The Red Stream Advanced Theory and Techniques program provides 75 hours of approved/certified training (9 days face-to-face; 7 hours equivalent on-line). The Red Stream program is designed for those in post-secondary or graduate programs who wish to enhance their current professional designations. As an advanced program, participants must have taken the Green Stream Foundations of Play Therapy program (or equivalent). Combined, these two programs offer 150 hours of approved training. During the course, participants will accumulate the equivalent of 4 hours of group supervision. Individual supervision is also available upon request (occurring outside of course hours).

It is recommended that participants have a background in child development and are actively working with children in a treatment-oriented setting.

The Red Stream Advanced Theory and Techniques program course is divided into five, two-day modules. Each module will include core topics necessary to certify as a play therapist. There is a heavy emphasis on specialized play therapy techniques and special topics. Participants have an opportunity to practice skills in fully equipped play therapy rooms. Group learning emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, along with group consultation. The goal of this program is to expand assessment and treatment planning skills, increase competence in the use of various play therapy modalities, and gain practical skills as a practitioner in play therapy. Students are to submit a detailed case study to facilitate integration of course material. Students will have three months to complete the required written assignment.

To access program dates see the training calendar. Cost of program:$1845.00 plus GST ($461.25 deposit), for full details please refer to the application form.

Who Should Attend?

The Red Stream Advanced Theory and Techniques in Play Therapy program will be of interest to those practitioners who are currently working with children in a treatment-oriented setting. Those currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions or graduate programs may also use this program as a way to build on their current professional designations. As an advanced course this will enhance you ability to market a specialization as well as prepare for Certification as a Play Therapist.

Entrance Requirements : Attending or completed post-secondary education. Completion of the Foundations of Play Therapy Program (or equivalent)

Assigned Text Books:

1. Play Therapy Dimensions Model: A Decision-Making Guide for Therapists (Yasenik & Gardner, 2004) NOTE: This book is provided free to all course participants.

2. Contemporary Play Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practices. Schaefer, C. E & Kaduson, H. G. (2006) New York, NY: Guilford Publications.

3*. International Handbook of Play Therapy: Advances in Assessment, Theory, Research and Practice. Edited by C. Schaefer (2005) J.Aronson, Publisher.
*(Main text for online component)

Location of Training: Customized training is held at your agency site or at the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute in Calgary, Alberta Canada.

Module Descriptions

Module 1:

On Line Component (7 hours equivalent): Advanced Treatment Planning using the Play Therapy Dimensions Model

• Use of the PTDM in supervision
• Use of the Client Moderating Factors Form in your practice
• Use of the Immersion/Therapist Self-Evaluation Scale
• Use of the PTDM Tracking and Observation Form
• Practical exercises using case examples

There is a mastery test to complete at the end of the on-line section to demonstrate understanding or core concepts. Participants will also answer specific questions based on the assigned text books.

Day 1: Attachment: Play Based Interventions and Approaches

• Identify primary domains for tracking attachment behavior
• Co-regulation and the psychobiology of attachment
• The Filial Therapy Approach
• Theraplay Approach
• Considering adult attachment organization when working with children and caregivers

Module 2:

Day 1: Spontaneous Creative Interventions in Play Therapy

• How to make use of case conceptualization and tracking of themes
• Having supplies available to move art into play and play into art
• Freeing your spirit – using intuition versus structured games
• Turning structured games and activities into unstructured, non-directive activities
• Using children’s creativity in play sessions
• Finding ways to see that “what looks like nothing is often something important”

Day 2: Family Play Therapy

• Defining Family Play Therapy
• Important elements and phases of brief Family Play Therapy
• Preparing the family members for play sessions
• Family Play Assessment
• Providing feedback to parents
• Role play opportunities using a case vignette

Module 3

Day 1: Group Play Therapy

• Directive and Non-directive play therapy groups
• Group design and process
• Power of group dynamics
• Caregiver roles
• Monitoring progress

Day 2: Facilitative Play Approaches with Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Examining PDD and ASD from a play-based perspective
• Facilitative play strategies
• Including parents as agents of change
• Goal setting and tracking progress
• Experiential exercises

Module 4:

Day 1: Advanced Sandplay

• Understanding sandplay theories and the therapy process
• Use of sandplay therapy with children; what to expect at different developmental stages
• Experiential exercises: static and dynamic sandtrays
• Using sandplay with specific referral issues: trauma, divorce, adjustment issues
• Special considerations when working with siblings or families

Day 2: Working with Highly Aggressive Children

• Pathways to aggressive and disruptive behaviors
• How play therapy fits within a multi-modal treatment approach
• Effectively managing aggressive behaviors in the play room
• Moving along a continuum of interventions; decision-making factors
• Integrating various models/approaches to play therapy (Cognitive Behavioral, Adlerian, Gestalt, etc.)

