Friday, February 8, 2019

Understanding How To Become A Registered Play Therapist

By Martha Anderson


Most often, individuals working in this area of the therapeutic field must have completed a Bachelors, Masters or hold a PhD which includes coursework in five core areas. It should be noted that different licensing organizations like the Association of Play Therapy aka APT and others have different requirements on How To Become A Registered Play Therapist. Although, most all require coursework in the areas of psychopathology, psychotherapy, theories of personality and child development.

Individuals seeking to become therapists working in this area must already be state licensed mental health professionals. Whether child psychologists, school counselors or psychotherapists, all must meet criteria as defined in associated guidebooks. Depending on the organization and state, there may also be a number of continuing educational requirements on an ongoing basis.

Before applying for training and employment in this area, it is important that individuals understand the job terms and titles and job description for each position in this area. For example, there are School Based Play Therapists, Play Therapists and Play Therapists Supervisors, all whom must be registered with an accredited association of play therapy. In almost all cases, licensing must be provided by the state in which the individual is registered rather than through private entities.

Individuals licensed by a state mental health board are not eligible for SB-RPT positions though depending on requirements might be eligible for the RPT-S or RPT positions. Whereas, the APT does allow for individuals to hold more than one credential at a time. While this is the case, there are specific requirements based on association and state rules related to individuals working in these areas.

While there are specific criteria and requirements, there are benefits to working in this area. In one case, being a therapist in this area often helps relay the knowledge the individual has in the area of play therapy to colleges, universities, schools, children, teachers, parents and associates. Whereas, active registered play therapists also prove the credibility and visibility of the position to the general public and perspective clients.

There are also specific work requirements for those working in this area. These include two thousand direct client contact and two years of direct hours for those applying for SB-RPT and RPT positions. Whereas, three thousand hours of client contact and three thousand direct hours are required for those desiring to work in RPT-S positions.

While these are the basic requirements to become a RPT-S, RPT or SB-RPT, different licensing organizations have others. As such, it is important to review any and all information related to specific organizations. After which, individuals can then submit an application to become registered therapists in this area.

When submitting an application, individuals must be able to prove that all requirements, including state, educational and work-related have been met before registration can be finalized. In the case of the APT, the association has a list of approved methods of verification that requirements have been met on the organization website. Whereas, if obtaining licensing from another agency, it is important to inquire about such proof in order for registration to take place in a timely and efficient manner.




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