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Thursday, December 6, 2018

Discovering 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.

Options include becoming registered play therapists, supervisors or school based therapists in this area. It should be noted that these individuals must renew credentials on an annual basis and complete continuing education classes every three years. As such, since the qualification and requirements are the same for all three categories of therapists, decisions are often based on whether an individual wants to work in a clinical setting, become a supervisor or work in the school system.

All therapists working in this area must be licensed and registered by the State of residence and practice. In order to guarantee that the process is as easy as possible, the APT has released a guidebook with specific information related to working in the field. For those already working in the area whom want to become a supervisor or transfer to a school based practice, a different form is required.

Basically involved in the same practices, SB-RPT are current school psychologists and counselors whom have satisfied the criteria as required by the APT guide. As with school counselors, these individuals hold a license from the Department of Education in the state in which the therapist resides. When traveling, it is important to note the requirements of each state as there can often be differences in requirements from one location to another.

There are times when these and other professionals have asked why it is necessary to obtain a secondary license or credentials on top of existing ones. The answer to the question varies depending on whom one asks. Although, the most common answer is that it allows the therapist to identify as specializing in a particular field.

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.

There are a number of psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors which use a variety of therapy forms in a general practice. While legal, there are benefits and drawbacks. For example, while there is no specialized licensing required, the individual can not identify as being specialized in any area in which additional credentials are required by the APT or State agencies.




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