Module 5:

Day 1: Working with Anxious or Depressed Children

• Identifying internalizing problems through children’s play
• Examining and enhancing resiliency factors
• Considerations for treatment planning: goals setting in areas such as coping skills and self-esteem
• Specific play-based techniques for the anxious or depressed child (e.g., therapeutic storytelling, psychodrama, music & movement)

Day 2: Ethics and the Law

• Understanding the therapeutic contract: Who is the client?
• The Play Therapist as Expert Witness (video example)
• Examining best-practices and competency issues
• Tips for safeguarding your practice
• Therapist safe-care and self-evaluation
• Ethical supervision
• Advance group discussion: ethical dilemmas

Learning Objectives

To provide participants with an opportunity to integrate play therapy theory and techniques, as applied to specific referral issues and populations. Upon successful completion of the five modules each participant will have gained:

• An understanding of how to utilize family play therapy strategies
  
• An ability to identify the sandplay process and applications of sandplay therapy to working with children at different developmental stages
  
• An awareness of play-based behaviors exhibited in children with internalizing difficulties and an understanding of specific intervention strategies
  
• An advanced understanding of ethical and legal issues for play therapy practitioners
  
• An ability to engage and work with children with disruptive and aggressive behaviors
  
• An understanding of play-based approaches for enhancing attachment
  
• An understanding of the play therapy process and the role of the play therapist
  
• An ability to set up play therapy groups and tailor interventions for specific referral issues
  
• An ability to make use of the intuitive self
  
• An awareness of the competencies required for setting up an effective play therapy practice

Instructional Methods

• Experiential activities
• Video presentations
• Case examples
• Slides
• Role plays and video taping
• Session seminars
• Reading assignments
• Written exercises
• Small group activities

Group supervision & consultation

Certificate Award

Participants will receive a Certificate in Advanced Theory and Techniques in Play Therapy from RMPTI. The certificate confirms the completion of 75 hours of specialized play therapy training approved by APT and CACPT. A record of 4 hours of supervision is also provided. All training hours count toward certification as Play Therapist. The Certificate is awarded on the basis of:
• Satisfactory completion of a written case study
• Continuous evaluation by instructor of course work contributions and core competencies using a structured feedback form
• Satisfactory attendance (no whole module may be missed unless there are extenuating circumstances. A makeup assignment may be requested depending on time missed)

How can I apply these skills? Participants will be able to work with a range of presenting issues utilizing multiple play therapy techniques in an integrated manner. Participants will have the ability to work with children individually, in groups, and in a family setting. Upon completion of the program participants will be able to develop detailed case plans and tailor interventions to specific populations.

* For certification/registration standards as a Play Therapist go to Insert link for CACPT Certification Standards and for APT. For an abbreviated description of standards, and how our programs can help you achieve certification click here (I would like to do up a brief summary to avoid countless e-mail questions)

How can I apply these skills?

Participants will be able to work as play therapists, applying play-based assessment and treatment approaches to a variety of referral issues. The play therapist will be conversant in a number of play modalities, such as art, music, puppets and sandplay, and be able to tailor interventions accordingly. A thorough understanding of the play therapy process, and various theories of child psychology and psychotherapy, will allow you to represent your work through written reports as well as during case conferences. Additionally, participants will learn how to work effectively with families and various referral sources, providing timely and effective interventions. You will have obtained the skills necessary for establishing a practice as a play therapist or to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

For an overview of the Red Stream program click here.
(pdf file - you will need Adobe Reader)

* For more information on certification/standards as a Play Therapist go to
Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy - CACPT
The Association for Play Therapy - APT.

For an abbreviated description of standards, and how our programs can help you achieve certification click here