Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy for Critical Thinking
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, where we explore innovative courses and the insights they offer. Today, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in play therapy and the lead instructor for our featured course, the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy for Critical Thinking. Dr. Smith, welcome! GUEST: Thank you for having me! I'm excited to discuss play therapy and its impact on mental health. HOST: Fantastic! Let's start with your personal experiences. How did you become interested in play therapy, and what makes it so effective for children facing emotional challenges? GUEST: I've always been fascinated by the power of play in child development. Play therapy taps into a child's natural way of communicating, allowing them to express themselves and build coping skills in a safe, supportive environment. HOST: That's a great perspective. Now, let's talk about current trends in the field. How is play therapy adapting to meet the needs of today's children and families? GUEST: Play therapy is increasingly integrating technology, such as virtual reality and online platforms, to reach more children and make therapy more accessible. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive approaches. HOST: Speaking of challenges, what obstacles have you encountered in teaching play therapy techniques, especially in an online format? GUEST: One challenge is replicating the in-person, hands-on experience of play therapy online. However, we've found that providing video demonstrations, case studies, and opportunities for supervised practice help bridge that gap. HOST: That's reassuring. Now, let's look to the future. How do you see play therapy evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what skills will mental health professionals need to stay current? GUEST: I believe play therapy will continue to adapt and incorporate new technologies while maintaining its foundation in child-centered, developmentally-informed practice. Professionals should focus on honing their critical thinking and cultural competence skills to ensure they can effectively serve diverse populations. HOST: Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It's clear that the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy for Critical Thinking offers mental health professionals a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of play therapy techniques and improve therapeutic outcomes for the children they serve. To our listeners, if you're interested in learning more about this course, please visit our website for more information. Until next time, take care!
