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PT 101 Child-Centered Play Therapy I

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Date:

2024 Dec 30 (Mon) & 2025 Jan 2, 7, 9 (Thu & Tue) 

7PM - 10PM

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CE Hours: 12 CE hours (4 lessons)

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Format: In-person

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Early Bird: $7200 (Original $7800)

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APT Approved Provider: 22-676

Play Therapy is an approach to psychotherapy and counseling that uses play as a primary means of communication and expression, especially for children. It is based on the understanding that play is a natural and essential activity for children to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

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Module PT 101 introduces students to the field of play therapy, focusing on the Child-centered approach, techniques, and practical application in working with children, parents, caregivers, and school personnel.

I. Introduction to Child-Centered Play Therapy 

  1. Participants will be able to identify the contemporary approaches and models of play therapy, focusing on underlying philosophical assumptions, major concepts, children's views, the therapeutic process, the play therapist’s role, and interventions. 

  2. Participants will learn to define and comprehend the fundamental principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT).

  3. Participants will learn to differentiate between directive and non-directive play therapy methods.

  4. Participants will develop skills to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with a child client.

  5. Participants will study the CCPT interventions encouraging children to explore and express their feelings.

 

II. Playroom Setting: Selection of toys for professional play therapy

  1. Participants will learn to set up a professional playroom and select appropriate toys for play therapy.

  2. Participants will learn the functions of the play.

  3. Participants will study the various functions of selected toys in play therapy.

  4. Participants will review the personhood of children 

  5. Participants will understand the role of play as a tool for self-expression and exploration in CCPT.

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III. Child-centered play therapy: The 3 core conditions

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is rooted in the principles of person-centered therapy developed by Carl Rogers. The three core conditions in person-centered therapy and CCPT are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. The core conditions lay the foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship. A trusting and positive relationship is essential for effective therapy. Unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness create an environment where the child feels safe to explore and express themselves. This self-exploration is crucial for understanding and processing emotions.

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  1. Participants will identify the therapeutic functions of the three core conditions in the treatment process.

  2. Participants will learn to employ the core conditions to encourage the child to express a wide range of emotions freely.

  3. Participants will explore personal biases and beliefs that may hinder genuine expressions, working towards transparent and authentic engagement.

  4. Participants will apply strategies for building rapport and trust with children in a play therapy setting.

  5. Participants will reflect on personal growth as a play therapist in applying the core conditions effectively.

 

IV. Child-centered play therapy: Therapist’s role in the relationship

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  1. Participants will recognize the importance of supporting the child's autonomy in the therapeutic process.

  2. Participants will integrate methods to empower children in making choices and decisions during play therapy.

  3. Participants will reflect on personal growth as a play therapist in the treatment process.

  4. Participants will develop strategies for building rapport and trust with children in a play therapy setting.

  5. Participants will learn to listen to children's verbal and non-verbal expressions actively.

Instructors:

​Dr. Tom Yuen (PH.D., Registered Psychologist, RPT-S™)

Dr. Tom Yuen is a scholar in counselling education. He possesses a wealth of expertise and is proficient in Chinese and English. He has taught psychotherapy and play therapy in countries like the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to passing down the principles of play therapy to the next generation, presenting it in its true essence through Cantonese.

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Remarks:

  • Play therapy credit may be awarded to graduate students enrolled in a graduate mental health program or individuals who hold a graduate mental health degree in counselling, marriage and family therapy, psychiatry, psychology, or social work.

  • To request a refund for registration cancellation, please send a written request to PCPT at info@pcpt.ca. PCPT retains the right to cancel this training in the event of unexpected circumstances. If such a situation arises, PCPT will make efforts to inform registered participants before the event and will provide refunds for all registration, workshop, and continuing education fees. It's important to note that PCPT's liability is restricted to refunding these fees in all cases.

  • Participants must be present and engaged to receive the CE credits and complete the course.

  • Participants must complete the Course Enrollment Form before enrolling in the workshop.​​

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