Training, Workshops, & Retreats

Our Training Expertise

Our internationally-renowned founders and Clinical Director Tammi Van Hollander & Neal King offer trainings, webinars, workshops, seminars & retreats in a variety of locations - locally, internationally and virtually.

Corporate Trainings are also available to build productivity, empathy, teamwork and a better understanding of your colleagues.

Tammi thrives on presenting and sharing her passion for healing children and families, as well as play and sandtray therapy. She has guest lectured at universities in the USA and Canada. 

Neal brings a unique blend of clinical depth and creative energy to every training. Known for his humor and innovation, he integrates expressive techniques, improv, and nervous system-informed strategies to support engagement and learning for both professionals and clients.

Both Tammi and Neal’s presentations are always fun, interactive, and experiential. They are happy to cater the workshops to meet the needs of you and your group.

Below are some of the topics Tammi and Neal are often requested to present on:

    • Integrating Sandtray Into Your Practice

    • The Healing Power of Sand Therapy in a School Setting

    • Celebrating Resiliency in the Sandtray

    • Deepening your Play Therapy Supervision in the Sandtray

    • Tele-Play Therapy and Attachment-Based Strategies for Safety and Connection

    • Online Sand Therapy: Strengthening Connections in the Digital World

  • Comedic improv therapy is a group therapy model inspired by the practice of improv comedy, harnessing the following therapeutic elements: (a) group cohesiveness, (b) play, (c) exposure, and (d) humor

    • Therapeutic Improv Groups for Anxiety: Fun Interactive Way To Internalize Better Coping

    • Corporate Team Building Improv for Wellness and Better Interaction Skills

  • Discover how to live life through a Joy Management lens versus a Stress Management lens. Joy Management™ provides a deep dive into reconditioning your brain for better reactions.

Upcoming Trainings & Events

  • Play-based Bibliotherapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Practices and Supporting Family Dynamics

    May 30 & June 6, 2025, 7:00-10:15pm

    Venue: Zoom together at San Po Kong

    Hong Kong

    More Info & Registration

  • Keynote: Cultivating Safety and Connection through Play Therapy in Times of Uncertainty

    Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Conference

    June 19, 2025, 6:00-8:00pm

    Norfolk , Virginia

    More Info & Registration

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Action: Applied Improvisation for Social Anxiety Disorder Groups

    Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Conference

    June 20, 2025, 7:00-9:00pm

    Norfolk , Virginia

    More Info & Registration

  • Association for Play Therapy Kenya: Play Therapy Summit

    August 11-13, 2025

    Association for Play Therapy Kenya

    Kenya

    More Info & Registration

  • Keynote: South Carolina Association for Play Therapy

    September 12-13, 2025

    South Carolina Association for Play Therapy

    Charleston South Carolina

    More Information

  • The Multicontextual Meaning and Dynamics of Hope in Play Therapy:  An Advanced Training

    October 10, 2025, 2pm-5:30pm

    Moderator of Panel Discussion, Annual APT International Conference. Houston, Texas

    More Information

Upcoming Retreat - Save the Date!

Testimonials

  • Listening to Tammi present is like receiving a warm hug. Her spirit is open, kind, and gracious. In addition to presenting wonderful interventions, participants feel her care continually throughout her presentation.

    Angela Mains, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S

  • "Neal’s improv for social anxiety group was one of the most fascinating and fun experientials I have ever engaged in as a therapist. I have struggled with social anxiety most of my life. Experiencing Neal’s workshop allowed me to feel what my clients would feel if I were to create a similar experience for them."

    Sara S. Giba, MA, LMHC, MHP, ATR Mental Health Art Therapist

  • "Tammi took us on a sandtray journey and guided us through theory, the mechanics of what is needed, practical examples and through the experience itself. You taught us without judgement and watched over us like a guardian angel to ensure that we were all safe through our own experiential practice in the sandtray. Your warmth and passion transcended the Zoom platform!"

    Cindy Endredy, LCSW

  • "Neal King has a magical presence, grounded in mental health, that sparks life into improv – even among those who are shy or self-conscious."

