Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about play therapy as well as becoming a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™). If your question is not listed, feel free to contact oaptcommunications@gmail.com to get your question answered!
What is play therapy?
In the words of Garry Landreth, "toys are children's words and play is their language." Just as adults communicate through their verbal words, children communicate through their play. Children are able to use play in order to process changes, concerns, behaviors, and hopes. The Therapeutic Powers of Play help to produce this desired change throughout the play therapy process.
To learn more about play therapy and view the definition of Play Therapy by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), click here.
How do I become a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™)?
Becoming a Registered Play Therapist™ requires:
- License: a current, active, and unconditional individual state license to independently provide clinical mental health services in one of the following general practice disciplines: counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychiatry, psychology, or social work
- Educational Degree: A master's degree or higher in an approved area of study
- Play Therapy Instruction that are specific play therapy trainings
- Supervised Play Therapy Experience which involves direct client contact hours
- Play Therapy Supervision under the supervision of Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™)
​
The full list of requirements can be found on APT's website under the credential section.
How do I find a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™)?
Please visit the Association for Play Therapy Find a Play Therapist directory.
How do I find a play therapist for my child?
Please visit the Association for Play Therapy Find a Play Therapist directory.
How do I access the "Members Only" page?
You can receive the perks of the "Members Only" page on this website when you become an APT/OAPT member! You can do this by joining APT! You can then email Megan to receive the "Members Only" page password. Please do not share the password with anyone!