ChildPlayWorks
NZ Clinical Play Therapy Training Programme

CPW Full Training Programme

ChildPlayWorks provides comprehensive, quality New Zealand-based training in the specialised modality of Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT). The ChildPlayWorks Clinical Play Therapy Training Programme consists of two certification Levels and can be completed within 2-3 years. Level 1 can be completed within 2 years, and Level 2 within 2-3 years.

There is an application process to enter our training programme after Workshop 1. Please contact us for further information.

ChildPlayWorks trainers regularly practice in their own playroom with children and solid, ongoing support is given to all students throughout their training.

Level 1 of the training programme includes four training workshops with online and in-person components. Level 2 includes a 12-week online learning process. The in-person intensives provide concentrated immersion in the development of the 'why' of CCPT, as well as of the 'how' in guided, consolidated CCPT skill development. The number of focused learning hours and the experience of the fully supportive environment of each 3-day intensive, provides an invaluable learning experience for each trainee.

The training pathway is tailored for the individual and is dependent on their base qualification. 

See below for more information on the training programme.

ChildPlayWorks NZ Clinical Play Therapy Training Programme

  • Level 1 Workshop 1 - Introductory

    Workshop 1 (Introductory): The Art of Relationship – Theoretical Foundations of Child Centred Play Therapy l&ll   

    A two-part 5-day (3+2) workshop - 3-day intensive (Part I) & 2-day online (Part II)

    3-day intensive (Part l): A comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT). This includes the evidence base for CCPT and core CCPT skills which focus on the significance and relational art of the Child-Centred approach.  

    2-day online (Part ll): Key child development theory and attachment concepts are examined within the framework of CCPT. CCPT therapeutic stage development is explored as well as the perfect fit of the neurobiology of play and CCPT.

  • Level 1 Workshop 2

    The CCPT Therapeutic Relationship – the Heart of Practice

    5-day (2+3) workshop - 2-day online & 3-day intensive

    2-day online: Theoretical foundations for the 3-day in-person workshop are presented and explored.

    3-day intensive: Exploring self as therapist and the heart of practice. Key therapist skills including taking part in role play and responding to challenges in the playroom are deepened after the online process in experiential role plays. The development of a solid, supportive relationship with parents/caregivers as well as documentation of sessions.    

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  • Level 1 Workshop 3

    Establishing Readiness for CCPT Practice – Clinical Practice Considerations

    5-day (2+3) workshop - 2-day online & 3-day intensive

    2-day online: Theoretical foundations for the 3-day in-person workshop are presented, explored and discussed.

    3-day intensive: Key therapist skills including exploring the philosophy underpinning the key concepts of creating an optimum environment, as well as determining therapeutic progress alongside indicators of change and a solid understanding of stages and themes. Working alongside parents, school principals, and teachers as therapeutic partners’ and establishing realistic goals for therapy. An exploration of typical problems and issues in CCPT. Preparation for clinical supervised practice.

  • Level 1 Workshop 4

    Core Relational CCPT Practice

    5-day (1+4) workshop - 1-day online & 4-day intensive

    1-day online: ChildPlayWorks presents their model for working with parents/caregivers and their child together in the playroom to strengthen their relationship.

    4-day intensive: Day 1 puts theory into practice from the online workshop with experiential role plays consolidating this practice. In Days 2-4, Dr Bill Nordling presents his series of three 90-minute interactive presentations ‘Working with Parents’ and these form a solid foundation for the all-important aspect of developing effective, supportive working relationships with parents/caregivers.

  • Level 2 Workshop 5

    Advanced Clinical CCPT Practice

    12-week online learning

    Accessing key online presentations with: Jeff L. Cochran, Ph.D., NCC, LMHC & Nancy H. Cochran, MA, CAS, LMHC. 

    Online Forum participation: Group reflective discussions on the online presentations; supporting each other’s work with children and linking theory to practice. An individual case study completes the theoretical component of Level 2

CPW Training Brochure 2025

Jeff L. Cochran, Ph.D., NCC, LMHC and Nancy H. Cochran, MA, CAS, LMHC

"Following from the long-standing and dramatically increasing research base of child-centered play therapy (CCPT), and within a world-wide proliferation of CCPT training programs, Judi and Megan’s ChildPlayWorks (CPW) training programme is exemplary. Each trainee receives an educational foundation of the theory and principles that drive the specific skills of CCPT. Each trainee is carefully monitored and supported to ensure excellence in personal and skill development. Judi and Megan are driven to high standards by a deep caring for the needs of children in therapy and the need for therapeutic excellence for them. We are proud to partner with them and to endorse CPW."

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