Play is the universal language of children. Play therapy is a natural form of communication that allows children to communicate their awareness of what is occurring in their world in a manner that is cognitively and developmentally appropriate.
Play therapy courses provide school and mental health counselors with useful research-based tools and techniques to help children and adolescents through a variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, aggression or impulsive anger, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and low self-esteem.
Plymouth State University’s play therapy courses provide post-master’s counseling professionals and master’s degree students with prior coursework in counseling children with the educational requirements to move toward certification as registered play therapists through the Association for Play Therapy (APT). APT requires 150 hours of education in play therapy related topics.
Course Offerings
Summer 2012
CO 7560 Special Topics: Play Therapy for the Traumatized Child
1 credit
August 9 and 10, 2012; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this course, post-graduate counselors will gain the therapeutic skills and experience to treat children and adolescents who experience anxiety and trauma. The neuroscience of how children store and process negative and frightening experiences will be covered in depth. Directive and nondirective techniques will be explored. Class format includes lectures, discussions, and experiential skill building.
Fall 2012
CO 7560 Special Topics: Play Therapy: Beyond the Basics
1 credit
October 11 and 12, 2012; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This post-graduate course will review theories of nondirective and integrative play therapy with emphasis on recognizing stages of play therapy and interpretation of metaphors in the play. Participants will learn more about facilitative language, silence, and following the child’s lead to promote growth and healing. The focus will be on how to assess and develop interventions with high-conflict families and/or situations. Class format includes lectures, discussions, and case reviews.
Winter 2013
CO 7560 Special Topics: Play Therapy for Special Populations
1 credit
February 1 and 2, 2013; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This course offers an in-depth study of special client populations including spectrum disorders, Sensory Deficit Disorder, ADHD, and children with dysregulation and anger issues. Efficacy-based play therapy methods will be defined and assessment methods discussed. Class format includes lectures, discussions, reflections, case histories, skill development, and group supervision.
Spring 2013
CO 7560 Special Topics: Experiential Play Therapies
1 credit
April 6 and 7, 2013; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this course, post-graduate counselors will gain skills in the use of metaphoric play therapies. A broad overview of experiential methods including sand tray therapy, bibliotherapy, and puppet therapy will be explored. The history of play therapy, developmental perspectives, beliefs, and techniques will be covered. Class format includes lectures, discussions, sand tray exploration, and skill development.
Note: A one-credit PSU play therapy course is equivalent to 22.5 education hours towards the 150 required by the Association for Play Therapy.
For More Information
To begin planning your program, contact:
- DeeDee Nold, LICSW, RPT-S Play Therapy Faculty, (603) 968-3507 or e-mail: djnold@plymouth.edu
