• One-day introduction
• Three-day introduction
• One-week introduction to Play Therapy
• Intensive Certificate Programs

ONE - DAY INTRODUCTION

This program introduces participants to the therapeutic play continuum, which differentiates basic play activities from therapeutic play and play therapy. Non-directive and directive play techniques used in play therapy are exemplified and participants will experience these through a variety of play mediums: sandplay, puppet play; dramatic/symbolic play, and art work. Throughout the day, participants are provided with hands-on, experiential learning activities that illustrate both the developmental and healing qualities of play. The program also addresses employment opportunities and training requirements for those who wish to use play therapeutically with children.

Who Should Attend?

This One-Day Introduction will appeal to those interested in learning about the wide-ranging applications of therapeutic play skills and play therapy, and who are examining career pathways and choices. Participants come from various backgrounds including students, administrators, employers and practitioners. Individuals interested in working with children in various capacities such as an Educational Assistant, Child Care Counselor, Teacher, and School Counselor, commonly attend this introductory program. Due to the demand for this course, it is held at least four times a year in Calgary.

Entrance Requirements: Attending or completed post-secondary education.

Award: Certificate of Attendance (7 hours of IBECPT Accredited Training)           back to top

THREE - DAY INTRODUCTION

The program includes an introduction to the history of play therapy and the continuum of play therapy approaches. Both nondirective and directive play therapy techniques will be examined. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a number of play mediums such as sandplay, clay, puppets, music, movement and art. Video examples will be provided and case discussions are welcome. Use of play as a way of intervening in specific settings is reviewed according to agency expectations and guidelines.

Who Should Attend?

The Three-Day customized training program (yellow stream) offers an introduction to play therapy for individuals working in a various child focused settings such as schools, shelters, counseling agencies, youth and child-care organizations, child protection service providers, and hospitals. Any agencies that offer services to children may be interested in participating in this training. This general interest and skills identification training will be useful to those participants who would like an introduction to play therapy or to those who are in the process of deciding on a professional path to certification in the future.

Entrance Requirements: Attending or completed post-secondary education.

Areas Covered

• What is play therapy?
• History of play therapy
• Play Therapy approaches
• Play mediums
• Ways to include play interventions in specific settings
• Case examples

Learning Objectives

• Become aware of the origins of play therapy
• Learn about a variety of play therapy approaches
• Experience a variety of play mediums
• Identify ways play may be used in specific child focused setting

Learning Methods

• Experiential activities
• Video presentations
• Case Examples
• Slides

Award: Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Attendees may stop here or use the credits toward certification in Play Therapy.

How can I apply these skills? Participants will be able to identify children who may be in need of play therapy. They will have the ability to view children’s play from a therapeutic point of view and begin to identify issues through the medium of play. Some play techniques will be applicable in various settings.      back to top

One-Week Intensive: Overview of Play Therapy and Special Topics

The program is an extended introduction to play therapy. The intensive program provides a broad overview of the areas related to play therapy such as the play therapy process, the continuum of directiveness and when and how to intervene using play. The program is designed to orient participants to the various considerations when using play with children. There is a strong focus on self-development, use of self and experiential exercises. An introduction to ethics in play therapy and case conceptualization is included in the intensive training. Participants will be focused on interventions related to working with children with mild to moderate issues.

Who Should Attend?

The One-Week Intensive training program (yellow stream) offers an introduction and overview of play therapy to those agencies and/or individuals who work with children and families. The program will appeal to those who are interested in extending their exposure to play therapy beyond the 3-day training experience. It will appeal to those who do not wish to continue in the certificate programs or to those who are considering entrance into the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills Program. Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Youth and Child Care Workers, Early Childhood Education Workers, Educators, Nurses, Occupational Therapists and Children’s Mental Health Counselors may all be interested in the intensive training.

Entrance Requirements: Attending or completed post-secondary education.

Areas Covered

• Models of play therapy: The continuum of directiveness
• Introduction to the Play Therapy Dimensions Model
• Symbolism: Working with metaphors
• Stages of Play Therapy
• Expressive art and play techniques
• Role of play therapists
• Ethics in play therapy
• Case conceptualization and documentation
• Experiential exercises
• Self-development activities
• Role plays
• Videotaped demonstrations
• Pharmacology

Learning Objectives

• Gain an understanding of play therapy and it’s various applications
• Understand your role as a play therapist
• Identify areas related to case conceptualization
• Experience play therapy mediums
• Provide opportunities for self-development
• Identify ethics related to working with children

Methods

• Experiential activities
• Video presentations
• Case examples
• Slides

Awards: Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Attendees may stop here or use the credits toward certification in Play Therapy.

How can I apply these skills? Participants will be able to follow a basic case conceptualization process and identify ways to work with children with mild to moderate difficulties. They may use specific play techniques in their own settings and identify children who are in need of play therapy with a Certified Play Therapist.

Intensive Certificate Programs

Specialized Topics in Play Therapy:  One, Two and Five - Day Certificate Programs

 RMPTI offers a number of specialized one and two day programs.  Each program provides training hours toward Certification as a Play Therapist.  The Five - Day Certificate Programs offer specialized experiential training, leading to a stand alone certificate.  Practitioners may apply any of these training days toward the 30 day training requirement for full Certification as a Play Therapist.

Please check the training calendar for upcoming dates.

Please click on the title to obtain a printable pdf program description and outline.

Five-Day Certificate Programs:

Certificate in Sandplay

Certificate in Comprehensive Play-Based Assessments

Certificate in Attachment-Based Play Therapy

Certificate in Portable Play-based School Counseling

Certificate in Play-based Treatment of Trauma

Certificate in Play-Based Relationship Enhancement

Two Day Programs

Play Therapy with Dissociative Children and Adolescents

Merging spheres: Techniques for involving children in brief family work.

How to Use the Play Therapy Dimensions Model in Your Practice

Facilitative Play Techniques

One Day Programs

Expert Witness Testimony For Play Therapists

Working with Metaphors and Storytelling

Play Therapy with Children of Divorce

Play Therapy for Bullies and Victims

Brief Play Techniques to Resolve Issues Related to Children’s Adjustment

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