Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Certificate in Play Therapy align with the three-phase structure of the RPTTM?
Students enrolled in the Certificate in Play Therapy complete coursework concurrently while earning supervised direct contact play therapy experience hours. Each term is designed for students to complete the minimum play therapy instructional hours alongside the minimum play therapy direct experience and supervision hours required for each phase.
Do I need to enroll in EDC 477 multiple times to complete the supervision hours?
Yes. Students only need to enroll in EDC 477 one time to earn the Certificate in Play Therapy from Sacramento State. However, students will need to enroll in EDC 477 each term to complete the required supervision hours needed for the RPTTM or SB-RPTTM credential.
What if I complete the Certificate in Play Therapy and still have remaining hours to earn of supervised direct play therapy experience to be eligible for the RPTTM or SB-RPTTM credential?
Students may continue to enroll in EDC 477 after completion of the certificate to finish earning their required direct contact play therapy experience and supervision hours.
Can I enroll in more than one section of EDC 477 each term?
Yes. Direct contact play therapy hours may be earned at a ratio of 1:10 (one hour of supervision for every 10 hours of experience). Students may enroll in multiple sections of EDC 477 each term to increase their hours of supervision and the number of direct play therapy experience hours they earn each week.
What are the seminal and historically significant play therapy theories studied in the Certificate of Play Therapy?
Students enrolled in the Certificate of Play Therapy will study Adlerian Play Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, and Filial Therapy. Students will receive a minimum of 25 hours of instruction in Child-Centered Play Therapy in EDC 242 and a minimum of 25 hours of instruction in Filial Therapy in EDC 246.
Will the Certificate of Play Therapy program arrange a field placement for me to earn my direct contact play therapy experience hours?
No. Students enrolled in the Certificate of Play Therapy program should already be employed at or volunteering with a private practice, community organization, hospital, school, or other clinical setting where they provide counseling services to clients on a regular basis.