SW-637: Advanced Play Therapy: Theory and Skills I

This course is the first course in the Advanced Play Therapy series and expands on foundational play therapy knowledge and skills, immersing students in core play therapy theories and hands-on, direct practice. Students will learn to design and implement developmentally appropriate play therapy interventions -including teleplay-with children and adolescents of all abilities. Emphasis is placed on building practical skills, clinical decision-making, and the ability to thoughtfully conceptualize and evaluate the effectiveness of play therapy in real-world practice. Designed for use across diverse settings such as schools, clinical environments, and homes, the course integrates theory with direct instruction, supervised client contact, and applied learning. Students will engage in assessment, intervention, and the healing process through a trauma-informed and social justice-oriented lens, strengthening core competencies essential to effective, ethical, and responsive play therapy practice. Prerequisites: SW 636 and enrollment in Specialized Practicum; for non-degree seeking students, SW 636, enrollment in clinical practicum, or post-master's experience work with youth.