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Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center

About Us

 

Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center

 

The University of Memphis Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center is an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The Center offers a 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy designed to meet national requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and RPT-Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials. Housed in the School of Social Work and developed in partnership with the Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Research (CEPR) program, the Center provides online and hybrid coursework, supervisor training, and hands-on practicum experiences through university-based clinics and community agencies. It also supports ongoing research and continuing education to advance play therapy practice in the region and support workforce development.

 

Mission

 

Our mission at the Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center is to provide high-quality education, training, and research in play therapy that empowers professionals to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children and families. We are committed to fostering clinical excellence, academic integrity, and community engagement through evidence-based practices, inclusive service delivery, and innovative approaches that reflect the evolving needs of our field.

 

 

What is Play Therapy?

 

From the Association of Play Therapy (APT): Play Therapy Defined
 
APT defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
More simply put, child play therapy is a way of being with the child that honors their unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping in the “language” of the child – play.  Licensed mental health professionals therapeutically use play to help their clients, most often children ages three to 12 years, to better express themselves and resolve their problems.
Play therapy works best when a safe relationship is created between the therapist and client, one in which the latter may freely and naturally express both what pleases and bothers them.
Mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, and private practitioners have utilized play therapy as a primary intervention or as supportive therapy for:
 
  • Behavioral problems, such as anger management,grief and loss, divorce and abandonment, and crisis and trauma.
  • Behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders.
Research suggests play therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process. For more information on play therapy including research citations we invite you to view Play Therapy Makes a Difference!
 

Meet the Team

 

The Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center providers currently include 1 Tennessee licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), 2 Tennessee licensed school social workers, 1 master of social worker, and 2 graduate level interns, who are organized into treatment teams led by a clinical supervisor/ faculty member. All clinical supervisors, Tennessee LCSW with over 20 years of post-graduate experience, hold faculty appointments in the University of Memphis School of Social Work. Our clinical team expands with the needs of the community. We are always growing our clinical team and program.

 

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Dr. Susan Elswick, Registered Play Therapist™, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider

Director Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center
selswick@memphis.edu
View Profile >

 

Photo Coming Soon

Debbie Trimble, MSW, LSSW

Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center Coordinator
dtrimble@memphis.edu

 

Interns

 

The Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center clinical interns are provided training, supervision, and on-going support with the professional guidlines for play therapy practice. Interns provide play therapy services under the direct supervision of a qualified, credentialed mental health professional who meets the requirements for play therapy supervision and certification. 

Bailey Hooper, MSW

Jonni Schmidt, MSW

Debbie Trimble, MSW, LSSW