Purpose

The purpose of this comprehensive training program is to provide clinical professional with the education and supervision they need to become Registered Play Therapists™ (RPT™s). The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Association for Play Therapy™ (APT™) and can be completed in two years. 

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The program is a result of Maria's desire to increase the number of competent child therapists in her community and in communities across New Mexico. Maria is a passionate advocate for play therapy and believes that it is a powerful tool for helping children, teens and adults heal from trauma and other challenges. This program is open to professionals in the mental health field including psychologists, counselors, social workers, therapists as well as graduate students in clinical programs. 

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The program is led by a team of experienced RPT™s and RPT-S™s who are committed to providing high-quality training and supervision. Participants will learn about the theory and practice of play therapy, as well as the skills they need to be effective therapists. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and receive individualized support from their supervisors. A New Hope Therapy Center is an Approved Provider for the Association for Play Therapy™ (APT™) - Approved Provider 20-631and Maria LaquerreDiego is an Approved Provider for the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board CCE020981.

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Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible to apply for the RPT™ credential from APT™. The RPT™ credential is a recognized mark of expertise in play therapy, and it can help therapists advance their careers and provide better care for their clients. 

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Credentialing

The credentialing process for the Association for Play Therapy is done in three phases and is completed in no less than 2 years and no more than 7 years. This program is designed intentionally to meet these requirements. 

The certification process requires:

• hours 150 CEs in play therapy education

  • at least 75 CEs must be obtained in person (instructor is in the room with you)

  • no more than 75 CEs can be obtained through live webinars (instructor is live on Zoom)

  • no more than 40 CEs can be obtained through non-contact trainings (recorded trainings, book tests, etc.)

• 35 hours of supervision with a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ (RPT-S™) that happens concurrently with your education and clinical hours 

• 350 direct client contact hours utilizing play therapy foundations and techniques under the supervision of your assigned RPT-S™

The cost of credentialing with APT™ is not included in the cost of the program. A New Hope Therapy and the faculty of this program can not guarantee credentialing with APT™. 

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Cost

This program is offered in Phases, to align with the credentialing process with APT™. Each phase is an 8 month commitment and costs $2699. This cost includes:

• Intentionally selected trainings specifically to set you up for success as a new play therapist 

  • These trainings are mapped out to align with the phases as outlined by the Association for Play Therapy™ for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist™​

  • The program does it's best to schedule them around our local school district schedule, includes registration to the New Mexico Association for Play Therapy™ annual spring conference in Albuquerque

  • In person trainings will occur at our Las Cruces office, unless otherwise stated

• 1 hour of supervision/consultation with an RPT-S™ per month (*consultation is offered for fully licensed clinicians)

• 1.5 hours of group supervision every 4 months with an RPT-S™

• 2 hours of consultation with Maria to review your specific progress and needs

• Guided support throughout the credentialing process, including a specially developed spreadsheet to track your progress

• Trainings mapped out to align with the phases as outlined by the Association for Play Therapy™ for credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist™

• You have the option to pay for the full program (all three phases), the full phase, or monthly. 

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Registration

Ready to get started?

• Be sure to check the dates of the trainings for the current phase as you must attend all courses as scheduled.

• Take a look at our supervisors and see who might be a good fit for your interests and experience.

• Review our cancellation and refund policy.

• Reach out to Maria with any questions!

• Sign Up!

  • Cohort 2024-2026: Phase 1

  • Cohort 2023-2025: Phase 2

• If you are looking to start the program after the current Phase has begun, please email Maria before registering at maria@anewhopetc.org

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Not in NM?

Maria is happy to set up a consultation to review your progress towards RPT™ credentialing, identify your still needed requirements and discuss how this program may be able to help! Consultations are $75/hour

and can be requested via email at maria@anewhopetc.org