A Definition of Play Therapy
Play Therapy uses a variety of play and creative arts techniques (the 'Play Therapy Tool-Kit (TM)' to alleviate chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions in children that are causing behavioural problems and/or are preventing children from realising their potential.
The Play Therapist works integratively using a wide range of play and creative arts techniques, mostly responding to the child's wishes. This distinguishes the Play Therapist from more specialised therapists (Art, Music, Drama etc). The greater depth of skills and experience distinguishes a play therapist from those using therapeutic play skills. In order to become a Certified Play Therapist a minimum number of hours of supervised clinical work is required whilst in training. This varies according to country. These variations take into account the maturity of the play therapy profession, high in Canada and the USA , emergent in Europe and nascent in other countries. PTI does not want to discourage entrants to the profession where play therapy is not established because the training and practice hours are set too high. The minimum levels are set to ensure safe and effective practice.
Number of hours supervised clinical practice required whilst in training: