MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Play Therapy

Course: BHS267

First Term: 2019 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Exploration and application of therapeutic play techniques and strategies for the helping professional working with children

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the counseling process and appropriate interpersonal play therapy skills needed in working with children. (I, II) 2. Describe and demonstrate major play therapy approaches accompanying diagnostic models, and assessment methods. (I, II) 3. Demonstrate play therapy skills. (II) 4. Develop a service plan based on client profile and ethnic background. (III) 5. Identify the strengths and limitations of various play therapy approaches when applied to client profile and identified needs. (IV) 6. Describe methods of progress assessment in play therapy. (IV) 7. Create a therapeutic play environment and experience. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Review the Counseling Process Models A. Basic models 1. Client Centered/Relational 2. Learning Theory/Cognitive Behavioral 3. Direct Play Theory 4. Family Oriented B. Specific Experiential Approaches 1. Art 2. Music & movement 3. Drama & Role Playing 4. Bibliotherapy & storytelling 5. Social games II. Play Therapy Skills A. Play therapy communication skills 1. Establishing therapeutic relationships 2. Tracking behavior 3. Limit setting 4. Relationship building B. Interpersonal Communication Skills 1. Empathic responding 2. Expressing feelings 3. Facilitating 4. Problem solving III. Formulation of Service Plan A. Identification of specific needs, goals and objectives B. Selection of specific play therapy techniques to be used C. Incorporation of ethnic & cultural pieces IV. Application and Assessment of Treatment Approaches to Identified Needs A. Selection and practice of play therapy approaches B. Strengths and limitations of specific play therapy techniques for selected client profiles. C. Assessment of client progress V. Therapeutic Play Environments A. Facility/Environment B. Toys C. Audio-visual equipment D. Music E. Art supplies B. Manipulatives C. Audio-visual equipment D. Puppets, dolls, toys & games E. Music F. Art supplies G. Seating

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 4/24/2001

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.