Play Therapy Basics: Foundations & Skills - Sioux Falls

This introductory course is designed to present an informative overview of the practice and utility of play therapy.  Topics include:  why play therapy works, history and overview of APT, therapeutic powers of play therapy, child development & play, demonstration & practice of two skills. 

Participants will:

1. Describe the nature, practice, and utility of play therapy.
2. Identify the therapeutic powers of play.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of  the play therapist and play therapy in the  context of the client's comprehensive  ecological and systemic world, which includes  considerations for family, school, community,  social groups, diversity factors, strengths and  risk factors, and mental health/psychiatric  factors.
4. Differentiate between the developmental  stages of children and understand the  importance of play and its impact on children's cognitive, social-emotional, overall mental health, and physical growth.
5. Practice and demonstrate the play therapy skills of tracking and reflecting feelings.