Play Therapy

Play therapy is a recognized expressive intervention for engaging in the processing of emotions and regulation in children. APT currently recognizes seven principal theoretical orientations which include:

• Adlerian Play Therapy

• Attachment Theory and Theraplay (historically significant approach)

• Child-Centered Play therapy

• Filial Therapy (historically significant approach)

• Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy

• Ecosystemic Play Therapy

• Gestalt Play Therapy

• Jungian Analytical Play Therapy

• Psychoanalytic Play Therapy

 

 

Play Therapy is ideally related to working with younger children, but is not limited to children alone. During a play therapy session participants may experience multiple interventions of an expressive nature.  These interventions may include art work, play (the use of toys as a form of communication), Sandtray/sand play, games, storytelling, and puppet play. The variety of techniques helps therapists explore and address the diversity of concerns facing children.

 

Therapists designated as Registered Play Therapists (“RPT”) or Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor (“RPT-S”) are providers who have participated in extensive training and supervision in providing services utilizing this model of intervention.

 

While Play Therapy may not be appropriate interventions in all areas it has demonstrated positive impacts related to trauma, regulation, and most emotional and attentional details.  Mental Health providers at Fusion Therapists working with children are either Registered Play Therapists, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisors, or working under supervision to attain this credential from the International Association for Play Therapy. For more information we encourage you to reach out to us and visit www.a4pt.org.