Why Play?
Play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993). Here are some of the benefits of play: Play is the child's language and According the Association for Play Therapy: Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and development are best fostered through play (Russ, 2004).
What is Play Therapy?
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy “as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
Why Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is an established therapy that allows children with limited ability to express themselves verbally to be able to speak with adults about their concerns. It has been used by counselors, social workers and police to help child victims of crimes or abuse. It is effective to use with children who are developing at an average pace to express their emotions and work through everyday problems.
Those who would benefit might include:
- Counselors
- Psychotherapists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Juvenile Corrections Officers
- Child Life Specialists
- And others!
Who Practices Play Therapy?
The practice of play therapy requires extensive specialized education, training, and experience. A play therapist is a licensed mental health professional or a qualified school counselor with an earned a Master's or Doctorate degree in a mental health field or a degree in school counseling with considerable general clinical experience, specific play therapy training, and supervision.
Play Therapy Credentials
The Association for Play Therapy confers credentials for Play Therapists. Clinically licensed mental health professionals or qualified school counselors can earn these credentials with advanced, specialized training, experience, and supervision: the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or the Registered Play Therapist – School Based (RPT-SB) and with additional education and training obtain Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials conferred by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). See the Association for Play Therapy's website for more information.