ABOUT THE FOUNDERS
Claudio Mochi & Isabella Cassina — Global Leaders in Play Therapy and Crisis Intervention
Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina are founders of the INA International Academy for Play Therapy, established in 2015 in Lugano, Switzerland.
They have transformed the landscape of play therapy worldwide, leading specialized trainings and conferences in over 60 cities across all six continents, in partnership with leading academic, scientific, and institutional organizations.
Renowned for their work in humanitarian crises, trauma, and adversity, including natural disasters and conflict settings, Claudio and Isabella have delivered interventions in hospitals, refugee centers, temporary shelters, and schools.
Through their Crisis Play Therapy™ approach, they empower local professionals and communities, combining hands-on support with specialized training to create sustainable impact.
Their exclusive Crisis Play Therapy™ Certification program, led by internationally recognized experts in play therapy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, is now available.
As Founding Members of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA) based in Switzerland, Claudio and Isabella continue to shape the global field.
Claudio Mochi
Psychotherapist, Founder, Teacher, Author
Claudio Mochi, psychologist and psychotherapist, is an international expert in humanitarian and crisis interventions, co-creator of Crisis Play Therapy™, and Founder and President of the Association for Play Therapy Italy (APTI). He is Director of University Training Programs at the International Academy for Play Therapy, where he leads advanced education and training programs in play therapy.
A pioneer in the field of play therapy in Italy and a global leader in the development of trauma-informed and play-based approaches, Claudio is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (APT, USA) and holds a Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy. He has received international recognition for his contributions to the practice and teaching of play therapy.
Through his clinical work, international teaching, and writing, Claudio has supported professionals and communities across six continents, advancing the integration of play therapy within humanitarian response and crisis settings and promoting quality standards in the field worldwide.
Isabella Cassina
Social Worker, Founder, Teacher, Author
Isabella Cassina, social worker and expressive arts specialist, is co-creator of Crisis Play Therapy™, Director of Project Management at the International Academy for Play Therapy, and University Lecturer. She is an internationally recognized expert in designing and leading psychosocial programs in humanitarian and crisis settings and serves as a board member of the Association for Play Therapy Italy (APTI).
Former Head of Social Services at the Swiss Red Cross, Isabella has led innovative psychosocial interventions for children and families affected by crises across South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. She holds a Master of Arts in International Cooperation from the University of Geneva, advanced certifications in play therapy and expressive arts therapy, and is currently completing a PhD in Switzerland.
Through her project leadership, teaching, writing, and international collaborations, Isabella advances innovative play-based and expressive approaches that strengthen humanitarian responses and support children, families, and communities worldwide.