CAPT - Canadian Association for Play Therapy

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CAPT - Canadian Association for Play Therapy

CAPT is the premier professional association in support of Play Therapy in Canada CAPT has a code of professional ethics to which each member must adhere.

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy is the professional organization for those interested in Child and Family Psychotherapy, Play Therapy and Counseling with children and families. CAPT performs many important functions for its members including:

Professional Standards: CAPT sets high professional standards for clinical practice. These standards help to ensure that skilled and effective therapy is available throughout the community. Policies and Procedures are in place to govern CAPT and guide professional and ethical practices. Specialized Training: CAPT sets standards of education and training for professional therapist as well as establishing programs of continuing education and training. CAPT examines and accredits programs and training centers in Child & Play Therapy. CAPT has established Foundation Play Therapy Days that is a set of trainings in order to meet our members' needs. Information is available upon request. Professional Publications: The Association periodicals are published to advance the professional understanding of Play Therapy. Articles are published on clinical practice, research and theory in Play Therapy. CAPT members receive these periodicals as a membership benefit.

01/30/2026

Renew Your CAPT Membership for 2026 Today! 💜

Don't miss out! Renew your membership by FEB 28 to ensure you remain connected, supported, and informed.

Your renewal guarantees continued access to:
✅ Quality Training & Certification: Benefit from professional resources and clear certification pathways.
✅ Connection: Join a national community of play therapy practitioners.
✅ Visibility & Networking: Maintain uninterrupted access to CAPT’s new public Membership Directory.
✅ Exclusive Savings: Access member-only discounts on CAPT training and special offers from trusted partners and sponsors.

Ready to renew? 💻 Visit your membership profile in the membership portal now!

01/28/2026

Happy International LEGO Day! 🌟 Today marks the day the first patent for the LEGO brick was submitted in Denmark.

Did you know that the name 'LEGO' is an abbreviation of the two Danish words “leg godt”, meaning “play well”?

🟣 In play therapy, LEGO building can be used in both structured and free-form ways to support children’s emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and social connection.

Through building, children can express ideas, practice collaboration, and experience a sense of mastery—all within the safety of play.

Do you use LEGO in your play therapy practice?

01/26/2026

❄️ Winter of Play: Nature Treasure Hunt
Go on a Winter Treasure Hunt to collect outdoor items frozen in nature.

Look for:
🔍 Pinecones
🔍 Frozen leaves
🔍 Sticks
🔍 Frost patterns
🔍 Safe icicles (Reminder: never collect overhead icicles)

Use the items later in sensory bins or storytelling prompts/play.

01/25/2026

📣 International Play Therapy Week is February 1-7! 📣

Wondering how to get involved?

🟣 PROMOTE PLAY THERAPY 🟣
Educate the public, caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals about the therapeutic value of play in addressing emotional, social, and behavioural issues in children and adults.

Highlight the work of Certified Play Therapists who use this method to help children communicate and process their feelings.

🟡 CELEBRATE PLAY THERAPY PRACTICES 🟡
Showcase the innovative methods used in Play Therapy, including toys, games, and creative activities that help children express themselves non-verbally.

🟠 ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY 🟠
Host workshops, webinars, and community events to demonstrate the power of Play Therapy in building resilience and promoting healing.

Offer resources to parents and educators about how play can be integrated into daily interactions with children to support their well-being.

🔵 SUPPORT PRACTITIONERS 🔵
Provide recognition for Play Therapists and their contribution to mental health care. Encourage professional development within the field.

01/24/2026

🕯️ A Gentle Winter Reset Ritual
Try ending or beginning the month with a simple grounding ritual:
💛 Light a candle
💛 Write 3 things you’re proud of
💛 Write 1 thing you want to release
💛 Write 1 intention for the season ahead

A meaningful way to honour your work and nourish your wellbeing.

01/23/2026

📣 International Play Therapy Week (IPTW) is coming up soon, February 1-7!

International Play Therapy Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance and benefits of play therapy. It typically takes place during the first full week of February and is organized by play therapy organizations, such as the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA), along with practitioners and advocates worldwide.

