Impact of Play Therapy Training on Students in Counselor Preparation Programs

In an effort to contribute to the growing body of literature regarding best approaches to university-based play therapy training within graduate-level counseling programs, this quantitative study explored the impact of an introductory play therapy course on trainees' self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Additionally, the study explored differences in attitude, knowledge, and skills based on trainees' status (new and more experienced graduate students in a counselor preparation program). Results indicated an increase in the three domains for all students and demonstrated significant differences between newer and more experienced students, in terms of skills. Implications are presented with attention to the importance of providing introductory play therapy courses early on in students' training, as well as, advocating for the inclusion of an introductory play therapy course within the general counseling curriculum.