I often hear people ask this question when it comes to certification programs:
Is it worth it?
Critics will say that anyone can create a certification program.
And they are right.
In a workshop at the Association for Play Therapy conference last year, respected play therapist Jeff Ashby answered this question in the best way possible, I think. (I'm paraphrasing him to the best of my memory)
but he said something along the lines of:
A certification program is worth whatever value you have placed on the certifying body.
If you value The Association for Play Therapy as a credentialing body that has expertise in the area of play therapy, then the time, energy and money that is required to get your RPT is worth it. If the credential is being given by my 8-year daughter, then maybe not so much.
The time, energy and money that I have invested into my play therapy credentials and certifications has been worth it (to me). When you follow a program that requires you to study a topic in-depth and have clinical practice and supervision - it helps you gain a thorough and in-depth knowledge of that subject.
Yes, anyone can PLAY in therapy sessions.
But not everyone is doing play THERAPY.
In 2020, I started a deep dive into journal therapy with
the Therapeutic Writing Institute.
And many people ask me the same question: Is it worth it?
For me, it has been. I never knew how much THEORY was part of journal therapy. And I've learned so many specific writing interventions that can be applied in therapy.
In the way that play therapy is so much more than "just play" -
journal therapy is so much more than "just writing."
As I wrap up my program, I have to develop an 8-week journaling course. It's been a fun and challenging process. And I am excited to start the pilot group of my course later this year and claim those CJT (Certified Journal Therapist) letters.
The "certification" part isn't really the point though. The time, energy and focus has been the real benefit. You can collect certifications in all sorts of things....but investing your resources into something that you are really curious and interested in is the more valuable part of that process.
As a life-long learner, I've done quite a few deep-dives and certifications.
But I'm curious...
what certifications are you finding are worth your time, energy and resources?
