BeFreed
    Categories>Psychology>How to Become an Expert in Play Therapy for Children

    How to Become an Expert in Play Therapy for Children

    15 min
    |
    |
    Apr 29, 2026
    PsychologyWell-BeingEducation

    Learn how a Licensed Professional Counselor can become an expert in play therapy. Discover essential child therapy techniques and pediatric mental health tips.

    How to Become an Expert in Play Therapy for Children

    Best quote from How to Become an Expert in Play Therapy for Children

    “

    Play therapy is not just about 'feeling better'—it is about physiological change. You are not just playing; you are holding a child’s nervous system in your hands.

    ”
    W

    Generated by Whit

    Input question

    I’m a licensed professional counselor who specializes with children, I want to be an expert in play therapy.

    Host voices
    Lenaplay
    Milesplay
    Knowledge sources
    link
    https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/mjss/article/download/14703/14315/49196
    Frontiers | Rethinking the role of the pretend play mode in mentalisation-focused psychoanalytic child therapy for adopted and foster children with attachment trauma: from a pre-mentalising mode to a developmental achievement and a milestone on the trajectory towards mentalisation
    link
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1695144
    The Role of Play Therapy in Addressing Trauma in Children: An Evidence-Based Review and Clinical Update
    link
    https://www.hssres.com/article_236652.html
    [PDF] Play Therapy Best Practices
    link
    https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/publications/best_practices.pdf
    Professional Registration
    link
    https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/credentials/standards_&_applications/rpt_standards.pdf
    link
    https://cpt.unt.edu/sites/cpt.unt.edu/files/jcd-playtherapy_and_aces.pdf

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For a Licensed Professional Counselor, becoming a play therapy specialist begins with obtaining specific clinical hours and supervision focused on pediatric mental health. You must integrate foundational child therapy techniques into your practice while pursuing advanced training through accredited programs. This path ensures you develop the specialized skills necessary to use play as a primary therapeutic tool for helping children process emotions and trauma effectively.

    Play therapy is essential because children often lack the verbal complexity to express their internal struggles through traditional talk therapy. By utilizing play therapy techniques, a counselor can meet a child at their developmental level, using toys and creative activities as their natural language. This approach allows the therapist to observe behaviors, build trust, and address pediatric mental health concerns in a way that feels safe and intuitive for the child.

    A play therapy specialist employs various child therapy techniques such as sand tray therapy, storytelling, role-playing, and art-based interventions. These methods are designed to help children communicate their feelings and resolve psychosocial challenges. By mastering these diverse tools, a Licensed Professional Counselor can tailor their approach to the specific needs of each young client, fostering better outcomes in pediatric mental health and emotional development.

    From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

    BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of Curious Minds

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    Ask ChatGPTAsk Claude
    See more on how BeFreed is discussed

    From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

    BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of Curious Minds

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
    platform
    comments
    12
    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
    platform
    comments
    96
    likes
    4.5K

    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

    @SofiaP
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

    @Jaded_Falcon
    platform
    comments
    201
    thumbsUp
    16

    "It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

    @OojasSalunke
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
    37
    likes
    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star
    Ask ChatGPTAsk Claude
    See more on how BeFreed is discussed
    1.5K ratings4.7
    Start your learning journey, now
    BeFreed app
    BeFreed

    Learn Anything, Personalized

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs other apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Information
    About Usarrow
    Pricingarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Careerarrow
    Partnershipsarrow
    Ambassador Programarrow
    Directoryarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Term of UsePrivacy Policy
    BeFreed

    Learn Anything, Personalized

    DiscordLinkedIn
    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
    BeFreed vs other apps
    BeFreed vs. Other Book Summary AppsBeFreed vs. ElevenReaderBeFreed vs. ReadwiseBeFreed vs. Anki
    Information
    About Usarrow
    Pricingarrow
    FAQarrow
    Blogarrow
    Careerarrow
    Partnershipsarrow
    Ambassador Programarrow
    Directoryarrow
    BeFreed
    Try now
    © 2026 BeFreed
    Term of UsePrivacy Policy

