South Dakota State University's Department of Counseling and Human Development is proud to offer graduate coursework that may assist individuals in earning their or credential. Please note, students completing play therapy coursework are also working towards a master's degree in a counseling-related field OR they have already completed their master's degree.
What you can do with the Play Therapist Credentials
Play therapy is a specialized set of knowledge, skills and attitudes for working with children. Through play therapy, children are offered a safe and trusting environment to address emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties in a developmentally appropriate manner. Garry Landreth said that “play is children’s language and toys are their words.” Play therapists are mental health professionals who are often employed in mental health agencies, schools, hospitals and private practices. Play therapy can help children with feelings, grief and loss, divorce, crisis and trauma, depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity, autism, academic and social developmental delays, physical and learning disabilities and conduct disorders.
– confers or credentials to assist the public in recognizing those who have specialized training and supervision in the practice of play therapy.
Admission Requirements
Play therapy coursework is completed in a cohort model. Cohorts typically begin in the fall. Play therapy studies at Ƶ include at least seven graduate credits. If you are already enrolled in a CHRD graduate program, please contact Naomi Timm-Davis to learn about the next play therapy course offering.
If you are not enrolled in a CHRD graduate program and would like to apply to study play therapy at Ƶ, in one email please submit: a letter of interest, resume, two letters of professional reference and a writing sample to Naomi Timm-Davis or Sara Botsch. Upon review, qualified candidates will interview with faculty to determine admissions. Admissions materials must be received by April 1 for consideration for fall term.
Events
Past:
- 2019, Robert Jason Grant, Play Therapy with Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- 2020, Jennifer Baggerly, Trauma-Informed Play Therapy
- 2021, Lisa Dion, Working with Aggression in the Play Room
- South Dakota Early Childhood Mental Health 2022 Webinar Series:
- Feb. 25: Building Bridges: Child Teacher Relationship Training as a Play Therapy Intervention in Schools
- March 11: The Right Fight: Uniting Families against Problems through Narrative Theory and Play Therapy
- March 25: Cultural Humility in Children’s Mental Health and Play Therapy
RPT Credential and Ƶ Coursework/Experience Guide
The following is a guide to describe how coursework and experience earned at Ƶ can be applied towards this credential:
Phase One
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 35-55
Phase one only: Theories: 20-30, Skills and Methods: 10-20, Applicant’s Choice: up to 15
In any phase: History: up to five, Special Topics: 0-5
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 706
APT Requirements:
At least 50, but no more than 75 hours of Supervised Play Therapy Experience must be completed during Phase 1.
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 710 (one credit), 786* or 794* only if access to RPT-S available.
APT Requirements:
At least five, not more than 10.
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted.
Observe one play therapy session.
*Must be an RPT-S
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 710
Phase Two
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 55-70.
Phase two only: Theories: 25-30, Skills and Methods: 25-30, Special Topics: 5-10.
In any phase: History: up to five, Applicant's Choice: up to 15.
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 707, 708; play therapy workshops and/or conferences.
APT Requirements:
At least 100, but no more than 150 hours of Supervised Play Therapy Experience must be completed during Phase two.
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 711 (1 credit), 786* or 794* only if access to RPT-S available.
APT Requirements:
At least 10, not more than 15.
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted.
Observe two play therapy sessions.
*Must be an RPT-S
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 711
Phase Three
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 45-60.
Phase three only: Any Theory: 10-15, Skills and Methods: 15-20, Special Topics: 20-25.
In any phase: History: up to five, Applicant's Choice: up to 15.
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 709; play therapy workshops and/or conferences.
APT Requirements:
At least 100 hours but no more than 175 hours of Supervised Play Therapy Experience must be completed during Phase three.
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
Pre-license practice.
APT Requirements:
At least 10 not more than 20.
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted.
Observe two play therapy sessions.
*Must be an RPT-S
Ƶ Offering/Recommendation:
Pre-license practice with an RPT-S supervisor.
Visit for additional information on the credentials and a list of current supervisors.
Course Information
| Course # | Course | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRD 706 | Introduction to Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques | Two | Basic theoretical approaches of play therapy are explored as well as the theory related to techniques, assessment and treatment. Play materials and use of play media to facilitate expression, self-understanding and growth are introduced. This course is designed for those who have completed a theory course in their respective degree area. |
| CHRD 707 | Advanced Play Therapy and Techniques | Two | Advanced theoretical approaches of play therapy are applied, as well as nature of theory related to techniques, assessment and treatment. Students will develop proficient skills in use of play materials to facilitate expression, self-understanding and growth. Prerequisite—CHRD 706 |
| CHRD 708 | Play Therapy: Filial and Family | One | This course focuses on working with and training parents and caregivers to be therapeutic agents in their children’s lives through the utilization of play therapy skills in parent-child structured play sessions. Prerequisite—CHRD 707 |
| CHRD 709 | Applications of Play Therapy | Two | Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in play therapy principles and practices. Students engage in advanced study of play therapy, including theories, application of skills, parent consultation. Group play therapy will be examined and practiced. Prerequisite – CHRD 708 |
For More Information Contact:
Naomi Timm-Davis
Assistant Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Counseling and Human Resource Development