PROMOTING PLAY & PLAY THERAPY ACROSS ALABAMA
Supporting children, adolescents and adults through the healing power of play.
At the Alabama Association for Play Therapy, we believe that play isn’t just fun — it’s essential to growth, communication, and emotional well-being.
We connect therapists, educators, and families across the state to promote best practices in play therapy and to make quality mental-health care accessible to all.
The Alabama Association for Play Therapy (AAPT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the psychosocial development and mental health of Alabama’s citizens through play and play therapy.
We are a state branch of the Association for Play Therapy (APT), supporting clinicians, researchers, and students who believe in the transformative power of play as a therapeutic tool.
Our goals are to
Promote awareness and understanding of play therapy throughout Alabama.
Encourage the effective practice of play therapy through training, education, and research.
Foster diversity, inclusion, and equity within the field of play therapy.
What Is
Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counseling that helps children, adolescents, and even adults express thoughts and emotions that might be difficult to put into words.
Through toys, art, sand, music, and movement, play becomes a child’s natural language — and the therapist’s way of helping them explore feelings, resolve conflicts, and develop healthy coping skills.
Why Play Works
Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy gives children the freedom to communicate in the way they know best — through play. This creative process helps them make sense of their experiences, improve self-esteem, and strengthen relationships with others.
Whether you’re a licensed professional, a graduate student, or simply passionate about children’s emotional well-being, AAPT provides opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.
Training & Workshops
Attend statewide professional development sessions and earn continuing education credits.
Certification Pathways
Learn how to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and advance your credentials.
Membership
Join our growing network of play therapy professionals and advocates across Alabama.
Resources for Families
Find educational tools and local referrals to connect families with qualified play therapists.
Why Play Therapy Matters
Children don’t always have the words to describe what they feel — but in play therapy, their stories unfold naturally. Through the therapeutic relationship and the use of play, children can process difficult emotions, build problem-solving skills, and gain a stronger sense of self.
From trauma recovery to behavioral challenges and everyday stress, play therapy empowers children to heal in a safe, supportive environment.
Join Us & Make a Difference
Help us strengthen the field of play therapy across Alabama.
When you join AAPT, you become part of a community that values connection, collaboration, and compassion. Members enjoy exclusive access to events, CE opportunities, leadership roles, and a statewide network of professionals dedicated to supporting children through play.
Upcoming
worksops & News
Stay up to date on the latest AAPT conferences, workshops, and announcements. Our events offer valuable continuing education opportunities and bring together therapists and advocates from across Alabama to learn, share, and grow.
