This text is part of the special Higher Education notebook
Concordia University is a pioneer in offering the first intensive graduate certificate in play therapy in Canada.
“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for about twenty years,” says Bonnie Harnden, professor in the Department of Arts Therapies at Concordia University. “Play therapy is one of the most effective approaches with children and adolescents,” she notes.
“Most training focuses on adults, and tries to apply the same thing with children and adolescents, but that is a mistake,” says M.me Harnden. And even though training courses lasting a few days already existed (including one in Toronto), the professor hoped to offer more comprehensive training on play therapy for people working with children. “There are so many therapists who work with children who don’t know how to do it,” she says.
Indeed, most university programs only offer one or two courses specifically on children. The graduate certificate in play therapy is therefore offered to professionals who already work in the field of education, psychology and social work, and who would like to specialize.
The game to express yourself
The one who worked for several years in the psychiatry department of the Montreal Children’s Hospital has repeatedly noted the ineffectiveness of traditional therapy with children. “Several well-meaning therapists tried to use talk therapy, but the children remained silent. This is because at this age, they have not yet developed the ability to express their emotions,” she continues.
“For children, play is language, and toys are words,” explains Mme Harnden, as we enter a small, colorful and bright room, where every object has its place. “The toys are always stored the same way, so that children can easily find the words they need,” she adds. Play therapy helps children and adolescents with a host of issues: trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, ADHD, lack of self-confidence, difficulty attaching, low self-esteem, etc. And even for children who are not experiencing problems, play therapy helps them make their way in the world.
It is in this small room (and in several other furnished spaces) that the intensive certificate courses take place. In the neighboring room, teenagers can sculpt, draw or bury objects in the sand via sand play therapy. “From the age of 10, we adopt slightly more active activities, integrating equipment; young people want to create and speak at the same time,” explains M.me Harnden.
Benefits for all
The twenty students per cohort take the five courses during an intensive session in the summer, at a rate of one course per week. The children who participate in the training are those from the Concordia Early Childhood Center, with whom the certificate has established a partnership. “It gives a little boost of self-confidence to children,” says Mme Harnden. Students learn to intervene with children, in a human, sustained and constant way, and also to support parents in establishing a relationship with their child.
Students learn by doing, doing individual or small group intervention with children (one or two at a time) or parents. The sessions are shown via video in another room, where the teacher and a small group of students can watch them unfold. This allows other students to learn more: “Every child is so different, one approach can have different results” , remindsMme Harnden. Teachers can also assess students, and intervene in (rare) cases that get out of control.
The program is enjoying good success: applications for admission are numerous, and the fourth edition of the intensive course will take place in the summer of 2024. “We are really proud. We can make a real difference in the lives of children and adolescents,” emphasizes M.me Harnden.
Looking into the future, the professor dreams of being able to add a natural space to the rooms. “Nature is inherently restorative,” she notes. She would also like to be able to offer intensive training more frequently, and create short training specifically for primary and secondary teachers, to benefit as many people as possible. “You can have a real impact through play therapy,” she concludes.
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