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Play Therapy Courses

Transform Lives Through the Power of Play

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.
Play Therapy with Special Populations Clinicians Toolbox Series Treatment Planning Series
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
FPM-40647

Victims of Ritual Abuse and Child Trafficking: Recognition, Play Therapy, and Symbolic Communication

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
FPM-40649

Play Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Affect Regulation

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
FPM-40650

Evidence-based Play Therapy Interventions in Treating Children with Autism Spectrum

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40167

Play Therapy with Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40226

Families Fighting and Changing: Play Therapy with Children of Divorce and Remarriage

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40234

Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Assessment of Abused Children and Adolescents

Units
1.00
Cost
TBD
PSY-40382

Play Therapy to Help Children Cope with Grief and Loss

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40397

Play Therapy and Art Therapy with Adolescents

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40398

Play Therapy in Schools

Units
0.50
Cost
$195.00
PSY-40402

Play Therapy and Art Therapy Supervision to Transform Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40406

Play Therapy with Highly Sensitive Children

Units
0.50
Cost
$195.00
PSY-40235

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40238

Structured Play Therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy, Pre-Set Play, Introduction of Resolutions

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40239

Gestalt Play Therapy

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40240

Sandplay: A Therapeutic Process

Units
0.50
Cost
$195.00
PSY-40337

Child-Parent Relationship Therapy-CPRT (Filial Therapy)

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40388

Supervision and Instruction of Play Therapy

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40399

Introduction to Theraplay

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40404

Group Play Therapy to Facilitate Play & Social Skills and Self-Regulation

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40156

Toys and Their Uses

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40171

Play Therapy Across Cultural and Ethnic Groups

Units
0.50
Cost
$195.00
PSY-40218

Play Diagnosis and Assessment: Play Assessment of Ego Functions and Object Relations

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40219

The Therapeutic Powers of Play

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40391

History of Play Therapy

Units
0.50
Cost
TBD
PSY-40405

Involving Caregivers and Families in the Play Therapy Process

Units
0.50
Cost
$195.00

Contact Us

Department
Healthcare & Behavioral Sciences

Phone
858-534-9262

Email
unexhealthcare@ucsd.edu