Thanks for your support Brandon!

Update? Did you continue down this path, or found something else? If I may ask, what degree did you obtain? I received a bachelors in behavioral science and a year after graduating feel like I am finally narrowing down what it is that Im interested in.

@@jasmineharris2518 hii, I’m in my 2nd year rn but it still remains an option but I’m more interested in educational psychology rn 😭

You're welcome Jenny!

Thanks for your support! Yes, lots more videos on the way. Let us know if there's anything you think we should cover in future videos.

I'm glad you found it helpful!

you're welcome!

Hi Stephaine. Feel free to email me with more info if you'd like to chat. My email is aideen@playfulpathways.co.uk

Hi Jane. Play Therapy is a postgraduate qualification ( a PG Diploma or Masters). Different training routes have slightly different requirements, but generally speaking play thearpy trainees need to have a relevant undergraduate degree (could be from childcare, education, healthcare etc.) and / or can demonstrate expereince working with children. Good Luck!

Hi Jessica. Most play therapy training courses are postgraduate and require students to have relevant undergraduate degrees (such as psychology, teaching, etc) or experience with children. I believe there is a play therapy masters course at Deakin University and possibly others too. It might be best to google the relevant play therapy professional bodies in Australia to see what training options they recommend. Good luck!

I am interested in this as well. I wonder why they haven't responded yet?

I would wonder what kinds of play or in what ways the child finds play threatening e.g. play with others, role play, messy play etc. Play is the natural language of children , so they almost always have their own ways of playing, even if others don't recognise it as play. They key is to finding what kind of play they enjoy and finding ways to support or engage in that with them.

Yes! There is lots of play therapy outcomes research out there! Have a look at this website to find out more - evidencebasedchildtherapy.com/

@@PlayfulPathways Thank you!

Yes it could! You may also find it helpful to seek out support/coaching for yourself so that you can be support the development of their play skills. I would recommend Autplay Therapy - a play therapy approach developed specifically to support the needs of neurodivergent children and their families.

Hi there. Thanks for the question. I would have a chat to the therapist that you're planning to send your child to and see what they recommend. There are lots of different kinds of therapy with lots of different approaches, so it would be important that whatever you're telling your child is consistent with the kind of experience they're likely to have. In my work, what the child is told about play therapy differs depending on the child's age and what the concerns are. Older children or children who have asked for support will often get a more direct introduction by the parent, where younger children will be given a more general introduction focused on the play aspect of the therapy. I've created a leaflet for parents to read to their children which has a short explanation and pictures of me and my toys. This can serve as a great pre-introduction and then when the child comes to the first session (and actually gets to meet me and see the room etc) we talk more about what it's all about.

Hi Zadie. Health Play Specialists tend to work in hospitals and medical settings, working with children around issues related to their time in hospital/illness or supporting children and families in making sure that children are having opportunities to access appropriate play experiences etc. There are similarities with play therapy in that we both use play as a therapeutic tool, however play therapists are trained counsellors/psychotherapists who work with many kinds of issues and concerns related to social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Some play therapists do work in hospitals but many (like myself) work in other settings like schools, in private practice or as part of a mental health team. I hope that answers your question!

Check also playtherapy International, course Is offered in Hong Kong! But not sure when due to pandemic situation at the moment. Good luck!

Hi Neha. Great question! Yes play therapy can be used with adults. Many adults find creative therapies (such as play, art, dance, music and sand) a great and very effective alternative to talking therapies, especially if they find talking difficult. I personally don't work with adults, but there are other play therapists who certainly do.

@@PlayfulPathways Thanks so much for this piece of information. :)