Play Therapy, Graduate Certificate
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-03-01 | - |
2024-05-01 | - |
2024-08-01 | - |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-05-01 | - |
2025-08-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
2026-05-01 | - |
2026-08-01 | - |
2027-01-01 | - |
2027-05-01 | - |
2027-08-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate program at Palm Beach Atlantic University equips students with advanced skills in play therapy, a therapeutic approach used with children and adolescents. The program provides specialized training for counselors and therapists, helping them develop expertise in using play therapy for a variety of childhood and adolescent issues. The program is accredited by CACREP and offers a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate program at Palm Beach Atlantic University equips students with advanced skills in play therapy, a therapeutic approach used with children and adolescents.
- Objectives: The program aims to:
- Provide specialized training for students in the Counselor Education program.
- Equip practicing counselors and therapists with advanced play therapy skills.
Outline:
- Program Content: The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate covers a range of topics, including:
- Foundations of Play Therapy
- Play Therapy Techniques and Expressive Arts in Counseling
- Advanced Play Therapy Theories and Practices
- Psychosocial Issues of Childhood and Adolescence
- Structure: The program consists of four 3-credit hour courses, totaling 12 credit hours. Students can complete the program in one year.
- Modules: 1.
Foundations of Play Therapy (3 credit hours):
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of play therapy, including its history, theoretical foundations, ethical considerations, and basic techniques.
Play Therapy & Expressive Arts Techniques in Counseling (3 credit hours):
This module explores various expressive arts techniques used in conjunction with play therapy, such as art, music, drama, and movement. Students learn how to integrate these techniques into their work with clients.
Advanced Play Therapy Theories & Practices (3 credit hours):
This module delves deeper into advanced play therapy theories and practices, including filial therapy, sandtray therapy, and attachment-based play therapy.
- Course Schedule: Courses are offered online and in various formats, including traditional semester-length courses, intensive weekend courses, and summer courses.
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Participation in class discussions and activities
- Written assignments, such as case studies, research papers, and reflections
- Presentations and creative projects
- Final exams
- Assessment Criteria: Assessments are based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of play therapy principles and techniques
- Application of play therapy techniques to specific client situations
- Professionalism, ethical awareness, and cultural sensitivity
- Communication skills, both written and oral
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:
- Interactive lectures and discussions
- Case presentations and role-playing exercises
- Experiential activities and simulations
- Group work and collaborative projects
- Individualized feedback and supervision
- Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in play therapy and child development. The faculty combines academic expertise with practical experience to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience.
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes a holistic approach to play therapy, focusing on the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and personal reflection. The program also encourages students to develop their own therapeutic style and approach to working with children and adolescents.
Careers:
- Career Paths: The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue various career paths, including:
- Play therapist
- Child therapist
- School counselor
- Mental health counselor
- Social worker
- Special education teacher
- Expressive arts therapist
- Opportunities: Play therapists are in high demand in various settings, such as:
- Private practice
- Schools
- Mental health clinics
- Hospitals
- Social service agencies
- Outcomes: Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in various fields, helping children and adolescents overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Other:
- Admissions: The program is open to students with a Master's degree in counseling, human services, psychology, special education, expressive therapies, social work, nursing, or other relevant fields.
- The program offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
- The program is committed to providing students with a Christ-centered education.
Play Therapy Graduate Certificate - Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements:
- Completion of a Master’s degree in Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Special Education, Expressive Therapies, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate coursework.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and professional background.
- A personal statement outlining the applicant's interest in Play Therapy and their career goals.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL score of 80 or higher, an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher, or a PTE Academic score of 65 or higher.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL score of 80 or higher, an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher, or a PTE Academic score of 65 or higher.