Therapeutic Practices

This course will focus on the therapeutic value and use of therapeutic programming in the care and treatment of children/adolescents and within a strength-based framework. It will introduce the student to the concepts and practice of therapeutic activities and how they are applied in a variety of children's mental health settings and also with individual clients as well as in the context of group programming. Students will explore the importance of play and will have the opportunity to develop their own knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to develop and facilitate therapeutic activities with children/adolescents. Students will learn about the importance of establishing appropriate environments for the application of therapeutic play activities and the effect of these activities on a children's/adolescent's treatment. Students will be introduced to a variety of play activities/tools that can be applied and utilized in the field. Leadership skills and relationship building through activities will also be introduced.