’ll help you feel more confident in recognizing and using play themes in your sessions.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, check out my free resources and courses at Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training —

I’ll help you bridge the art and science of play therapy so your sessions feel more intentional and grounded. 🌿

Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training
Rhplaytherapytraining.com

11/28/2025

When kids can’t find the words, the sand tray speaks for them in play therapy sessions.

In this week’s podcast episode, we’ll look at how sand tray therapy taps into the implicit memories stored beneath language —

The attachment patterns, emotional imprints, and unspoken stories that surface symbolically before they ever become verbal.

If you’ve ever felt goosebumps watching a client create a scene that “says everything without saying anything,” this one’s for you.

✨ Let’s nerd out together about how neuroscience helps play therapists understand how healing happens inside that little wooden box filled with sand and miniatures.

Join me and I’ll share how your theoretical lens using neuroscience and attachment theory points the way toward deeper understanding of the power of the sand tray in play therapy. I’ll also discuss three ways using the sand tray in play therapy helps children heal.

When kids can’t find the words, the sand tray speaks for them in play therapy sessions.In this week’s podcast episode, we’ll look at how sand tray therapy taps into the implicit memories stored beneath language — The attachment patterns, emot...