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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
A lady is sitting down, smiling towards a little girl, leaning towards her, writing down on a notepad, while the little girl is sitting down, playing with Legos.
Degree
  • Graduate Certificate
Location
  • The Woodlands Center
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
Length

12 Credit Hours

Gain the Foundations of Play Therapy

Who is the play therapy graduate certificate for?

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).

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.

Does this qualify me as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)?

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
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.

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.

Professor looking down, writing, while in a meeting with other people.

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

Add a Certificate Credential
to Your Résumé in 2 Terms

Full-time students can complete this program in two semesters.

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