This course is part of the Clinical Practicum sequence. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the principles and practice of play therapy and its application to the counselling and psychotherapy for children, adolescents and families. Students will have gained a basic understanding of the history and development of play therapy, an understanding of various theoretical models of play therapy, rationale for the use of play in therapy, and phrase of the client’s progress in play therapy. Specific emphases will be place on child-centered play therapy. Students will be engaged in practice activities like developing therapeutic rapport, conducting a play-based assessment, setting up of a playroom and selecting therapeutic play materials. Through these processes, students will develop an integrated understanding of children’s unique needs and will acquire the necessary play therapy skills needed to facilitate children’s expression, self-understanding, personal growth, and development.

1. Describe a developmentally appropriate view of the child, including typical growth and development, health and wellness, and language ability.

 

2. Describe the historical and theoretical development of play therapy.

 

3. Explain ethical principles and legal considerations when working with children and appropriate multicultural considerationsAnalyze test results and write reports for test protocols.

 

4. Explain the rationale for using play therapy, the basic principles and concepts of play therapy, and the purpose of toys and materials recommended for play therapy.

 

5. Apply basic skills of child-centered play therapy approach including tracking, reflecting feelings, self-esteem building, and therapeutic limit setting, in a counselling relationship with a child.

 

 

6. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different therapeutic play modalities.