jeudi 6 décembre 2018

How To Become A Registered Play Therapist

By Paul Bailey


When it comes to psychotherapy, there are a number of different areas of interest. For example, while some focus on dance and other specialties, there are others whom are more generalized. If interested in knowing how to become a registered play therapist, the Association for Play Therapy or APT offers three options as to how existing psychologists and school counselors can do so.

When it comes to being this type of therapist, there are 3 different categories in which an individual can become certified. These include, becoming a School Based Registered Play Therapist, a Registered Play Therapist or a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. In all cases, individuals must complete continuing education courses every 3 years to maintain a valid registration.

Individuals working in this area are licensed by the state in which practice takes place and are considered mental health professionals. In order to guarantee that all requirements for licensing and registration have been satisfied, the APT has issued a guide which can be provided along with an application form upon request. It should be noted that if an existing RPT is looking to transfer to a RPT-S, the form is different from that of individuals looking to become registered play therapists.

When providing this type of therapy in the school system, these individuals must obtain credentials from the Department of Education in the state of practice and residency. In many cases, these individuals may be asked to travel to local and national schools. When doing so, it is important to obtain information with regards to the proper registration and credentialing process before arriving at each new school.

Some of these professionals ask why credentialing is necessary on top of a degree or other certifications. Most often, the answer is because the training assist these individuals in meeting a number of objective standards required by such professionals. By specializing in a designated area, these individuals can also be more readily identified as professional play therapists rather than just as a school counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

When it comes to art, dance, play and other non-traditional forms of therapy, there tends to be an aspect of community. In addition, a number of these professionals feel that additional licensing also reflects the message that those specializing in a specific area are competent and well trained. Whereas, it is often easier for those seeking access to obtain contact information for a specific type of therapist where necessary.

While no supervision is currently required to verify that hours earned toward becoming play therapists are met on an annual basis, this will change on January 1st, 2020. After which, all experience and supervision requirements for the RPT and RPT-S must be supervised by another RPT-S. Whereas, any hours accrued in this area prior to that date will fall under current APT rules and regulations.

While there are a number of professionals whom specialize in specific areas, there are also general practitioners who incorporate different forms of therapy into various treatment plans. While this is legal, the individual can not identify as specializing in any area which requires additional licensing and registration. As such, it is up to each mental health professional to determine whether or not obtaining additional credentials will be beneficial in the long run.




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