Toys and Their Uses

This course will help the play therapist match play materials with treatment objectives. Imaginative play and art materials meet the child's need for symbolic expression of his/her representational world, strengthening of sense of self, catharsis, resolution of internal conflicts, and mastery of external challenges. Structured play materials, tasks, and therapeutic games can be used to achieve specific goals, such as awareness of emotion, self-regulation, and increasing self-esteem and social skills. These principles are conveyed with didactic, case discussion, and experiential methods.