Oklahoma Association for Play Therapy

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Did you hear the news?

Mandy Jones-Fischer, LCSW, JD, RPT-S is joining us for the 2027 OKAPT Annual Conference!

Get ready for two days of learning, connection, and creativity with play therapists from across Oklahoma and beyond.

�� Save the date: January 29-30, 2027

More details coming soon!

06/17/2026

Ready for a little connection, conversation, and community? 🎈

Join your fellow members for an upcoming networking dinner! This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and build relationships with others who are passionate about play therapy.

Please be sure to RSVP so we can plan accordingly. And while the networking is on us, dinner is on you—each attendee will be responsible for purchasing their own meal. 🍽️😊

We can't wait to see you there!

06/15/2026

The Oklahoma Association for Play Therapy honors the life and legacy of Dr. Garry Landreth. His pioneering contributions to play therapy and lifelong dedication to children and families have profoundly shaped our field. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the global play therapy community.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Garry L. Landreth, EdD, LPC, RPT-S. While the world knew him as a foundational pioneer, author, and beloved leader in the play therapy community, his greatest pride and joy was his family. Garry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and our thoughts are foremost with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Garry dedicated his life to championing the emotional lives of children through his teaching, research, and unwavering mentorship that will continue to inspire generations of professionals. As the founder of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas and a longtime, cherished pillar of the Association for Play Therapy, Garry helped shape the play therapy profession from the ground up. His groundbreaking work in Child-Centered Play Therapy and his influential book, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, taught us all how to truly connect with the healing power of a child's world.

To the APT community, Garry was so much more than a leader in play therapy. He shared his knowledge as a teacher, his wisdom as a mentor, and his heart as a friend. His strong sense of humility and deep belief in the capacity of every child to heal left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Garry’s remarkable legacy lives on through the thousands of clinicians, he trained the countless children and families touched by his legacy, and the gentle wisdom he brought to our field.

On behalf of the Association for Play Therapy, we extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, his former students, and all those around the world who are mourning this immense loss.

06/08/2026

It's never too early... and we're simply too excited to wait! 🎉

Mark your calendars for the OKAPT 2027 Annual Conference, taking place January 29–30, 2027, in Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Join fellow play therapists, mental health professionals, and students for two days of learning, connection, inspiration, and fun. We're already looking forward to bringing our play therapy community together for another incredible conference experience.

Stay tuned for more details, including speakers, registration information, and special opportunities to get involved!

📍 Tulsa, Oklahoma
📅 January 29–30, 2027

Who else is excited? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

06/05/2026

Whether you're a fan of classic glazed, chocolate frosted, jelly-filled, maple bar, or something topped with sprinkles, today is the perfect excuse to enjoy a sweet treat!

Tell us: What's your favorite donut and why? 🍩

We'd love to hear your picks in the comments!

06/04/2026

🎨 Calling All Creative Play Therapists! 🎨

We're excited to announce our Design a Sticker Contest for the 2027 Annual Conference!

This year's theme is Attachment, and we want to see your creativity shine. Design a sticker that captures the power of connection, relationships, and healing through play.

🏆 The winning design will:
✨ Be distributed to all 2027 Annual Conference attendees
✨ Earn the designer $25 to spend with conference vendors

Whether you're an artist, doodler, or creative thinker, this is your chance to leave your mark on our conference and inspire fellow play therapists.

📧 Submit your design to: [email protected]

We can't wait to see your ideas come to life!

06/02/2026

Got something to say about SUPERVISION OR ETHICS?

OKAPT would love to hear all about your ideas and see you present at our 2027 Annual Conference!

We’re looking for members who are willing to step up, share their insights, and spark meaningful conversations around these important topics. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just curious about trying it out, this is a great opportunity to contribute to our learning community.

We’re hoping to line up our speakers by the end of June, so don’t wait too long to throw your hat in the ring. Let’s learn, grow, and maybe even have a little fun along the way! Submit your ideas here. https://tinyurl.com/269ema2j

05/26/2026

We are pleased to spotlight Mindy Atkinson MA, LPC of Thrive Christian Counseling in Edmond!

What does being a play therapist mean to you?
Being a play therapist means entering into a child’s world, listening, and observing, and allowing space for them to “say” (play) whatever they need to or want to in the moment! It means empowering the next generation and making a beautiful tomorrow!

What are your favorite play interventions?
I love my Jenga blocks with prompts and questions to break the ice for adolescents and teens. I also love teaching bracelet making and allowing expressive arts and crafts!

How do you stay playful?
Being outside in nature, reading, and traveling.

Learn more: https://www.thriveccokc.com/mindy-atkinson-lpc