PLAY THERAPY

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of Play than in a year of conversation"  Plato

What is Play Therapy?

The foundation of play therapy is based on the understanding that play is a child's language. Play is a natural world for children. You don't have to teach children how to play. In fact, it is a child's natural (developmental) way to communicate. Even nonverbal children are able to communicate through play.  Play therapy provides children the ability to process their external world, their internal world and difficult life experiences without the need for words and used as a therapeutic method assists the individual in coping with emotional stress or trauma.

Play is not only useful for children in therapy. In fact, there are many different ways to use play with teenagers and adults. While it may not look exactly the same, there are many benefits to allowing the space for all ages to play and find that inner child. Often, it is the connection to that inner child that allows for healing to begin.


What is a Registered Play Therapist/Registered Play Therapist Supervisor?

A Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has undergone extensive training including continuing education, field experience and additional supervised hours specifically in play therapy. A Registered Play Therapist holds a Master's Degree and is a licensed clinician. In addition to their general training and experience, a RPT has over 100 hours of specialized training, experience and supervision. A Registered Play Therapist Supervisor has additional specialized training to supervise those clinicians working toward becoming credentialed as a Play Therapist. While many clinicians use play, RPT/RPTS are required to seek continuing education specifically to enhance their knowledge of play.