Who are we? Examining the results of the Association for Play Therapy membership survey.

Abstract

This article explores the various characteristics and attributes of a sample of play therapists (N=891). The data were collected using multiple methods, including a web-based survey, to collect information from the membership of the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The survey instrument collected information on various issues such as members' educational background, continuing education experiences and needs, methods of obtaining supervision, work settings, and distribution of play therapy as a portion of their overall workload. Descriptive and inferential statistics (including t-tests, Chisquares, and ANOVA's where appropriate) were conducted to highlight significant differences in the sample across specific variables (gender and academic discipline). The findings are discussed, with recommendations provided to assist APT in planning strategies to best meet the needs of its members.The present article is the first in a series providing the most upto-date and comprehensive data on the state of play therapy and its practice. It is based on the largest survey instrument (90-items) ever administered to play therapists, and was distinctively offered through web-based technology to all members of the Association For Play Therapy (APT). This approach offered us the unique opportunity of surveying the largest sample ever of a priori identified play therapists. Previous recent surveys either used small samples of APT members

Development of the trauma play scale: An observation-based assessment of the impact of trauma on play therapy behaviors of young children.

“…According to Eth (2000), the diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; APA, 1994) have been revised to include aspects of children's play that may be indicative of a posttraumatic response. Play therapy seems to provide an ideal setting for the study of the play behaviors of traumatized children, as play therapists consistently attend to the play behaviors of children with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns, including traumatized children (Ryan, Gomory, & Lacasse, 2002;Phillips & Landreth, 1995). Play therapy is a treatment modality that draws upon the communicative function of play in the lives of young children.…”

Play therapy instruction: A model based on objectives developed by the Delphi technique.

“…72.6% of the APT members (n=835) that completed the questionnaire provide 6-20 hours a week of play therapy in their work setting. The results of this survey indicate that many members are gaining play therapy knowledge through workshops rather than taking a formal graduate level class in play therapy (Ryan, 2002).…”

“…Ryan (2002) recommended the Association for Play Therapy increase opportunities for training new and current members of APT by encouraging trained members to work with local universities to advocate offering play therapy courses and practicum experiences.…”

“…All the group play therapy skills were rated as "essential" (Ryan et al, 2002). Encouraging therapists to take play therapy classes will increase the quality of services offered to children and families.…”

“…Ryan (2002) conducted the largest survey of the members of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to date. Data was collected by questionnaires and a web-based survey.…”