Tuesday, December 4, 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.

These mental health professionals are required to hold a license in the State where the practice takes place. To assure that all licensing and registration is completed correctly, the APT has released a guide which contains this and other pertinent information related to those interested in, or currently working in the field. It should be noted that existing therapists who want to become a supervisor or work in schools need to complete a different form than new applicants.

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.

Some mental health professionals and others have been known to ask why it is necessary to obtain additional licensing and registration to work in a specific area. Most often, the answer relates to the training involved as it allows these individuals to learn a great deal more about a specific area. As such, a number of these individuals feel that it reflects a stronger sense of confidence and competency when working with clients.

By obtaining credentials in a specific area, those working in the area often become part of a larger community. In addition, a number of mental health professionals feel that holding more than one certificate or degree displays a sense of competence and professionalism. As such, there are a number of different reasons as to why those working in the field of mental health desire to do so.

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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