Play Therapist

Our Approach

At Appa’s House, children are respected as people with their own feelings, perspectives, and strengths. We view emotional and behavioral concerns within the context of development and relationships. Parents are essential partners in the process, and our work supports both the child’s growth and the relationships that help sustain it.

Job Summary

Appa’s House Children’s Counseling is seeking a child therapist who is passionate about supporting children through child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Our practice believes children deserve counseling that respects their developmental stage, individuality, and capacity for growth. We work to empower children and strengthen relationships through a warm, accepting therapeutic environment.

The therapist will primarily serve children ages 3–12 using a nondirective, relationship-based approach. Within safe therapeutic limits, children lead their play while the therapist supports emotional expression, self-understanding, confidence, and responsibility. The therapist will also partner with parents and caregivers through regular consultations, helping them understand the therapeutic process and build skills that support their child at home.

This position is suited to a clinician who values person-centered care, welcomes supervision and feedback, and is committed to developing competence in the CCPT model.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related clinical field.
• Active Indiana associate or entry-level license appropriate to the position, such as LMHCA, LMFTA, or LSW, with appropriate clinical supervision.
• Foundational knowledge of child development, attachment, and children’s emotional and behavioral needs.
• Training or experience in child-centered play therapy preferred; commitment to ongoing CCPT training and supervision required.
• Ability to follow a child’s lead without directing play, imposing interpretations, or moving prematurely into teaching or problem-solving.
• Ability to use tracking, reflective responses, encouragement, choice-giving, and therapeutic limit-setting.
• Capacity to remain calm, emotionally present, and accepting during intense feelings and challenging behavior.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage caregivers with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
• Sound clinical judgment, professional boundaries, and attention to confidentiality.
• Strong organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Availability for after-school and/or weekend appointments
• Ability to provide at least 5 hours of clinical appointments weekly

Responsibilities

• Provide individual child-centered play therapy consistent with the clinician’s training, competence, and supervision.
• Establish a predictable, emotionally safe therapeutic relationship that communicates acceptance, understanding, and respect.
• Support children’s expression through play while allowing them to determine the content and pace of sessions.
• Use developmentally appropriate therapeutic limits to protect safety and support responsibility without shame or punishment.
• Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other required documentation accurately and promptly.
• Monitor clinical progress through changes in functioning, caregiver observations, and the therapeutic process while avoiding unsupported interpretations of play.
• Conduct regular parent consultations to discuss concerns, explain CCPT, review progress, and offer relationship-focused parenting strategies.
• Help caregivers develop reflective listening, encouragement, consistent limits, and realistic developmental expectations.
• Maintain the child’s therapeutic privacy while providing caregivers with information needed to support treatment.
• Collaborate with schools and other providers when clinically appropriate and authorized, while maintaining adherence to the CCPT model.
• Participate in clinical supervision, case consultation, and continuing education.
• Assess safety concerns and follow applicable reporting requirements and practice procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate playroom.
• Uphold practice policies, ethical standards, and applicable professional requirements.