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OUR TEAM

The Academy team consists of a Director of the Continuing Education Program and a Coordinator, Director of Project Management, Scientific Committee, Secretary, and a selection of renowned international Consultants, Trainers and Clinical Supervisors.

lugano lake switzerland bench

Founders' Message

We are honored to be able to share our international experience with a growing number of students and professionals who wish to practice quality play therapy in their daily work as well as in crisis settings.

 

We have been committed for years to ensuring high standards of quality and professionalism along with innovation and creativity. The bench in the image, in the heart of Lugano, Switzerland, is one of the places where so many ideas of training and projects originated. We are motivated to continue our journey and invite you to join us!

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Claudio Mochi & Isabella Cassina

Academy Trainers Over the Years

  • Sue C. Bratton, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™ (USA). Director Emerita of the Center for Play Therapy at the UNT, Former President and Council Member of the Association for Play Therapy.

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  • Isabella Cassina, MA, TPS, CAGS, PhD Cand. (Switzerland). Director of Project Management at the INA, APTI Board Member and Founding Member of the IC-PTA.

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  • Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S™ (USA). Creator of Synergetic Play Therapy, Founder and President of the Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, Co-founder of the Synergetic Education Institute.

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  • Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S™ (USA). Training Director of the Astor Home for Children. University Professor, Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.

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  • Theresa Fraser, MA, CPT-S, CPT (Canada). Former President of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy CAPT, University Professor, and Expert in Sandtray Therapy.

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  • Eliana Gil, PhD, RPT-S™ (USA). Founding member of the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery & Education, Former President of the Association for Play Therapy.

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  • Steven Harvey, PhD, RPT-S™, BC-DMT, RDT (New Zealand). Adjunct Faculty Member in the Clinical Psychology Department at the University of Guam. Founder of Dynamic Play Therapy.

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  • Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™ (USA). Director of Door of Hope Counseling Center in New Braunfels, Director Emerita of the Association for Play Therapy.

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  • Clair Mellenthin, PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™ (USA). Creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy. University Professor and author of best-selling books.

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  • Claudio Mochi, MA, RP, RPT-S™ (Italy). Training Director at the INA in Switzerland. Expert in Emergency interventions and Trauma, Founder and President of the APT Italy.

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  • Evangeline Munns, PhD, C. Psych, RPT-S™, CAPT-S (Canada). Clinical Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Trainer and Supervisor at the Theraplay® Institute.

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  • Karen Stagnitti, PhD, BOccThy, GCHE (Australia). Professor Emerita at Deakin University, creator of the Learn to Play Therapy methodology.

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  • Daniel Sweeney, PhD, LMFT, LPC, RPT-S™ (USA). Director of the Mental Health Clinic and NCPTS at George Fox University, and University Professor.

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  • Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S™, CDBC (USA). Director of the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy® and the Family Enhancement & Play Therapy Center, Inc.

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