Career as Play Therapist
Play therapy is defined 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” (Henderson & Thompson, 2011). The career as a play therapist is an expanding career that emphasizes children and their families. Having coursework in child studies is essential in preparing to work in this field. Play therapists use a variety of modalities to help a child to improve their overall well-being (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). The interaction between the play therapist and the child supports the child’s growth and development …show more content…
To practice as a play therapist, a person must be certified (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). The Association of Play Therapy has guidelines to register or become certified as a play therapist (Vernon, 2009). To become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), a person has to get their masters in a mental health degree. Having coursework in child development is essential. As required by state licensure, a person must have completed their general clinical experience. They must then complete 150 hours of play therapy training from higher education or APT approved training. To complete the training, there must be 50 hours under direct supervision and 500 hours of working in play therapy under supervision (E. Gott, personal communication, March 3, 2015). A play therapist must have an understanding about the developmental processes of a child and their needs to successfully and appropriately help the child through play. The level of a play therapists training has a great influence on their effectiveness (Henderson & Thompson, …show more content…
From 2011 to 2012, there was an increase of 13 percent. This increase for the field is as fast as the national average for other occupations. It is projected for the number of those employed to continue to grow. The job prospects are best for those who are certified. In 2012, 19,800 people were employed as a recreational therapist of some kind. It is projected that by the year 2022, 22,500 will be employed. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). Play therapy is an expanding field. With more research, play therapy will become more credible, thus causing an increase in its use and usefulness (Urquiza, 2010).
Similar occupations
There are many similar occupations to play therapy. There is the broader recreational therapist, which entails play therapy and a number of other therapies. There are also school counselors, who may use play therapy. Special education teachers are also similar. Occupational and psychical therapists have similar jobs as well (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014).
Conclusion
Taking all of this into account, play therapy is a job that takes many different modalities and views into consideration. It is effective, important, and a growing field. To become a registered play therapist, there is a lot of training that must be completed and a person must be licensed. A play therapist must be educated about children and families to effectively help a child. Having a child and families
Play therapy is defined 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” (Henderson & Thompson, 2011). The career as a play therapist is an expanding career that emphasizes children and their families. Having coursework in child studies is essential in preparing to work in this field. Play therapists use a variety of modalities to help a child to improve their overall well-being (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). The interaction between the play therapist and the child supports the child’s growth and development …show more content…
To practice as a play therapist, a person must be certified (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). The Association of Play Therapy has guidelines to register or become certified as a play therapist (Vernon, 2009). To become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), a person has to get their masters in a mental health degree. Having coursework in child development is essential. As required by state licensure, a person must have completed their general clinical experience. They must then complete 150 hours of play therapy training from higher education or APT approved training. To complete the training, there must be 50 hours under direct supervision and 500 hours of working in play therapy under supervision (E. Gott, personal communication, March 3, 2015). A play therapist must have an understanding about the developmental processes of a child and their needs to successfully and appropriately help the child through play. The level of a play therapists training has a great influence on their effectiveness (Henderson & Thompson, …show more content…
From 2011 to 2012, there was an increase of 13 percent. This increase for the field is as fast as the national average for other occupations. It is projected for the number of those employed to continue to grow. The job prospects are best for those who are certified. In 2012, 19,800 people were employed as a recreational therapist of some kind. It is projected that by the year 2022, 22,500 will be employed. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). Play therapy is an expanding field. With more research, play therapy will become more credible, thus causing an increase in its use and usefulness (Urquiza, 2010).
Similar occupations
There are many similar occupations to play therapy. There is the broader recreational therapist, which entails play therapy and a number of other therapies. There are also school counselors, who may use play therapy. Special education teachers are also similar. Occupational and psychical therapists have similar jobs as well (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014).
Conclusion
Taking all of this into account, play therapy is a job that takes many different modalities and views into consideration. It is effective, important, and a growing field. To become a registered play therapist, there is a lot of training that must be completed and a person must be licensed. A play therapist must be educated about children and families to effectively help a child. Having a child and families