2024 Retreat

Are you a play therapist or play provider working with children & their families? Are you finding your caseload is overwhelmingly full of more and more complex family systems? Are you looking for an immersive retreat-style professional development opportunity for 2024?

APTA is hosting a Play Therapy Retreat in Maleny, on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The retreat will feature Clair Mellenthin, a distinguished clinical social worker and registered play therapist supervisor. The retreat will run for two days, from Friday 20th September 2024.

Revolutionize your therapeutic approach through Attachment Centered Play Therapy (ACPT), a holistic, systemic framework for working with children & families, shifting the focus from individual, behavioral or emotional issues to treating the entire family as the client.

We will delve into the world of attachment theory, gaining a fresh perspective on how children & families form healthy or maladaptive bonds. Explore the profound impact of trauma, abuse, neglect, & grief on attachment within the family system, while discovering strategies to effectively engage even the most challenging parents in the play therapy process.

Throughout the retreat, participants will immerse themselves in hands-on experiential activities, sand tray interventions, & expressive arts, acquiring a creative toolbox filled with innovative play therapy techniques. By the end, you’ll not only have a clear understanding of how attachment styles shape relationships but also feel empowered to apply these insights in your practice, creating more meaningful & impactful therapeutic experiences for children & families alike
— Clair Mellenthin

The retreat will be hosted at the magnificent Tranquil Park in Maleny. The venue is surrounded by the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and has capacity to accommodate all attendees. A restaurant and bar are also located on-site.

  • Super Early Bird Tickets are still available, + 10% discount for APTA & APPTA members.

  • Get in touch with APTA if you have any questions - info@apta.asn.au

A message from Clair Mellenthin about what APTA's 2 day Hinterland Retreat will focus on...