Lisa Zaffarese LPC NCC RPT ACS

10/11/2025

10/10/2025

On October 10, we observe World Mental Health Day, a moment to stop, reflect, and honor the significance of mental well‑being. It’s a day to amplify awareness, spark meaningful dialogue, and reaffirm that no one should face mental health struggles in isolation.

10/04/2025

Count down is on! See you soon Houston! ✈️

Who’s ready to connect at the APT International Conference?! We are! ☺️

RSVP: NJAPT.org/networking

10/01/2025

New board means new chances to network! Come see the new and some familiar faces at our networking event! We are looking forward to spreading the power of play all over NJ 🥰🥳

RSVP at: njapt.org/networking

09/25/2025

08/01/2025

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"So many parents are often worried about why their child is not able to write by the age of 4 and why instead of writing, the teacher is allowing them to play, or be creative with intricate or fine motor materials?

This picture explains why.

Up until 6 years of age, their tiny hands are still developing and are not fully formed. Children require progressive development in their hands to enable them to grasp and hold things and eventually develop their writing skills.

Like any muscles, we must train them, strengthen them and ‘work out’ to get them stronger - this is just the same for the muscles in children’s hands.

So what should be done to support this?

PLAY! Playdough, colouring, tearing, sensory play, beading, picking cotton balls with tweezer/cloth clips, cleaning, wiping, holding, grabbing, sweeping, cutting, planting, digging etc.

These types of activities may not seem like education to you, but they are the foundations of what is to come. Rush the process and the results will be catastrophic.

We must allow our children to develop their fine motor skills which in turn, develop the skills required for early, emergent writing and later full writing skills.
When children are ready to write, they will. No need to rush them, they will show you when they are ready.

© Gavin McCormack— at National Child Development Center - Antipas.

07/10/2025

The New Jersey Association for Play Therapy (NJAPT) is now accepting nominations for open board member positions. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share your passion for play therapy, and contribute to the growth of our professional community across New Jersey.

06/19/2025

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📚✨ Book Club Starts Tomorrow! ✨📚

We’re so excited to kick off our Therapist Book Club with The Connected Therapist: Relating Through the Senses by Marti Smith!

Being informed about sensory systems is essential to supporting connection with—and regulation of—children. Whether you’re a parent, therapist, educator, or caregiver, Marti’s insights offer practical strategies and a compassionate lens for deepening regulation and relational safety.

Learn more and register: demibanchs.com/bookclub