    Ping Ho, MA, MPH Founder & Director, UCLArts & Healing

  • "Tammi presents with a positive attitude that is contagious. She has a clear message that we need to create relationships with the children in our classroom for recognizing them for their greatness rather then punishing them for their shortcomings. Tammi gives teachers the tools to be successful in their classroom."

    Rabbi Reuven Rosen, third grade teacher

  • “Neal King facilitated a creative and vibrant social skills group at our school. He connected with our kids through comic relief and interactive activities and even found creative ways to engage some of our more challenging students. The kids had a great time and had no idea they were learning social skills. Thank you Neal for coming to Yale School in Philadelphia !!”

    Stephanie M. Yale School Counselor

  • "What an amazing experience! I signed up for Tammi's training because I knew I needed more knowledge to ethically use sandtray in the therapy space without causing harm. I left the training with knowledge, tools, and feeling equipped to do sandtray. The following week at work I immediately began to put what I had learned into place using the sand. This training was special, sandtray is special, Tammi Van Hollander is special and if you are able to take this highly recommend it. "

    Kelly Pullen, M.A.,LPC-S Clinical Supervisor

  • “Neal can get everyone involved with his enthusiasm, sense of humor, masterful teaching skills and sensitivity.”

    P.Moore, Professor, Bucks County Community College

  • "Several teachers made a point of sharing that they thought the presentation was one of the most practical, well done, useful in-services they have ever attended, and loved Tammi's style, and ability to laugh with us."

    Donna Lindner , Head of Lower School

  • "When you first meet Tammi, you'll notice a genuine warmth, attention and care for the person to whom she is speaking. She emanates compassion and kindness and a person immediately feels at ease with her. She is dedicated to helping children and is an outstanding play therapist who does everything possible to promote the emotional health of not only children with whom she works, but their families and extended communities as well. It is an honor knowing her! "

    Cherie L. Spehar, LCSW, CTC-S, RPTS

  • "Tammi Van Hollander is in outstanding child and family therapist and highly respected in the field. She is exceptionally creative, warm, and genuine, and his build a highly successful private practice in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Tammi presents workshops at different locations throughout the world on topics related to child and family therapy. She is well known for her work with sand therapy. I strongly recommend her as a highly qualified, compassionate child and family therapist of utmost integrity."

    David Crenshaw, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S™

  • I had the privilege of working with Tammi over the past year, during which she provided two weeks of in-depth play therapy training, with a focus on sand tray therapy, and also served as a play therapy supervisor. Tammi’s expertise is vast—her knowledge is broad, and she has a great way of making complex concepts easy to understand. She’s kind, empathetic, and supportive, creating an engaging and welcoming learning environment. As a supervisor, her feedback is always insightful and empowering, helping therapists grow professionally and personally. I highly recommend Tammi to anyone looking for expert guidance and a truly enriching experience in play therapy.

    Nicoleta Dragan, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • As a therapist, this play therapy training has been a game-changer. Tammi's expertise in attachment and mind-body practices deepened my understanding and enriched my approach to working with children. Her hands-on, experiential style gave me the confidence to integrate new techniques into my practice, making me feel more grounded in my work. Tammi's training is truly inspiring.

    Crystal Jacobo

    Mental Health Program Specialist

On-Demand Trainings

Unlock knowledge anytime, anywhere.

Deepening Your Play Therapy Supervision Using Sandtray

  • This enriching 4-hour recorded sandtray supervision workshop is designed to elevate your supervisory skills. 

    This hands-on session will walk you through the process of creating a safe and supportive space for your supervisees to engage in sandtray therapy effectively. 

    Explore advanced techniques to deepen your supervisory relationships and facilitate more profound discussions about client cases. 

    You'll discover how to cultivate secure environments that promote open and authentic dialogue while effectively managing potential challenges and conflicts. 

    Enhance your competencies in sandtray therapy, gaining a deeper understanding of its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications. 

    Whether you're an experienced sandtray supervisor or just embarking on your supervisory journey, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to hone your skills, increase self-awareness, and elevate your supervisory practice.

