Why I Became a Play Therapist

Clients and others in my life often ask why I became a play therapist and what I like so much about what I do. Like most people, I have a story behind how and why I got here.

I started working in early childhood programs in my early 20’s. My love for small children didn’t prevent me from being bored and frustrated with the way many early childhood programs were run. I began taking college classes, beginning with classes in early childhood education. I eventually ended up with a bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology. While that is a lovely pursuit of studies, it didn’t lead to any type of paying career. I decided to apply to graduate school and focus on counseling.

In one of my semesters an elective course was offered in play therapy. I had no idea what play therapy was, but if it involved children, I was in! One part of the class was doing a weekend training on-site at Mid-America Nazarene University’s play therapy counseling center. We were learning how to do sand tray therapy and were asked to pick a miniature that represented ourselves. I chose this peg family. 

When asked to explain why, I became a bit choked up, and it was hard to find words. Like many people who enter the counseling profession, not only is there a strong desire to facilitate healing in others, but also in ourselves. I had spent over 10 years working in early childhood settings, and then another 5 working in public schools. But this play, and using play therapy to bring healing and joy, spoke to my heart in a way nothing else has. I remember stating to the entire class and the instructor “This is what I want to do with my life”.

And here I am, over 10 years out of graduate school, and have been a play therapist for most of those years. I still love every single minute of what I do. Bringing hope, healing, and love to the children and families in my Kansas City community.