SUNY OSWEGO

School Of Education

Counseling & Psychological Services Department

NOW OFFERING

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN PLAY THERAPY

The Graduate Certificate Program in Play Therapy will to allow students to obtain a comprehensive authentic learning experience in play therapy. This program offers a broad sequence of courses in play therapy that build upon one another in a coherent fashion. Students begin with CPS 592, and then take CPS 692. CPS 603 and CPS 604 would follow in the sequence; students can elect which course to take first. Finally, CPS 590 at their convenience during the certificate program as it comprises foundations and practical applications. Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 in the certificate program.

Students who complete the certificate program qualify for training to become Certified Play Therapists through the National Institute for Relationship Enhancement (CPS 592) and earn the necessary educational credits toward certification as Registered Play Therapist (CPS 592, CPS 692, CPS 603, & CPS 604) and/or Certified Play Therapist and Child Psychotherapist through the Association for Play Therapy and Play Therapy International (CPS 592, CPS 692, CPS 603, CPS 604, & CPS 590) respectively. These represent all the ways individuals can become credentialed play therapists. There is no one standard.

The certificate program welcomes current students and practitioners in the fields of psychology, education, counseling, and human development. Participants must have an earned Bachelor’s degree. Courses will be offered on a rotating basis such that participants in the graduate certificate program will be able to complete the program in two years time. Students will receive a certificate that states the completion of the program as well as an annotation on his or her student transcript. This is not a degree program.

Please contact Jodi Mullen for additional information jmullen@oswego.edu

CPS 592 Introduction to Play Therapy (Already an approved course)

This course is intended to provide students with an overview of play therapy. It is intended that students will acquire a theoretical and applied understanding of the child-centered model of play therapy and the philosophy and skills necessary for counselors to include play therapy as a part of their intervention repertoire.

CPS 692 Advanced Play Therapy: Theory and Practice

This course is intended to provide students with a critical analysis of theoretical approaches to play therapy (Knowledge) with an emphasis on the dimensions of the process, the counselor's understanding of children's behavior (Social Justice) and his/her perceptions of self, of the client, and of the therapeutic play relationship (Reflection). It is intended that students will acquire an applied understanding of the Adlerian, and Gestalt models of play therapy and the philosophy and skills necessary for counselors to include play therapy as a part of their intervention repertoire (Authentic Learning).

CPS 603 Clinical Consultation in Play Therapy

This is an advanced, experiential course in play therapy theory and practice (Authentic Learning, Practice, Knowledge). The goal of the course is to increase student's effectiveness with, and knowledge of play therapy through intensive study of practical applications and theoretical approaches (Authentic Learning, Practice, Reflection) This course will also address models for the evaluation of play therapy sessions for case consultation and clinical supervision (Collaboration & Leadership, Authentic Learning) that use the skills of reflective listening, narrative writing, and identifying themes in children's play (Practice).

CPS 604 Contemporary Issues in Play Therapy Practice

This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth exploration of contemporary issues play therapy (Knowledge). It is intended that students will acquire a critical understanding of play therapy and the philosophy and skills necessary for counselors to determine when, how, and why play therapy should be included as a part of their intervention repertoire (Reflection & Practice).

CPS 590 Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy

In this course students will develop an understanding of how various art forms can be used and combined in counseling (knowledge). It is intended to provide students applied understanding of how art provides a framework to facilitate the connection with the self and others, identify and express feelings, support client’s strengths, develop resiliency, and foster change (reflection, collaboration). Although students are not expected to demonstrate any exceptional talent or skill as an artist, they will be required to learn some simple art techniques that can be used with clients, and become familiar with a variety of strategies that could be applied to emergent opportunities for therapeutic intervention (practice, authentic learning).