    Key Takeaways

    1

    Section 1: The Language of the Unspoken

    0:00
    0:31
    0:55
    1:21
    1:39
    2

    Section 2: Building the Secure Base

    1:41
    1:58
    2:17
    2:36
    2:52
    3:15
    3:37
    3

    Section 3: The Heart Rate of Healing

    3:41
    4:01
    4:18
    4:39
    5:02
    5:16
    5:40
    4

    Section 4: From Survival to Symbolism

    5:43
    5:59
    2:17
    6:30
    6:47
    7:05
    7:24
    5

    Section 5: The Dance of Directive and Non-Directive Play

    7:39
    7:49
    8:11
    8:25
    8:42
    9:01
    9:22
    9:37
    6

    Section 6: The Parental Connection

    9:41
    9:55
    10:15
    10:28
    10:43
    11:00
    11:14
    7

    Section 7: The Path to Credentialing and Expertise

    11:31
    11:45
    12:04
    12:19
    12:38
    12:51
    13:12
    13:24
    8

    Section 8: The Magic of Ordinary Moments

    13:26
    13:46
    14:10
    14:30
    14:48
    14:59
    15:12

    More like this

    Child-Centered Play Therapy: The Axline Principles book cover
    [232e69fc-dd35-4375-a430-90063c055503:c0000] Module_07_Child-Centered_Play_Therapy_fillable.pdf p1-1[232e69fc-dd35-4375-a430-90063c055503:c0001] Module_07_Child-Centered_Play_Therapy_fillable.pdf p1-1[232e69fc-dd35-4375-a430-90063c055503:c0002] Module_07_Child-Centered_Play_Therapy_fillable.pdf p1-1[232e69fc-dd35-4375-a430-90063c055503:c0003] Module_07_Child-Centered_Play_Therapy_fillable.pdf p1-1
    5 sources
    Child-Centered Play Therapy: The Axline Principles
    Traditional talk therapy often fails children who lack the words for their trauma. Discover how play becomes a language for healing and growth.
    1179 min
    Healing the Invisible Wounds book cover
    Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong: And Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your LifeWhat My Bones KnowRewiring Your Nervous System: Proven Methods to Heal TraumaComplex PTSD
    19 sources
    Healing the Invisible Wounds
    Explore how childhood developmental trauma shapes adult identity and relationships, and discover evidence-based pathways to healing these deep wounds through nervous system regulation and therapeutic approaches.
    26 min
    The Healing Power of Therapeutic Presence book cover
    The Structure of Magic ISkills in Existential Counselling & PsychotherapyDBT Made SimpleThe Gift of Therapy
    23 sources
    The Healing Power of Therapeutic Presence
    Discover how the therapist-client relationship impacts outcomes more than techniques alone, and learn practical ways to develop the empathy, listening skills, and authentic presence that create transformative healing spaces.
    25 min
    Rewiring Childhood Trauma: Break Mental Blocks, Live Free book cover
    source 1source 2source 3How to Harness the Power of Neuroplasticity to Heal Childhood ...
    6 sources
    Rewiring Childhood Trauma: Break Mental Blocks, Live Free
    Discover science-backed techniques to heal childhood trauma, quiet your inner critic, and rewire your brain for authentic relationships and emotional freedom. Transform survival patterns into wisdom.
    21 min
    Music Therapy: The Bridge to the Autistic Brain book cover
    History of Music TherapyMusic Therapy in the Scope of Psychology: From Asylums to Contemporary PracticeHistory of Music Therapy | American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)Frontiers | Effectiveness of music therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder: meta-analysis and potential biological mechanisms
    8 sources
    Music Therapy: The Bridge to the Autistic Brain
    When traditional talk therapy hits a wall, rhythm and melody offer a path forward. Trace the clinical history and science of healing through sound.
    947 min
    Donald Winnicott: The Power of Play book cover
    PLAYING & REALITYPlaying A Theoretical Statement by D. W. WinnicottPLAYING & REALITYEssay on Playfulness and Play in Children’s Art Class: A Reflection Based on Winnicott
    6 sources
    Donald Winnicott: The Power of Play
    Struggling to feel 'real' in a demanding world? Explore how childhood blankets and play bridge the gap between our inner lives and shared reality.
    732 min
    Healing Your Inner Child book cover
    Toxic ParentsThe Emotionally Absent MotherAdult Children of Emotionally Immature ParentsComplex PTSD
    18 sources
    Healing Your Inner Child
    Discover the powerful practice of reparenting—how to give your adult self the love and support you needed as a child, and practical tools to heal emotional patterns even without severe childhood trauma.
    49 min
    Trauma, Parenting, and the Burden of the Past book cover
    Writing a New Story: Thriving as a Parent After Surviving Abuse — Mental Health Therapy For Women Covered by InsuranceA framework of healing from coercive control and abuse | When Love HurtsWhy Healing From a Narcissistic or Abusive Partner Takes So Long - Wellbeing MagazineLeaving an Abusive Relationship When You Have Children - Partnership Against Domestic Violence
    5 sources
    Trauma, Parenting, and the Burden of the Past
    Healing from abuse is harder when children remind you of the past. Learn why your body stays in survival mode and how to reclaim your life.
    21 min

