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College of Education

Play Therapy

Build toward something greater by gaining the academic training required for licensure as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), with focused instruction in therapeutic play modalities.

Related programs
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Degree
  • Graduate Certificate
Location
  • The Woodlands Center
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
Length

12 Credit Hours

Gain the Foundations of Play Therapy

Students may submit an application through graduate studies as either degree seeking or non-degree seeking. Students must indicate at the time of application that they wish to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. Current students of counselor education, who did not select the certificate at the time of admission, may request an Add On Certificate.

While the Play Therapy Institute at SHSU is an APT Approved Provider 07-211; APT alone holds the right to accept or deny any academic training or continuing education training at its discretion.

The 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is designed for students in the SHSU Department of Counselor Education as well as for post-master's professionals in counseling and other mental health related fields who want to specialize in play therapy and/or work towards their professional registration through the national organization (Association for Play Therapy, APT).

The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy provides all 150 credit hours required for Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentialing through the Association for Play Therapy (APT). However, applicants must also complete the required supervised clinical experience and direct play therapy supervision hours as part of the full RPT credentialing process. Please check Mental Health Professionals for more information.

Mental Health Professionals

Application Deadlines

Fall 

  • August 1

Spring

  • December 15

Summer

  • May 15
At a counseling session, a therapist is talking to his client, while she sits and smiles on a couch
Students in Play Therapy will have the skills to use play-based techniques that help children express emotions, build resilience, and achieve therapeutic goals.

Play Therapy Foundations

While this certificate does not equate to an official Play Therapy certification and the RPT credential has additional requirements, this certificate does offer a foundational academic knowledge for students wishing to pursue Registered Play Therapist designation, including advanced training evidence-based counseling services for children. This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a FAFSA.

  • Beyond the Basics

    The courses in this program are designed to enhance the counselor’s understanding of the relationship between the child’s world, as perceived by the child, and their behavior. Courses cover the major theories of play therapy to facilitate the child’s self-exploration, self-expression, self-understanding, and personal growth. Counselors apply extensive practical research experience relative to play therapy utilizing case analysis, theoretical application, and current research issues and trends.

  • Connect Theory with Practice

    Courses in this program provide didactic and experiential methods to enhance a student's knowledge, skills and competence in using sand tray as a therapeutic intervention for patients of all ages. The curricula includes knowledge of the literature of the discipline and ongoing student engagement to develop approaches for putting counseling theories into practice in helping children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties in their developmental, personal and social growth.

  • Professional Application

    In addition to foundational education for specialized training toward RPT designation managed by the APT, strengthen broader knowledge to enhance competencies as a counselor. Gain advanced skill and intervention training when providing counseling services to children, and build upon knowledge of challenges specifically encountered by children.

In order for the certificate to be included in student transcripts, students must complete and submit the Graduate Certificate Completion Form once they complete all certificate courses. Students will also receive a physical graduate certificate issued by graduate studies.

 Graduate Certificate Completion Form

At a counseling session, a therapist is speaking to his client with a notebook on his lap and a pen in his hand, while his client in in a wheelchair holding a cup of water.

Find Your Future Career

Gain specific training in Play Therapy to start your path toward a Registered Play Therapist and a career as in counseling.

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Expert Counseling Faculty

Our faculty bring extensive experience and recognized expertise in the field of counseling, combining research, clinical practice, and real-world application to prepare the next generation of counseling professionals.

Cultivate community wellness

Explore the Department of Counselor Education, train under licensed professionals. Learn how to provide accessible mental health services to the community. 

Department Website  COE Grad Programs

Become a Bearkat

Ready to learn how SHSU can help you or to start your application today? Our team is here to help. Call 936-339-0148