Certificate in Play Therapy

Neurobiologically-informed treatment for children and families.

The need for play therapists in therapeutic and educational settings is on the rise thanks to its substantial benefits. More specifically, the dynamic interpersonal relationships that are built allow persons of any age to fully express themselves.

Through self-exploration, imagination, and hypothetical circumstances, clients reveal deep psychological behaviors and feelings. Self-expression through this technique will help you build substantial accord with your clients and open the door to profound realizations.

This certificate is offered by AU Seattle.

Program Overview

Play therapy has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective therapies for children and families needing support and skills to process their life events in a safe, structured, and healthy environment. Antioch University recognizes the increasing demand for play therapists in therapeutic and educational settings. Our program will provide you with the experience and skills you need for a successful career in this growing field. Association for Play Therapy (APT) accredited.

Frequently asked questions

Certificate Requirements

Program Length:

Approximately one year/12 credits (note: 1 credit hour at a university is equal to 1.5 credit hours in outside play therapy events)

3 weekends per quarter

*Post-graduate practicum supervisor is also available upon completion of the certificate

**Registered Play Therapist supervised hours must be completed after you receive your MA

Course Schedule: 2020-2021 Cohort

Career Outlook

Antioch University’s program has been developed to meet the majority of academic requirements necessary to achieve a registered Play Therapist designation through the Association for Play Therapy upon completion of your respective Washington state License of LMFT or LMHC. It is recommended that students seek out additional experiences (e.g., play therapy conferences, Washington Association for Play Therapy (WAPT) meetings, etc.) for play therapy education in order to satisfy all requirements for the RPT designation.

Play Therapy Student Reviews

“AUS’s Play Therapy program led by Cary Hamilton is a true gem for the mental health community in WA State. The focus on cutting-edge neuroscience and empirically supported research speak to the level of competence of Cary and her play therapy cohort. As a student therapist, my acquired understanding of sand tray therapy from this experience will inform my evolving style of practice for years to come. Moreover, I was psyched to learn that Siegel’s work was featured.”
-Current Student (Zach)

Read more from students and graduates of our play therapy certificate program

Admissions

GO TO ADMISSIONS

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in or have completed an MA program that leads to licensure in the mental health field
• Applicant must provide an MA transcript
• If already licensed, applicant must provide a copy of their license
• A statement of purpose is also required that answers the following: How do you envision play therapy integrating with your current or future professional practice?

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How to apply

New applicants

Complete the online admissions application.

1. A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.  Submit an official copy of Master’s degree transcript or current program showing enrollment in MA program leading to Licensure in the field.  Transcript evaluations are required for all coursework completed outside of the U.S. or Canada (except Quebec). See Transcript Evaluation section on International Students webpage for details.
2. If already licensed, submit a copy of your license.
3. Admissions essay.  Submit a typewritten, double-spaced, one to two-page (between 250 and 500 words) response to the following question:  How do you envision play therapy integrating with your current or future professional practice?
4. All supporting materials, transcripts, essays, etcetera, should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed by the below deadline to:Admissions Office
   Antioch University Seattle
   2400 3rd Avenue, Suite 200
   Seattle, WA 98121

Currently enrolled Antioch University students

1. Complete the Play Therapy Application Form for current students and submit to the Integrated Student Services office.

Application Deadlines

Cost

GO TO COSTS

• Students currently enrolled in a graduate program at AUS: Equal to your graduate tuition.
• Antioch Alumni from a Masters-level or higher Counseling Psychology Program: Total tuition of $3,212 for the certificate program, plus course fees up to $40 per class.
• Other applicants: Total tuition of $4,284 for the certificate program, plus course fees up to $40 per class.

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