Certificate of Play Therapy

Unit 1 – Introduction to Play Therapy

• Introduction to play therapy
• Principles of play therapy
• Types of play therapy
• History of play therapy
• Early foundations
• Child-centred play therapy
• Attachment theory
• Cognitive development theory
• Psychosocial development theory
• Gestalt play therapy
• Filial therapy
• Emotional and psychological development
• Play therapy settings
• The power of play

Unit 2 – Child Development and Play

• Child development and play
• Cognitive development
• Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
• Emotional development
• Communicating feelings through play
• Coping strategies
• Social development
• Empathy and perspective taking
• Conflict resolution
• Stages of social play
• Play in the early years and beyond
• Recognising developmental milestones
• Trauma and play

Unit 3 – Play Therapy Principles and Techniques

• Play therapy principles and techniques
• Child-centred play
• Directive play therapy
• Non-directive play therapy
• Gestalt play therapy
• Cognitive-behavioural play therapy
• Filial play therapy
• Sandplay therapy
• Puppetry and dolls therapy
• Therapeutic storytelling
• Drama therapy
• Music and dance therapy
• Toy-assisted therapy
• Video game therapy
• Lego-based therapy
• Sensory play
• Music and dance therapy
• Nature-based play
• Integrating approaches
• The role of the therapist

Unit 4 – Play Therapy Applications

• Play therapy applications
• Supporting children with anxiety
• Supporting neurodivergent children
• Play therapy in schools and healthcare
• Family and group play therapy

Unit 5 – Play Therapy Across the Lifespan

• Adapting play therapy for toddlers
• Therapeutic play in aged care
• Therapeutic play in disability support
• Play therapy for adolescents
• Play therapy for adults

Unit 6 – Setting up a Play Therapy Space

• Setting up the play therapy space
• Creating a safe and supportive environment
• Selecting and using therapeutic toys
• Ethical practice
• Working with parents and caregivers
• Support networks

Unit 7 – Play Therapy for Children with Special Needs

• Developmental challenges and play
• Speech and language delays
• Cognitive delays
• Delayed social development
• Neurological challenges
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Developmental challenges
• Neurological challenges
• Sensory challenges
• Adapting therapy to individual needs

Unit 8 – Play Therapy for Trauma and Grief

• Understanding childhood trauma
• Trauma informed play therapy
• Supporting children with trauma
• Techniques for grief processing
• Managing attachment issues
• Managing emotional withdrawal
• Supporting children in crisis

Unit 8 – Evaluating Progress and Outcomes

• Observing and documenting play therapy sessions
• Assessing behavioural and emotional changes
• Working collaboratively with other professionals
• Addressing challenges in play therapy