FAQs

• How do I become a play therapist?

  Therapists who are interested in becoming a Registered Play Therapist or Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor can apply to the Association for Play Therapy for these designations. The general educational and clinical requirements to complete this application include:

  Receipt of a master’s or doctoral degree in an approved area of study, proof that the applicant has provided the required number of direct therapy hours, and documentation that supervision has been received.

  In addition to the general clinical requirements play therapy specific training is required. This includes:

  Completion of play therapy training hours, proof that the applicant has provided the required number of play therapy direct therapy hours, and documentation that supervision has been received.

  The complete list of requirements for, and the applications to become, Registered Play Therapists and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors can be found on the Association for Play Therapy website’s “credential” section.

• Are there workshops/training programs in my area?

  A variety of workshops and training programs can be found throughout New York State. Information on those programs can be found under the “training” section of this site. Additional information can also be found on the Association for Play Therapy website’s “educ/training” section.

• Are there graduate programs that offer courses/ training in play therapy in my area?

  Several graduate programs in New York State offer courses, training and internships in play therapy. This information can be obtained by reviewing the “training” section of this website. Additional information can be obtained from the Association for Play Therapy website’s and “educ/training” section.

• I am trying to locate a supervisor. How do I go about finding one?

  The Association for Play Therapy has a complete list of all active Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors. This list can be reviewed on the Association for Play Therapy website’s “directories” section.

• It has been recommended that my child receive play therapy. What exactly is play therapy?

  Play is a child’s language. Children communicate through play the way adults communicate with words. Through play children can demonstrate their skills and express their feelings, perceptions, worries and hopes. During the process of play therapy children can be helped by a trained play therapist to deal with concerns or difficulties. New strategies and/or skills often develop during the course of the play therapy process.

  The Association for Play Therapy has defined play therapy 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.”

• How will the process work?

  There are different types of play therapy. Some are more child-centered, while others are more directive in nature. All children are different. The length and process of play therapy is impacted by a number of factors including the presenting concerns and treatment goals. Your child’s therapist can best address specific treatment process questions you may have.

• How do I find a play therapist?

  The Association for Play Therapy has a complete list of all active Registered Play Therapists and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors. This list can be reviewed on the Association for Play Therapy website’s “directories” section.

• What is the job outlook for play therapists?

  Generally good. But it all depends on where you live, and your mental health degree. From my experience, having play therapy training and the Registered Play Therapist credential is helpful in finding employment. Not everyone likes or is comfortable working with children so there is always a need for clinicians who can work with children. So having the RPT and being a play therapist does open doors!

  Cordially,
  Dr. Athena A. Drewes
  Founder and Past President Emeritus
  New York Association for Play Therapy

• What is the future prospect for play therapist?

  Generally good! As mentioned in my reply to another inquiry, having the play therapy training and Registered Play Therapist (www.a4pt.org) credential goes far in getting employment with clinics and services for children and families. It shows you are trained and skilled in working with children, which not all therapists are!

  Cordially,
  Dr. Athena A. Drewes
  Founder and Past President Emeritus
  New York Association for Play Therapy