Patty Scanlon
(1960 – 2011)

"I tried to teach my child with books,
he gave me only puzzled looks.
"I tried to teach my child with words,
they passed him by unheard.
"In despair I turned aside,
'How will I teach my child?',
I cried.
"Into my hand he put the key,
'Come' he said, 'and play with me!' "
-Author unknown

About Patty Scanlon

Patty Scanlon is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. After ten years in business, she returned to school, graduating cum laude from Butler University with a major in Psychology in 1993. She earned her Masters in Social Work from Indiana University in 1995. A Registered Play Therapist since 1999, she became credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in 2001. She is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (2004) and is Certified in Clinical Hypnosis (2004) through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Patty began her career in social work at the Family Advocacy Center, working with survivors of family violence. She continued her clinical work at Catholic Social Services, then joined Meridian Psychological Associates in private practice in 1998. In March 2003, she opened PlayJourneys, Inc., a solo private practice specializing in play therapy for all ages.

Patty is past president of the Indiana Association for Play Therapy and served on its board of directors from 1997 to 2002. Since 2000, she has been actively involved in the Association for Play Therapy at the national level, serving as chair of various committees. She is a graduate of APT’s inaugural Leadership Academy class of 2005. In 2008, Patty was elected to a three year term on the Board of Directors of the Association for Play Therapy. Patty is the recipient of the 2006 Yvonne Williams Award of Merit for Innovative Service to the Play Therapy Profession. She authored a chapter in the 2007 book, Using Superheroes in Counseling and Play Therapy.

Patty uses art, sandplay, and play therapy with all ages. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families since 1992 in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has expertise in the areas of attachment, divorce, domestic violence, trauma and abuse. An Approved Provider with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (#98000366A) and the Association for Play Therapy (#04-142), she offers play therapy training, workshops, supervision and consultation. Patty hopes to bring Pet Play Therapy to PlayJourneys in the future.