Additional Information
Play therapists must be qualified to provide therapy. This requires at
least a master's degree in mental health counseling, psychology or social
work.
Many counselors choose to become certified as play therapists. Though not
required, this is strongly recommended by experts. This ensures they have
enough training to be effective. A good counselor or psychologist doesn't
necessarily make a good play therapist.
Certification usually takes one to two years. It involves classroom training
as well as supervised experience.
The Association for Play Therapy in California is the largest group that
certifies play therapists. Those who meet their qualifications become a registered
play therapist (RPT) or registered play therapist-supervisor (RPTS).
Play therapists can get classroom training at universities throughout North
America. Programs are often offered by continuing education departments.
"What we're finding is, people who can utilize play therapy with children
are viewed as having an extra benefit that agencies want," says Garry Landreth.
He's the founder and director of the Center for Play Therapy.
"The majority of people who graduate from psychology, social work and counseling
programs only know how to work with adults and teenagers. The ability to work
with small children is a bonus for an agency, so they're beginning to ask
for that designation."