The transformative power of play therapy was on full display at GW’s recent InnovationFest, as highlighted in the GW Today article, “InnovationFest Showcases the Breadth and Depth of GW Research.” Among dozens of engaging exhibits, the play therapy booth from the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) stood out—drawing attention not just for its whimsical miniatures and figurines, but for the powerful psychological work it represents.
Manned by Dr. Mary DeRaedt, Clinical Assistant Professor of Counseling and Human Development, Dr. Maggie Parker, Co-Department Chair and Associate Professor, and graduate student Haley Giles, the booth invited visitors to engage with sand tray therapy—an expressive play-based tool that taps into unconscious thoughts and emotions. Attendees were encouraged to “create a world” using a variety of miniature items, sparking conversations about how nonjudgmental exploration of inner thoughts can lead to healing and transformation.
DeRaedt emphasized that play therapy restores balance between our brain’s fear-based and discovery-based learning systems. Through exercises like sand tray work, individuals—adults and children alike—can access, observe, and ultimately reshape internal narratives shaped by trauma, anxiety, or fear.
GW is the only accredited institution to offer specialized play therapy training within a school counseling master’s program, making this an exciting opportunity to showcase the program's unique value and real-world impact.
To explore the full story and learn more about this powerful modality and GW’s leadership in the field, read the full article on GW Today.
You can also learn more about play therapy in GSEHD's blog post, "The Power of Play: How Play Therapy Turns Toys into Tools for Healing."