Diploma in person-centred play therapy

The diploma in person-centred play therapy is a two year part-time programme created and designed by Child in Mind Ltd. Students on the programme will receive quality clinical training that is designed to meet clear, robust and independent play therapy competences in addition to the core competences required for counselling and psychotherapy training.

The programme utilises a predominantly experiential approach to help you gain the theoretical knowledge, experience and clinical skills required to qualify and work as a confident and highly effective professional play therapist. You will develop comprehensive expertise as a practitioner to intervene and help children and adolescents in times of psychological distress. 

On successful completion of the course graduates of the programme will be eligible for individual membership, as a psychotherapist, with BACP and will begin practice as a fully qualified play therapist. 

Who is this course for?
Play therapy trainees come from a wide variety of backgrounds it could be that you are already a counsellor or psychotherapist wanting the additional training essential to work with children. Or it could be that you are already working with children in a related profession such as social work, teaching/education, psychology, or early years.

What you will study?

You will begin your studies in year one by exploring the theory and skills of play therapy, building on your existing knowledge of human development and growth in module two we will make clear links to contemporary theories of neurobiology and explore the social context of play therapy. The third module is in preparation for the clinical practice placement of year two and you will need to pass this module prior to undertaking any clinical work.

Year two will begin with a supervised clinical practice module, where you will be supported to begin your 100 clinical practice hours on placement in a professional setting. Advanced play therapy approaches will also be considered in which dealing with complex trauma and working with children in groups will be addressed. In addition, you will undertake a research module in which you will plan a small scale research study in an area of your choice.

How you will study

The programme is taught part-time over two years. An experiential approach is used with lectures, seminars, discussions, skills practice and personal development groups. Each year, you will attend a compulsory two-day residential. In addition to this, from the beginning of Year two you will spend at least half a day per week on placement in clinical play therapy practice.

How we will support you

Throughout your academic studies you will receive teaching and learning support and have access to the programme leader, module leaders and personal development tutor. In addition to this you will also have three 1:1 academic tutorials each year. We will support you on your journey to becoming a competent, confident and ethical practitioner through participation in group supervision and personal development groups within the programme. You will also engage in mandatory personal therapy outside of the programme, and have clinical supervision of your practice with an external supervisor. In addition to this, throughout your studies you will be a student member of BACP, giving you access to a wealth of independent information and resources.

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed in theory using essays, case studies, reports and reflective journals. Video recordings of therapy sessions and skills assessment will evaluate practice.

Your career prospects

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible for individual membership of BACP as a psychotherapist. As a full member you will be able to practice as a qualified play therapist within the private or public sector, either independently or by becoming part of a wider team.

Modules
Year one
Play therapy theory and skills:  
This module grounds you in the values and philosophy of the person-centred approach to play therapy. You will begin your own journey of personal development towards becoming a safe, ethical and reflective practitioner.

Human development and growth: 
This module provides you with an understanding of the key themes of human development and growth. The impact of disrupted development is explored, drawing on theories of attachment and neurobiology.

Preparation for professional practice:  
This module equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to enable you to become fully competent in all aspects of setting up and maintaining a clinical practice within a professional setting.

Year two
Supervised clinical practice:  
This module is designed to synthesise and integrate all aspects of learning into a clinically supervised play therapy practice placement. Client confidentiality within the multi-agency context will be explored, as will the principles of clinical governance.

Advanced play therapy practice:  
This module explores the person-centred approach to play therapy within the wider context of play therapy modality. You will develop the advanced knowledge and skills required to assess and work with children who have experienced complex trauma.

Research methods:  
This module enhances your knowledge of the research process including both quantitative and qualitative research. You will develop a proposal that will demonstrate your ability to plan a small scale empirical project in your chosen discipline.

If you are interested in applying for this course, or if you have any further questions please contact the programme leader:

Jayne Beetham-Hatto
07928 120525
jayne.beetham-hatto@childinmind.co.uk