Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy
Play therapy is an approach in which toys, art, games, and other play-based materials are used to communicate therapeutically between the child and the therapist (Landreth, 2012; Kottman, 2001; Thomson & Rudolph, 2000). Play therapy has been designed to assist children in healing and developing in a healthy way. Research on the effectiveness of play therapy has been growing in the professional literature. Play therapy has been empirically studied since the 1940’s (Crenshaw & Stewart, 2015). A meta-analysis of 94 play therapy experimental research studies revealed that play therapy works with various settings, modalities, populations and play therapy theories (Crenshaw & Steweart, 2015).
Oakland Universities’ play therapy program is the only program of this kind in Michigan, and one of only eight similar programs in the midwest.
Individuals seeking advanced training in working with children, adolescents and families will benefit from this training. Play therapy training techniques will be included such as sand tray therapy, bibliotherapy, group play therapy, play therapy, techniques for working with caregivers, and age-specific strategies for assisting children and adolescents therapeutically.
The program includes play therapy specific training in order to prepare graduate students for a path towards credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or School-Based Registered Play Therapists (SB-RPT)--which are internationally recognized credentials across mental health disciplines. The program has been designed to include standards recommended by the Association of Play Therapists (APT) which is the national governing and approval body for play therapy.
The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is a 1-year, 3 semester, 12 credit program:
- CNS 7030 Introduction to Child & Adolescent Play Therapy - (4 credits)
- CNS 7035 Advanced Child & Adolescent Play Therapy - (4 credits)
- CNS 7931 Fieldwork in Child & Adolescent Play Therapy - (4 credits)
For additional info, contact:
Dr. Rebecca Vannest
(248) 370-2638
[email protected]
- Program eligibility is interdisciplinary to include mental health professionals who are eligible for a mental health license.
- Post-graduate students may take this training.
- Doctoral students from various disciplines may be eligible to take this program as a doctoral cognate area.
- A class may be used, with permission, as a masters-level elective.
This program qualifies for federal financial aid.
Department of Counseling
Department of Counseling