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 Brittney Olsen CMHC, RPT-S is a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S), providing expert oversight and guidance to our play therapy program. In addition, all of our therapists are actively working toward their Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credentials, receiving ongoing training and supervision in play therapy practices. This ensures that every child receives care grounded in play therapy principles, delivered by clinicians who are continually developing their expertise in this specialized approach.

 

Play therapy is a powerful and developmentally appropriate way to help children express emotions, build coping skills, and work through challenges. While many therapists incorporate play into their sessions, there is an important difference between a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and a therapist who uses play therapy techniques.

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What Is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT)?

A Registered Play Therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has completed specialized training and supervision specifically in play therapy and has met rigorous standards set by the Association for Play Therapy.

To become an RPT, a therapist must:

• Hold a qualifying mental health license

• Complete extensive graduate-level coursework in play therapy

• Receive hundreds of hours of supervised play therapy experience

• Adhere to ongoing continuing education requirements

This advanced training allows Registered Play Therapists to fully understand the theory, techniques, and clinical application of play therapy, as well as how children communicate through play.

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What Is a Therapist Who Uses Play Therapy Techniques?

Many licensed therapists use play-based activities such as games, toys, art, or storytelling in sessions with children. These therapists may:

• Incorporate play as a tool for engagement

• Use play to build rapport or help children feel comfortable

• Apply select play therapy strategies alongside other therapeutic approaches

While these techniques can be helpful, these therapists may not have the same depth of formal training or supervised experience specifically in play therapy as a Registered Play Therapist.

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Why This Difference Matters

Children often communicate their thoughts and feelings through play rather than words. A Registered Play Therapist is trained to:

• Interpret play themes and symbolic communication

• Select developmentally appropriate interventions

• Create structured therapeutic experiences through play

• Address emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related concerns using evidence-based play therapy models

This specialized preparation ensures that play is not just an activity, but a clinically meaningful form of therapy tailored to the child’s needs.

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Choosing the Right Support for Your Child

Both types of therapists can provide valuable care, but families seeking a provider with advanced, specialized training in play therapy may benefit from working with a Registered Play Therapist. Understanding the difference can help parents make informed choices about the level of expertise that best fits their child’s needs.