Program Overview
The University of South Carolina offers a graduate certificate program in Play Therapy tailored for professionals holding a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology. It emphasizes practical play therapy skills and prepares graduates for clinical certification to serve children and adolescents in South Carolina. The unique program aligns with the requirements for Registered Play Therapy credentialing and fosters professional and therapeutic competencies, making graduates highly sought after in the fields of counseling, social work, psychology, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of South Carolina offers a graduate certificate program in Play Therapy. This program is designed for individuals who hold a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology and are interested in gaining clinical certification to work with children and adolescents in South Carolina. The program focuses on teaching developmentally appropriate approaches to play therapy and provides supervised experience conducting play therapy sessions. It covers both in-person and virtual session techniques.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes hands-on training through interactive courses. Students gain practical experience by working with children and adolescents in the community and practicing play therapy skills throughout each course.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to pursue careers as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists. They can work in various settings, including education, private practice, and government agencies.
Other:
The program is unique in South Carolina, as it is the only university offering a graduate certificate in play therapy. The program highlights the development of professional and personal intelligence, therapeutic intervention skills, listening skills, empathy, communication, collaboration, and flexibility.
