PLAY THERAPY TRAINING PROGRAM The Play Therapy training program intends to meet the required skills for individuals and professionals who seek continuing development in their work with children. The syllabus covers 3 levels of certification in the application of Play Therapy principles in various settings where children and older individuals are served. Three levels of skills training will be given. Level I Play Practice (CTPP) Bachelor s Degree (any) OR Professional Diploma in Counseling Arts, Drama, Music, Dance Social Services Psychology, Counseling, Psychotherapy Teacher Training, Educ, SPED Medical/Allied Medical Training (Doctor, Nursing, OT, Speech, PT) Human Resources CEFAM or similar diploma (CPT) Education 1. Masteral or doctoral degree, with the following courses Child Devt/ Dev Psych Theories of Personality Principles of Counseling and Psychotherapy Child & Adolescent Psychopathology 2. PRC registered or licensed professional (if PRC application is ongoing, prior clinical experience or practice in mental health: 2,000 hours or 3 hours/day for 2 years)
Level I Play Practice (CTP) Any practice with children, families, medical patients (especially children) (CPT) Work Experience Working with children, families 1. Active clinical practice in general mental health : at least 5,000 hours after Licensure or Graduation from MA, which corresponds to a total of 40 hours per week for 2.5 to 3 years (wherein 35 hours a week can be dedicated to testing, counseling, teaching, coaching, training) 2. Play Therapy Specific Experience Independent Practice: 5,000 hours general clinical practice, 1,000 hours of which should be of play therapy activity with adolescents, adults or family, individual or in groups OR 5 hours/week play therapy practice for 4 years (preferably with a group for peer supervision purposes) Training in Therapeutic Play, Play Therapy, and Play Therapy Supervision 1. Basic Play Therapy Workshop 1 (BPT1) 24 hours OR Graduate level course on Play Therapy + 1-day orientation on Child- Directed Play Therapy (CDPT) OR 1. Existing Play (or its equivalent) 2. Advanced Play Therapy Workshop 1 (APT1) 3. Advanced Play Therapy Workshop 2 (APT2) 1. Play Therapy Supervision Workshop 2. Play Therapy Supervision Study Group
Basic Foundations of Play Therapy from any member association of Play Therapy International + 1-day orientation on Child-Directed Play Therapy (CDPT) 2. Basic Play Therapy Workshop 2 (BPT2) 16 hours Level I Play Practice (CTP) 100 hours of Supervised Play Practice under a CPTS involving Mild Cases only (part of the supervised hours should include direct contact with the supervisor for case discussion and case presentation by the trainee) 18 hours of 1. Attendance and participation in case discussions of mild cases using a certain expressive art medium 2. Attendance of recommended brown bag sharings (CPT) Supervised Play Therapy Practice 100 hours of Supervised Play Practice under a CPTS involving Moderate to Severe Cases Attendance in Case Presentations 18 hours of Case conferences involving Moderate to Severe cases
PLAY THERAPY CURRICULUM Basic Play Therapy Workshop 1 (BPT1) Basic Play Therapy Workshop 2 (BPT2) understand the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of Play Therapy differentiate therapeutic play from play therapy gain an awareness of the self as instrument in the therapeutic process observe strengths and challenges in handling children with mild concerns observe ethical considerations in play therapy, e.g., recognizing their capabilities and limitations with children, knowing when to refer gain feedback about their own practical implementation of play therapy gain a more concrete understanding of the principles of Play Therapy through viewing of real play therapy scenarios, listening to feedback and questions, and participating in the discussion develop new perspectives of the practice of Play Therapy in terms of Directive/Non-directive Approach and Understanding of Symbols appreciate the application of therapeutic play engage in articulating strengths and challenges of the child client and process needs of the client vs. goals of referring party assess where they are in their development as therapists
Advanced Play Therapy Workshop 1 (APT1) Advanced Play Therapy Workshop 2 (APT2) conceptualize a case distinguish between normal vs. exceptional play appreciate play therapy application in moderate to severe cases such as PTSD, Depression, Disruptive Behavior involving Rage, complicated family dynamics identify the possible diagnostic cluster of children with moderate to severe concerns apply principles learned in Advanced Play Therapy 1 (APT1) when working with their clients identify and formulate goals for child, have a system for tracking progress identify moments when they are stuck and what they can do describe at least 4-6 different approaches to play therapy and reflect on how to integrate them in practice work with parents, family members, teachers and other allied professionals refer to ethical framework when necessary