    Don't miss this chance to unlock the full potential of sandtray supervision and empower your supervisees to become more effective and empathetic therapists.

    4 APT Non-Contact Credits from Mainline Play Therapy, APT Approved Provider 22-659

Integrating Sandtray into your Clinical Practice

  • This 3 hour sandtray course includes a 100 page downloadable course book and an additional journal workbook!

    This course will provide both an introduction to the theory and practice of sandtray therapy for clients of all ages as a powerful approach to integrate into your practice. You will deepen your understanding of sand therapy, play therapy and the transformative power of these approaches. This course is designed for beginner sand therapists and seasoned sand therapists. Experiential activities, and personal sandtray creations grounded in the Therapeutic Powers of Play, affirm the healing potential of sandtray and play therapy work. This foundation course introduces participants to the principles of play therapy and sandtray therapy through use of images in the sand including theory, practice, ethics, and self-exploration.

    3 APT Non-Contact Credits from Mainline Play Therapy, APT Approved Provider 22-659

UpLearning Play Therapy Training Program - Translated into Greek

  • Σε αυτό το βιντεοσκοπημένο σεμινάριο, διάρκειας 8 ωρών, οι θεραπευτές θα αποκομίσουν μια εργαλειοθήκη με αναπτυξιακά κατάλληλες τεχνικές παιγνιοθεραπείας που θα μπορούν να εφαρμόσουν άμεσα σε παιδιά κάθε ηλικίας. Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S (Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor), είναι πιστοποιημένη κοινωνική λειτουργός και εγγεγραμμένη επόπτρια παιγνιοθεραπείας. Είναι ομιλήτρια σε διεθνή συνέδρια και το έργο της στο πεδίο της παιγνιοθεραπείας έχει εκδοθεί και αναγνωριστεί παγκοσμίως. Το Σεμινάριο έχει Ελληνικούς υπότιτλους.

Tele-Play Therapy

  • Tele-health with kids…impossible? Actually, the kids I’ve been providing telehealth for have been the most engaged, creative, and enthusiastic clients that I work with… Kids delight in the excitement of play, and not even a screen can stop their vivid imaginations!

    The screen acts as a safe container to connect with children and families in a way that “zooms” into their lives and homes, to deepen our understanding of their world and creates a platform to elevate and sustain engagement. I’ll show you how through the screen, you can help kids form healthy attachments, attunement and regulation.

    Join me, Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S, to see how seamlessly play therapy translates on the screen, in a webinar filled with developmentally appropriate, fun, play-based interventions to rewire the brain and create a sense of trust and safety in the child’s world. Through tele-play therapy, children learn how to interact with the world around them, communicate with others, problem solve, discover emotions and empathy, ignite their vivid imagination and much, much more! It has opened us to a new virtual platform where our therapeutic play space can continue to live on.

    This program will offer a fresh outlook leaving you and your clients hopeful, encouraged and inspired!

Play-Based Bibliotherapy

  • Dive into an immersive play therapy workshop, exploring language's pivotal role and dynamic evolution. 

    We’ll focus on how language influences, guides, and transforms the therapeutic process, emphasizing diversity. 

    Uncover verbal communication complexities in play therapy and learn to use language effectively for deeper understanding and connection in your practice.

Sand Therapy

  • Sand therapy is a powerful neurobiological approach to treating children, teens and families with trauma, anxiety, and attachment issues.


    In this 90-minute recording, you will learn why sand therapies are so effective and the neuroscience behind them. Get a tour of the sandtray playroom, view a video sandtray demonstration, learn creative techniques and gain the basics that will keep you wanting more.

    • Integration of neurobiological trauma and sandtray

    • Expressive tool to deepen healing providing a safe psychological distance from the clients' problems

    • Directive and nondirective methods and case studies will be addressed to demonstrate the power of sand therapies in a therapeutic setting

    • Integrated within different theoretical models

Play Therapy: Attachment-Based Treatment Interventions for Trauma, Anxiety, OCD and More!

