Therapeutic Play

Catalog description

This course explores therapeutic play and its role in supporting coping, development, and emotional expression in children, as utilized by trained professionals in mental health, education, child life, and healthcare settings. Students will examine the historical foundations, theories, and techniques of therapeutic play. Special attention will be given to the application of play theories in practice, including play that is culturally and developmentally relevant to the needs of children and families. Students will explore various types of play, such as normalizing play, developmental play, healthcare/medical play, therapeutic play, and child-directed play, as well as appropriate play experiences that facilitate optimal coping. The course will also examine environments conducive to play, including activity/playrooms, camps, outdoor spaces, patient rooms, and virtual settings.This course aligns with the ACLP Play course requirement for child life certification, covering the therapeutic applications of play in healthcare, education, and child development.