Description:

This introductory course is designed to present a broad, state-of-the-art overview of the field of play therapy. Topics include theories of play, therapeutic properties of play, developmental perspectives, history and major schools of play therapy, specific play therapy techniques and strategies, play equipment and materials, case illustrations, and empirical research. Digital tools will be used in the play to illustrate the effectiveness of Digital Play Therapy. Videotapes of play therapy in action will supplement the didactic presentation.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify three major theories of play therapy.
• List the four main groups of the therapeutic powers of play as change agents for play therapy.
• Describe the difference between play therapy for children vs. talk therapy
• Discuss three practical play therapy techniques
• Describe two digital tools to use with children in play therapy
• Demonstrate knowledge about play and play therapy – how to initiate and facilitate.