PEARLS OF WISDOM COUNSELLING
Pearls of Play Therapy
“Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self expression ... It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems just as in certain types of adult therapy an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.”
Virginia Axline
Creator of Child Centered Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Garry Landreth says, “toys are used like words by children, and play is their language.” Play is a child's first language, and is a natural and critical part of their development. Through play children can explore their feelings, work through conflicts, express themselves, and resolve any emotional or mental issues.
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Is it just play? No! The toys in a play therapy room are carefully cultivated in order to create a safe and supportive environment that allows children to be engaged in a variety of play activities. Play provides a developmentally appropriate, psychologically distant way for children to process their emotions, build skills, and develop coping mechanisms. ​
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Pearls of Play Therapy is play therapy informed practice provided Alysha Brodie, a play therapy student.
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Who Can Provide Play Therapy?
In Canada, Play Therapy can only be provided by those given the title of Certified Play Therapist (CPT) by the Canadian Association of Play Therapy. A Certified Play Therapist is a licensed mental health clinician that has completed at least 180 hours of specialized play therapy training from an approved play therapy education program. Additionally, they must have a minimum of 500 hours of supervised play therapy practiced by a licensed play therapy supervisor.
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The various titles you may see in relation to Play Therapy are:
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CPT - Certified Play Therapist
CPT-S Certified Play Therapist Supervisor
Play Therapy Student - those currently engaged in Play Therapy Training**
Play Therapy Intern - those who have finished the 180 hours of training and are working on certification
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** Play Therapy Informed Practice at Pearls of Play Therapy is currently being provided by a Play Therapy Student
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For more information on play therapy and now to become a play therapist please check out the Canadian and Atlantic Associations of Play Therapy! ​​​​