What is a Registered Play Therapist?
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I see the term "play therapist" thrown around in the field, which is very confusing for potential clients. So, let's break this down. In order to be a Registered Play Therapist, you must complete the following:
1. Active License in the field of mental health
2. Hold a master's degree or higher in mental health
3. Complete a total of 150 hours of play therapy specific instruction, accrued in a time period of no less than two years.
4. Minimum of 350 direct client contact hours under the supervision of a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor
5. Minimum of 35 hours of play therapy supervision and five session observations
Once the above is completed you can apply to become a Registered Play Therapist. Honestly, my Play Therapy Certificate was as rigorous and time intensive as another master's degree. This is very different than those who have toys in their office and use them to facilitate therapy.
While I don't think play within therapy is bad, I do think it's important for parents & caregivers to ask what type of play therapy their child is receiving and what that will look like. I also think it is important to have a therapist who has the training and education to work with your child and their specific needs.
Things You Should Know About Play Therapy
There are different styles or types of play therapy. I offer Child Centered Play Therapy and occasionally Directive Play Therapy.
In Play Therapy, we are looking at themes that will emerge within the play. This is very different than traditional talk therapy. I communicate with caregivers what theme has emerged and what the family can do to support the client.
In Play Therapy, we are watching the "stages" unfold, which is the therapeutic process. Clients will move from exploratory play into testing for protection, dependency, therapeutic growth and finally mastery play stage. Once a client enters into mastery, discussion of termination of therapy is discussed. Typically, this takes 16+ sessions.
The goals of play therapy include the following:
Facilitates communication- self-expression, access to the unconscious, direct teaching, and indirect teaching
Fosters emotional wellness- catharsis, abreaction, positive emotions, counterconditioning fears, stress inoculation and stress management
Increases personal strengths- creative problem solving, resiliency, moral development, accelerated psychological development, self-regulation and self-esteem
Enhances social relationships- therapeutic relationship, attachment, social competence and empathy
Play Therapy is effective for who & what?
Play Therapy is an effective and preferred modality for children ages 4-12. Play therapy can help children with a wide range of issues not limited to:
Emotional and behavioral concerns: Anxiety, depression, aggression, PTSD and ADHD
Social and relational issues: Social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and difficulties in relationships
Academic and developmental issues: Reading difficulties, physical disabilities and learning disabilities
Behavioral disorders: Behavioral concerns, Conduct Disorders
Grief and loss: Divorce, abandonment, death
Trauma: Abuse, neglect, natural disasters
If your child is struggling and you think Play Therapy may be helpful for them, please reach out. I would love to discuss your situation more and how I can help. -Natalie