  • Play Therapy is an incredible communication tool for children when they are unable to verbally express themselves. Through play, children are allowed to:

    • Become aware of and express their feelings

    • Manage anger

    • Improve self-control

    • Reduce fear, anxiety, and depression

    You will leave with a toolbox filled with ready to use Play Therapy techniques that you will immediately implement in your work with children and can also be adapted for clients of all ages.

    In this recording, you'll learn how to communicate with children through play, strengthen relationships, help children regulate their minds and bodies, and to help them create a safe space to heal. Experience the fun-filled power of play therapy and other expressive arts modalities.

    Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT, will show you how to effectively use sand trays, bibliotherapy, mindfulness, and so many other powerful techniques. Much of this conference will include active learning and hands-on participation. Get ready to learn and have fun!

    The screen acts as a safe container to connect with children and families in a way that “zooms” into their lives and homes, to deepen our understanding of their world and creates a platform to elevate and sustain engagement. I’ll show you how through the screen, you can help kids form healthy attachments, attunement and regulation.

    Join me, Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S, to see how seamlessly play therapy translates on the screen, in a webinar filled with developmentally appropriate, fun, play-based interventions to rewire the brain and create a sense of trust and safety in the child’s world. Through tele-play therapy, children learn how to interact with the world around them, communicate with others, problem solve, discover emotions and empathy, ignite their vivid imagination and much, much more! It has opened us to a new virtual platform where our therapeutic play space can continue to live on.

    This program will offer a fresh outlook leaving you and your clients hopeful, encouraged and inspired!

Play Therapy: Innovative Attachment-Centered Interventions

  • Discover how play therapy will inspire and transform your work with children, teens, and families.

    When young kids and teenagers come in for therapy, it often takes a creative and playful approach to engage them in the process and help them overcome their challenges.

    If you're looking for the best resources and creative interventions available...

    This exclusive online training is it! This is your chance to join expert play therapy trainers and discover their favourite play therapy techniques that will help kids from early childhood to teenagers...

    • develop empathetic connections

    • process their emotions

    • learn self-control

    • build resilience

    • strengthen attachments

    • and increase social skills

    …all while discovering themselves in a non-directive safe way.

    Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights into how and why the techniques work...

    Helping you make the best clinical decisions possible on which interventions to use and when they'll be the most successful.

    You’ll leave this course with a new toolbox loaded with creative and effective play-based interventions while earning up to 19.75 CPD hours.

    Bonus! You'll also get a digital copy of our new Play Therapy book for FREE – usually £24.99!.

    This eBook includes the most effective play therapy activities for ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, behaviour issues, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Therapeutic Improvisation: The Brain's Playground for Problem-Solving Anxiety-Related Disorders

  • Improvisation in the clinical setting is not about silliness and humor – it’s about how your brain changes to allow unhindered solution-oriented thinking while increasing attunement of others in your space – emotionally, verbally, and non-verbally. 

    Imagine having your clients display the deeper challenges of their ‘presenting problem’ and feeling better prepared to address what has been holding them back from experiencing feeling better.   

    This workshop will show you what’s been missing in your anxiety-related (disorders) treatment approach and reinvigorate your own creativity in the helping profession. 

    By incorporating Improv you’ll:  

    • Experience a notable shift in clients’ interfacing with you and/or each other  

    • Target anxiety, low confidence, learned avoidance behaviors and more 

    • Notice clients becoming less guarded when approaching ‘heavier’ issues  

    • Witness how the brain alters to find solutions while quieting self-judgement 

    • Watch and evaluate how ‘body up’ and ‘top down’ integration unfolds  

    • Free-form, a multi-sensory approach to enable clients to get “un-stuck” and experience relief and success—discovering their innate power to problem solve 

    • Learn Improv games designed to promote psychological safety 

    Great News: No experience needed! Improvisation follows simple rules of play and interactions that you will learn and be able to use immediately!

Subscribe today to Tammi’s YouTube channel, Imagery Through Play, follow her on Facebook, and check out Neal’s Instagram page Heal with Neal. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear of training announcements!

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