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Play Therapy Courses

Transform Lives Through the Power of Play

Important Announcement: Play Therapy Courses Ending After Summer 2025

We appreciate your interest in our Play Therapy courses! Please note that these courses will no longer be offered after summer quarter 2025. If you plan to complete your studies in Play Therapy, we encourage you to enroll before the final session.
In the world of child therapy, toys aren't just toys—they're words waiting to be spoken, and play isn't just play—it's a powerful language of healing and growth. As a trained play therapist, you'll learn to decode this universal language, helping children express what they cannot say with words alone.

Formally, the Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
 

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to expressive therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children and has been shown to help them
  • Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
  • Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
  • Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
  • Learn to experience and express emotion.
  • Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
Play therapy can also be used effectively with some teenagers and adults to optimize learning, enhance relationships, improve health, and enhance social well-being.
 

Course Benefits

Mental health professionals can add a set of skills to their repertoire that improves care for children and adults without the ability to verbally express their thoughts and feelings.

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies is an APT Approved Provider of play therapy continuing education. APT Approved Provider: 98-046
 

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for:
  • Licensed Therapists
  • Therapist Interns
  • Allied Health Practitioners
  • Professionals working with children, adolescents, and their families.

Contact Us

Department
Healthcare & Behavioral Sciences

Phone
858-534-9262

Email
unexhealthcare@ucsd.edu

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