What does it mean to obtain the credential of Play Therapist?
It more than just the toys!
A certified Play Therapist is a mental health professional who obtains additional specialist education, practice hours and supervision according to standards set by our parent organization
We are the Atlantic Canada Play Therapy Association
Play Therapy Education
Play Therapists are licensed masters level mental health professionals who have taken at least 180 hours of additional Play Therapy specific training that includes 60 hours of History and Models in PT, at least 60 hours of Techniques and at least 60 hours of Special Populations. Play Therapy training is provided by the Canadian Association for Play Therapy or an approved provider of PT education with CAPT. We also believe in learning and practicing the
Play Therapist Competencies established by the International Consortium of Play Therapy Association.
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Play Therapy Practice
According to CAPT certification standards, Certified Play Therapists must complete 1500 direct on-site hours of supervised general clinical practice, not more than 1000 hours of which may be accrued prior to the completion of a Master’s Degree or licensure with a regulatory body, and must complete an additional 500* hours supervised practice specific to play therapy.
Play Therapy Supervision
Play Therapy Interns (those who have finished or are finishing their 180 hours of PT specific education) need to obtain 50 hours of Play Therapy specific supervision from a Certified Play Therapy Supervisor (CPT-S) or a Supervisor in training who is under the supervision of a CPT-S.