🟡 If you're hosting an event for IPTW let us know!

01/21/2026

🧠 Mental health challenges are showing up earlier than ever.

➡️ In Canada, nearly 40% of youth report struggles with mental health.
➡️ Only 1 in 4 children who need mental health services actually receive them.

That’s where Certified Play Therapists come in. Through CAPT, professionals are trained to use play—the language of children—to help them process big emotions, trauma, and life transitions.

Let’s bridge the gap in care. Let’s recognize mental health approaches that meet children where they are. 💬🎨🧸

Sources:
➡️ Statistics Canada (2021):
Roughly 1 in 3 adolescents aged 15 to 24 reported symptoms consistent with a mental health disorder during the pandemic, with ongoing trends suggesting rising numbers. Some surveys suggest up to 39-40% of youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Statistics Canada - Mental Health in Youth

➡️ Children’s Healthcare Canada / Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI): Reports indicate that only about 25% (1 in 4) of children and youth in Canada with mental health issues receive appropriate treatment.
👉 CIHI - Access to Services for Youth: https://bit.ly/4sfiFJH
👉 Children’s Healthcare Canada - Mental Health Access: https://bit.ly/3YPnagl

01/19/2026

❄️ Winter of Play: Snowflake Mindfulness
Make paper snowflakes and explore mindfulness through winter creativity.

Conversation ideas:
❄️ “Every snowflake is unique—just like our feelings.”
❄️ “Some feelings melt quickly, some stay longer.”
❄️ “Let’s notice what feeling we have today.”

A gentle way to connect emotions and identity.

01/16/2026

🌟 COMING SOON 🌟

🗓 Mark your calendars for International Play Therapy Week (IPTW), February 1-7, 2026!

Stay tuned for CAPT's IPTW programming! ⏰ What do you have planned for the week? Let us know in the comments👇

01/14/2026

Why Play Therapy?

Because children don’t always have the words — but they do have play.

🎲 Play Therapy helps kids:
✅ Express emotions safely and freely
✅ Build resilience and confidence
✅ Process trauma and anxiety
✅ Improve social and coping skills

In a world where mental health challenges are rising, Play Therapy offers a pathway to hope and healing. 💚

Learn more about the benefits through CAPT: https://canadianplaytherapy.com

01/12/2026

❄️ Winter of Play: Winter Sensory Walk
Take a Winter Sensory Walk and explore the sights, sounds, and feelings of winter.

Notice:
👂 What do you hear? (crunching snow, wind)
👀 What do you see? (frost, shadows, colours)
✋ What do you feel? (snow, cold air, textures)

A simple, yet meaningful grounding regulation tool for children and families.

01/09/2026

❄️ January Reset for Therapists
The new year doesn’t have to start fast. Take a moment to breathe, ground, and reconnect with yourself. Slowing down is not a weakness, it’s a therapeutic skill.

Your nervous system needs care too. 💛

Address

Grimsby, ON

Telephone

+19059455905

Website

http://www.canadianplaytherapy.com/

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Our Story

The Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) is the professional organization for those interested in Psychotherapy, Social Work, Psychology, Play Therapy, Medicine and Counseling with families. CAPT performs many important functions for its members including: Professional Standards: CAPT sets high professional standards for clinical practice. These standards help to ensure that skilled and effective therapy is available throughout the community. CAPT has a code of professional ethics to which each member must adhere. Policies and Procedures are in place to govern CAPT and guide professional and ethical practices. Specialized Training: CAPT sets standards of education and training for professional therapist as well as establishing programs of continuing education and training. CAPT examines and accredits programs and training centers in Play Therapy. CAPT has established a set of individual days of Foundation Play Therapy Training in order to meet our members' needs. Information is available upon request. Professional Publications: The Association periodicals are published to advance the professional understanding of Play Therapy. Articles are published on clinical practice, research and theory in Play Therapy. CAPT members receive these periodicals as a membership benefit. Members also receive the American Psychological Association, Association for Play Therapy Journal on Play Therapy as part of their membership.