The national professional society Association for Play Therapy (APT) has designated the University’s Multicultural Play Therapy Center an approved center of play therapy education.
            
Housed in the College of Education, the Multicultural Play Therapy Center was founded earlier this year by director Phyllis Post, coordinator of the graduate certificate in play therapy.
            
“Because the rapidly increasing use of play therapy is also boosting demand for more university play therapy programs, APT applauds UNC Charlotte for the establishment of the center,” said Bill Burns, APT executive director. “We are confident that under Dr. Post’s leadership, it will significantly advance our growing field and serve those who counsel clients, particularly children, in schools, public agencies, private practices and other venues.”  

Play therapy is a form of mental health counseling or psychotherapy by which licensed mental health professionals incorporate the use of play to better communicate with and help clients achieve optimal mental health. It is particularly effective with children because, just as adults use words to communicate ideas and feelings, children use play.

According to Post, during the initial three-year approval period, the Multicultural Play Therapy Center will offer introductory and advanced play therapy graduate instruction, supervised clinical experiences, supervisor training and generate articles for various professional publications.