Thu, Jul 02
|Ostello al Deserto
International Conference Play is the Future 2026
Join the International Conference Play is the Future in person or online! The event of the year that gathers international experts, practitioners, and researchers to exchange knowledge and good practices in the fields of play and expressive therapies, psychosocial interventions and projects.
Time & Location
Jul 02, 2026, 9:30 AM GMT+2 – Jul 04, 2026, 5:00 AM GMT+2
Ostello al Deserto, Via al Deserto, 2, 23022 Chiavenna SO, Italy
About the Event
CONTENT OVERVIEW & SPEAKERS
Reading Children’s Drawings in Gaza and the West Bank after a Genocidal War
Speaker: Ferdoos Abed Rabo Al-Issa, PhD
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
Keeping Hope Alive for Children’s Future through Play Therapy
Speaker: David Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S™ [The speaker will join online]
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (non-contact only)
From Scribbles to Stories: Empowering Imagination and Communication in Clinical Practice
Speaker: Mimma Della Cagnoletta, psychoanalyst, art therapist
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
The Inner World of the Therapist: A Synergetic Foundation for Play Therapy and Psychosocial Work
Speaker: Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S™
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (contact or non-contact)
Arts, Imagination and Play: Working with Children in Vulnerability in Costa Rica
Speaker: Sylvia Ketelhohn, MA, CAGS, PhD Cand.
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
Working with Indigenous Australian Children: A Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach
Speaker: Josephine Martin, RPT-S
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (contact or non-contact)
A Transcultural Approach to Involving Parents in Attachment Centered Play Therapy
Speaker: Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (contact or non-contact)
Protecting the Play Space: Managing Therapist Bias, Culture, and Values in Play Therapy
Speaker: Brandy Schumann, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S™
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (contact or non-contact)
Play and Play Therapy as Catalysts for Sustainable and Multilevel Community-Based Projects
Speakers: Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S™ & Isabella Cassina, MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Cand.
Presentation Duration: 2 hours
APT & APTI CE Hours: 2 (contact or non-contact)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Students, professionals, and researchers in mental health, education, rehabilitation, healthcare, and social work, working with individuals of all ages. All modules are in English.
COSTS & DISCOUNTS
The fee includes: 18 hours of Conference, post-test and CE Hours, Certificate of attendance, 3 nights in shared accommodation, meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners).
Professionals
Before January 31, 2026:
On-site training, double room & board = €650
On-site training, 3-4 people room & board = €600
Online training = €250
After January 31, 2026:
On-site training, double room & board = €750
On-site training, 3-4 people room & board = €700
Online training = €300
Students & groups
Before January 31, 2026:
On-site training, double room & board = €600
On-site training, 3-4 people room & board = €550
Online training = €200
After January 31, 2026:
On-site training, double room & board = €650
On-site training, 3-4 people room & board = €600
Online training = €250
Volunteers
Only 3 spots! Handle breakfast and coffee break setup, as well as training room arrangement.
On-site training, double room & board = €450
On-site training, 3-4 people room & board = €400
HOW TO ENROLL IN 2 STEPS
Send an email to info@play-therapy.ch. Let us know whether:
you would like to attend in-person or online
you have any dietary restrictions
you are a professional, student or group
you can also apply as a volunteer (only 3 spots available)
Pay the registration fee of €150
BANK REFERENCES & PAYPAL
International Academy for Play Therapy, Via General Guisan 2, 6962 Lugano, Switzerland.
IBAN: CH34 0900 0000 9122 4447 3 • BIC (SWIFT-Code): POFICHBEXXX.
Bank name and address: PostFinance SA, Mingerstrasse 20, 3030 Bern, Switzerland.
Subject: “Conference 2026.” Any transfer fees must be borne by the payer.
CREDENTIALS (APT & APTI)
The number of Contact or Non-Contact CE Hours contributes to obtaining or renewing Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentials. APT credits are awarded to mental health professionals only. APTI credits are awarded to mental health, educational, rehabilitation, health, and social work professionals.
Join the Crisis Play Therapy Level I Certification, July 6-12, 2026 and get an instant € 100 DISCOUNT!
