PLAY IS THE FUTURE
International Play Therapy Conference on Psychosocial Care, Expressive Arts Therapy & Emotional Well-Being
Play is the Future is an annual international play therapy conference established in 2026 dedicated to play therapy, expressive arts therapy, psychosocial care, trauma-informed care, and innovative community interventions for mental health professionals worldwide.
Every July, professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners from around the world will gather in Chiavenna, Italy, for this international conference to explore how play-based interventions and expressive arts therapy can promote emotional well-being, resilience and healing, and social transformation.
Organized by the International Academy for Play Therapy (INA) in collaboration with international and local partners, this conference promotes experiential learning, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovative practices across mental health, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and social care systems.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
In contemporary psychosocial care, play therapy and expressive arts therapy are increasingly recognized as essential approaches for emotional development, trauma recovery, and relational healing.
Play is the Future creates an international platform where mental health professionals, educators, and researchers can share clinical practice, research, and community interventions using play-based interventions in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, migration contexts, and humanitarian programs.
The conference fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning to advance innovative models of psychosocial care and child and family therapy.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This international play therapy conference is designed for:
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Mental health professionals
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Play therapists and expressive arts therapists
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Psychologists and counselors
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Educators and school professionals
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Social workers and healthcare providers
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Researchers and academics
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Students in psychology, education, healthcare, and social sciences
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Professionals working with children, families, and communities
Whether experienced or at the beginning of your journey, this conference offers a unique space for experiential learning, networking, and professional growth.
MAIN TOPICS
Play Therapy and Emotional Well-Being
Evidence-based approaches to emotional regulation, attachment, trauma recovery, and resilience through play therapy and trauma-informed care.
Expressive Arts Therapy and Creative Interventions
Use of art, movement, storytelling, sandtray, and drama within expressive arts therapy and psychosocial care.
Community Interventions and Psychosocial Care
Application of play-based interventions in schools, hospitals, refugee contexts, and community mental health programs.
Innovation in Mental Health and Education
Cross-disciplinary approaches integrating creativity, play-based interventions, and relational care.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will:
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Develop practical skills in play therapy and expressive arts therapy
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Strengthen trauma-informed care competencies
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Explore real-world community interventions
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Enhance emotional well-being and resilience and healing frameworks
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Improve interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals
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Understand play as a tool for social transformation
WHY PLAY MATTERS
Play is a fundamental process for human development, emotional integration, and relational connection.
Within psychosocial care, play enables individuals and communities to process trauma, strengthen attachment, and build resilience and healing capacities.
This conference highlights how play therapy, expressive arts therapy, and play-based interventions can transform contemporary mental health practice across global contexts.
UPCOMING EVENT
Dates: July 2–4, 2026
Location: Chiavenna, Italy
Organizer: International Academy for Play Therapy (INA)
Language: English
Format: International in-person and online conference
JOIN PLAY IS THE FUTURE 2026
Connect with mental health professionals from around the world and discover innovative approaches to emotional well-being, trauma-informed care, and community interventions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Play is the Future?
Play is the Future is a leading international movement in play therapy, expressive arts therapy, psychosocial care, and mental health innovation.
Play is the Future includes an annual international conference, a series of specialized articles, and a range of branded merchandise, the proceeds of which are donated to support the Academy’s psychosocial projects. Exciting new developments will be announced starting in 2027.
Are CE hours awarded at the conference?
Yes. By attending the conference, you will earn 12 CE hours, which are valid for obtaining or maintaining play therapy credentials with the Association for Play Therapy (United States) and the Association for Play Therapy Italy.
Can I combine the conference with a holiday in Italy and Switzerland?
Yes, absolutely. Chiavenna is a strategic and charming location in northern Italy. It is about one hour from St. Moritz in Switzerland and one hour from Bellagio on Lake Como, making it an ideal base for combining the conference with a holiday experience between Italy and Switzerland.
Can I stay at the conference venue with my family?
Yes, this may be possible. Priority is given to conference participants, but if availability allows based on final registrations, we will be happy to also accommodate family members at an additional per-person fee. In this case, you will be placed on a waiting list, and we will confirm availability closer to the event.
