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Play Therapy Continuing Education Classes at University of California, San Diego- Extension

Center for Play and Art Therapy now at http://endritualabuse.org/center-for-play-and-art-therapy/

Ongoing Play Therapy Classes

Ongoing Play Therapy Classes


July 12 and 26, 2008: Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Assessment of Abused Children and Adolescents (PSY-4B234)

This is a course in the treatment of abuse, emphasizing child physical and sexual abuse, and including witnessing domestic violence and traumatic illness or injury to self and loved ones. A treatment model is provided, including a theoretical framework for the effects of trauma on children and adolescents, a review of specialized assessment tools, and adaptive resolutions of trauma. This model is applied to an array of treatment tools, including play therapy, art therapy, psychodrama, writing, story-telling, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and trauma-focused work.

Note: Applies to the Specialized Certificate in Play Therapy. To receive credit, you must be present both days.

To register, go to: http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/index.cfm

August 16, 2008: Experiential Play Therapy (PSY-40303)

This course introduces experiential play therapy, a developmentally based theoretical model that extends the basic principles of child-centered play therapy and relationship play therapy, reaching children through interactive play with depth and meaning. New and unique interactive play therapy techniques effective in treating childhood disorders including child neglect and abuse trauma are taught. Students learn to better understand play themes and to match therapeutic responses to the experiential and developmental level of the child. Evidence-based methods of guided interaction to integrate parents in play therapy are also introduced in lecture, experiential exercises, and video case studies.

Instructor: Ken Schwartzenberger, LCSW, RPT-S, is a clinical supervisor at the Guidance Center, Long Beach. He has extensive training and expertise in child play therapy and Sandplay therapy and over 25 years of experience in providing mental health services for children and families in settings including county social services and residential treatment facilities.

To register, go to: http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/index.cfm


September 6, 2008: Play Therapy to Reduce Identification with the Aggressor & Supervision and Instruction of Play Therapy (PSY-40333)

This course consists of two components. Part I imparts an understanding of play therapy principles and techniques to reduce identification with the aggressor in traumatized children. Part II imparts methods of supervision and instruction that develop in others the capacity to think as play therapists. Modified Socratic methods, exercises, and “compassionate communication” are used to teach participants to apply such methods to the supervision and instruction of others. Participants learn how to help supervisees and students develop treatment goals, match therapy interventions to these goals, integrate ongoing assessment of play into treatment planning, and recognize and work with induced and personal countertransference reactions.

Note: Three hours apply to Play Therapy certificate; four hours fulfill APT supervision training requirement.

Instructor: Ellen P. Lacter, Ph.D., RPT-S, is a clinical psychologist, registered play therapist-supervisor, and director of The Center for Play and Art Therapy. A past president of the California Association for Play Therapy, she has been an art therapist since 1977 and play therapist since 1984. She has taught classes in family violence and treatment techniques with children since 1984.

To register, go to: http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/index.cfm



Single classes may be taken by licensed therapists, therapy interns, and graduate students.

To Enroll in the Play Therapy Certificate Program: Application for candidacy is required. Candidates are encouraged to enroll in the certificate program as early as possible.
Certificate Section ID: 065948
Application Fee: $35
Contact: Healthcare, (858) 964-1010
E-mail: unexhealthcare@ucsd.edu

Certificate Guidelines

To earn the certificate you must complete 11 quarter units (154 hours of coursework). A total of 13 units (171 instructional hours) are offered during a complete program cycle from which you select courses that fit your schedule. The 171 hours of coursework meet the Association for Play Therapy's instructional-hours requirement toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S).
Industry Requirements

RPT and RPT-S designations: The program satisfies the Association for Play Therapy's 150 instructional-hours requirement to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). Courses are also individually approved for hours toward the 150-hour requirement. UCSD Extension maintains responsibility for the certificate program. See APT's website: www.a4pt.org for additional requirements pertaining to registration.

To Register, Go to:



UCSD-Extension Webpage for Play Therapy Certificate Program