    Recommended Learning Plans

    Healing the Inner Child
    LEARNING PLAN

    Healing the Inner Child

    This plan is essential for individuals struggling with chronic insecurity or emotional reactivity in relationships. It provides a structured path for those ready to bridge the gap between cognitive understanding and somatic healing to transform their attachment patterns.

    1 h 12 m•3 Sections
    The Creative Counselor's Playbook
    LEARNING PLAN

    The Creative Counselor's Playbook

    This playbook is essential for educators and camp leaders who struggle to balance creative expression with group discipline. It provides a practical framework for turning chaotic activities into structured, therapeutic experiences for children and teens.

    2 h•4 Sections
    Heal trauma
    LEARNING PLAN

    Heal trauma

    Trauma affects millions worldwide, creating lasting impacts on mental health, relationships, and quality of life. This learning plan provides evidence-based approaches for anyone seeking to understand their trauma responses, release stored trauma, and build resilience through integrated mind-body healing techniques.

    4 h 29 m•4 Sections
    Narrative Therapy: The Problem is the Problem
    LEARNING PLAN

    Narrative Therapy: The Problem is the Problem

    This plan is essential for mental health professionals looking to move beyond pathologizing models toward a collaborative, empowering approach. It benefits therapists, counselors, and social workers who want to help clients reclaim their lives from the influence of persistent problems.

    1 h 12 m•3 Sections
    Rebuild life after trauma & inspire others
    LEARNING PLAN

    Rebuild life after trauma & inspire others

    Trauma can fundamentally alter one's sense of self and safety, but healing is possible through deliberate, evidence-based approaches. This learning plan provides a roadmap for those ready to transform their trauma experience into growth, resilience, and ultimately, a platform to inspire others on similar journeys.

    3 h 35 m•4 Sections
    Trauma informed psychotherapy
    LEARNING PLAN

    Trauma informed psychotherapy

    Trauma-informed care has become essential across all therapeutic settings as research reveals trauma's pervasive impact on mental health, physical wellbeing, and relationships. This learning plan is designed for mental health professionals, counselors, therapists, and clinicians who want to deepen their understanding of trauma and master the specialized skills needed to effectively support trauma survivors in their healing journey.

    5 h 42 m•5 Sections
    Rewiring the Traumatized Mind
    LEARNING PLAN

    Rewiring the Traumatized Mind

    This plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of neuroscience and emotional recovery. It is designed for individuals or professionals looking to break cycles of trauma by addressing both the physical nervous system and early relational blueprints.

    1 h 30 m•3 Sections
    The Way of Play: Core Arguments & Examples
    LEARNING PLAN

    The Way of Play: Core Arguments & Examples

    This learning plan bridges the gap between abstract philosophy and practical game design to reveal how play functions as a driver of human progress. It is essential for educators, designers, and leaders looking to leverage playful mechanics for social impact and cognitive development.

    5 h 2 m•4 Sections