Sister is Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor

February 21, 2002. Pocatello, Idaho

Sister Mary Paul Moller, FSE spends her day at play! As the only Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in Idaho, and one of only two registered play therapists in the state, she is busy helping children who come to her for counseling. Play therapy provides her with a means of communicating with young children through play and toys. Sister Mary Paul explains that "most children do not have the cognitive ability or abstract verbal reasoning skills to express personal problems. In the playroom, the child uses gestures, silence, facial expression, proximity to the counselor, and toys and art materials to communicate about their feelings and thoughts."

Play therapists help children explore real life situations, test their limits, develop a positive self-image and increase their understanding of themselves and others through the medium of toys including sand trays and dollhouses. Sister Mary Paul believes it is the counselor's job to understand the messages the child conveys during a play session. Sister also uses outdoor, land-based techniques and animals in the therapy process.

Sister Mary Paul has a Masters degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on animal therapy from Michigan State University and a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. Sister is on the staff of the Franciscan Counseling Center, Pocatello.