News and Events: Press Release

June 3, 2010

  • By D. Veasey
  • Director of Media Relations
  • Regis University
  • University Relations
  • 303.458.3537
  • 303.204.5986 cell
  • dveasey@regis.edu

Regis University designated National Approved Center of Play Therapy Education

(DENVER) – The Regis University Center for Counseling and Play Therapy has earned designation as an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education by the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

Play therapy is a form of mental health counseling or psychotherapy used by licensed mental health professionals to better communicate with and help clients achieve optimal mental health. According to the APT, it is particularly effective with children because, just as adults use words to communicate and express themselves, children use play.

APT recently launched its Approved Center program to acknowledge those universities generating substantial play therapy research, publications, graduate instruction, supervised clinical experiences, supervisor training, and other programs.

During its initial three-year approval period, the Center for Family Counseling and Play Therapy will offer play therapy graduate and supervisor training courses in addition to generating publications and presentations to benefit students, faculty, and practitioners. These programs may be applied to satisfy state licensing requirements and to earn the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials conferred by APT.

The Center was established by its director, Teresa Christensen, an associate professor and coordinator of counseling children and adolescents post-graduate certificate program at Regis University.

"Because the rapidly increasing use of play therapy is also boosting demand for more university play therapy programs, APT applauds Regis University for approving the establishment of the Center," said APT executive director Bill Burns, CAE. "We are confident that, under Dr. Christensen’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."

APT, a national professional society, estimates that play therapy is routinely used by thousands of licensed psychologists, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists within and outside of the United States. Burns reports that nearly 16 percent of accredited universities now offer some combination of play therapy graduate instruction and supervised play therapy experiences.

For more information, please contact:

Teresa M. Christensen, Ph.D., LPC, RPT-S
Associate Professor of Counseling
Director, Regis University Center for Counseling and Play Therapy
Coordinator, Counseling Children and Adolescents Certificate Program
Graduate Counseling Program, Regis University
11001 W. 120th Ave., Suite 150
Broomfield, CO 80021-3494
Office: 303-964-5727
Fax: 303-635-1363
Email: tchriste@regis.edu