ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Claudio Mochi & Isabella Cassina – Global Leaders in Play Therapy and Crisis Intervention

Claudio Mochi and Isabella Cassina are the pioneering founders of the INA International Academy for Play Therapy Studies and Psychosocial Projects, 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 top academic, scientific, and institutional organizations.

Renowned for their work in high-risk environments — including natural disasters, conflict zones, and fragile states — Claudio and Isabella have delivered interventions in hospitals, refugee centers, temporary shelters, and schools. Through their approach, they empower local professionals and communities, combining hands-on support with specialized training to create sustainable impact.

Building on decades of expertise, they developed the innovative model “Coping with the Present while Building for the Future” (CPBF), presented in countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Detailed descriptions of CPBF are also available in their publications.

From 2026, their exclusive Crisis Play Therapy Certification will be available — a world-class program led by internationally acclaimed experts in play therapy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.

As Founding Members of the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA), Claudio and Isabella continue to shape the global field. The IC-PTA Board includes leading national play therapy associations and distinguished members from around the world, reflecting their influence and leadership in the profession.

Conferences

Events 2026-2027

Claudio Mochi
MA, RP, RPT-S™ (APT & APTI)

Claudio Mochi, born in Rome, Italy is a psychologist and psychotherapist with over 25 years of international experience supporting victims of humanitarian emergencies and trauma (among the countries are Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, Iran, Palestine, Pakistan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Haiti, etc.).

An expert in play therapy, he holds a Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy and the title of Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (APT, USA) He has received international awards, including the “Outstanding Contributions to the Practice and Teaching of Filial Therapy” (2015).

A pioneer in the field in Italy, he founded the Association for Play Therapy Italy in 2009 (currently a board member of the IC-PTA) to promote high standards in the practice and teaching of play therapy.

A university lecturer, author, and director of the Master’s in Play Therapy at the International Academy for Play Therapy, he has delivered lectures and specialized training across six continents, earning recognition as a global leader in innovation, education, and the advancement of quality play therapy.

Isabella Cassina
MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Candidate

Isabella Cassina, born in Lugano, Switzerland, is a social worker with over 15 years of experience in humanitarian interventions and psychosocial projects for children and families in crisis contexts across South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

A former head of social services at the Swiss Red Cross, she transformed psychosocial support in reception centers for asylum seekers and refugees by leading innovative projects grounded in play therapy.

Holding a Master of Arts in International Cooperation from the University of Geneva and advanced certifications in play therapy and expressive arts therapy, she is currently completing a PhD in Switzerland.

A university lecturer, speaker skilled in six languages, and director of project management at the International Academy for Play Therapy, she serves as a board member of APTI and a founding member of IC-PTA.

She is also an author, editor-in-chief of the Italian Play Therapy magazine, and creator of educational games for families and schools.