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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.

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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

Students receive foundational knowledge of play therapy, including Advanced Play Therapy, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and Sandtray Therapy.

This certificate does not equate to an official Play Therapy certification and the RPT credential has additional requirements above the graduate certificate (i.e., clinical experience, PT specific training, licensing, and supervision).

The Play Therapy Training Institute at SHSU is an Association of Play Therapy (APT) Approved Provider (#07-211); however, students wishing to become certified Play Therapists must complete all requirements and application through the APT.

Who is this certificate for?

Students pursuing an MA in Counseling, a MEd in School Counseling, or who already have a master's degree in a counseling-related field are suitable candidates for this program.

Where and How Is This Program Available?

This graduate certificate program is earned on campus at The Woodlands Center*.

At a counseling session, a therapist is talking to his client, while she sits and smiles on a couch
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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.

  • 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 sandtray 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.

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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.

Become a Bearkat

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