Play is a powerful therapeutic tool widely used to support those experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, developmental disorders and grief. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional skills or apply play therapy in a caregiving role, this course is ideal for you.
The Certificate of Play Therapy is a professional development course that explores the foundations of play therapy, therapeutic approaches and the role of play in emotional and psychological healing.
In this play therapy course, you’ll learn to create structured and supportive play environments and tailor toys, materials and activities to meet individual needs. You will also explore related creative therapies, including art, music, drama, and movement-based interventions.
You will also find applications for various life stages, from supporting neurodivergent children and adults with anxiety and trauma to assisting aged care residents, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities.
On completion of this course, you will have a strong understanding of play-based therapy techniques and practical applications for emotional healing, behavioural support and psychological growth.
Course Structure
Unit - 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
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to View a Selection of Testimonials for the Certificate of Play Therapy
Extremely impressed with the course and the support and contact involved. I will definitely be enrolling in more courses and enrolling my employees in more of the courses.
C. Holmes, Huonville, TAS | Certificate of Play Therapy
I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to apply myself to this new learning experience!
A. Botha, Howick VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
It was great to work at my own pace and how it links to real life situational analysis
M. Roe, Moulden, NT | Certificate of Play Therapy
The study was self paced and the assessments were relevant for my learning.I enjoyed the course immensely.
Katie | Mount Gambier, SA | Certificate of Play Therapy
My experience studying with Australian Online Courses is great, because it gives me flexibility to complete the assignment, and the online tutor really helped me a lot regarding assignments questions, and provide feedbacks, to improve.
Psalmi | Hong Kong | Certificate of Play Therapy
It was VERY easy to navigate the online course and I loved it being self paced
Victoria | Tweed Heads West, NSW | Certificate of Play Therapy
Overall it was great. I could balance it with Uni work as well.
Tanishq | VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
Completing the course was a great experience. There was sufficient information and content to make the course interesting and engaging. I liked how there were videos to compliment the written work. I would definitely recommend this course to other people wanting to learn about play therapy.
Jenna-Lee | St Kilda east, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
I thought this was a great introductory to Play Therapy. It covered a diverse range of topics which made me feel more confident in working with my students and providing appropriate play experiences to their needs.
Brooke | VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
Really enjoyed this learning and researching each topic. Will be very useful when working with families and children.
Robyn | Noble Park, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
It was a great easy experience. Had lots of help when needed. Overall fantastic
Kavita | Pymble, NSW | Certificate of Play Therapy
It was an easy course to access and help was very clearly outlined throughout if needed also. A great response when I needed support and a pleasure to study with. The content was also very thorough and great assessment questions.
Jessica | Mundoolun, QLD | Certificate of Play Therapy
This was a great professional development course which was very insightful!
A.McDonald, Swan Hill, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
I had a great experience with AOC , learning at my own pace and having help available. Teachers are really nice ,cooperative and always happy to help.
Z. Baher, Werribee, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
Wonderful and educational experience.
T. Devine, Yeppoon, QLD | Certificate of Play Therapy
Material was relevant to my work and topic information was well articulated. I enjoyed that assessments were self-paced.
K. Campbell, Toowoomba, QLD | Certificate of Play Therapy
I enjoyed this study experience. It felt quite relaxed and achievable which made me feel less stressed then previous study I have completed.
Cassie | Roma, QLD | Certificate of Play Therapy
I absolutely loved this course.
S.St John, Coolaroo, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
This was a great opportunity for me to complete this course. It was interesting with enough info and help from the tutors. The online option also helps when we are working. Thanks for the opportunity.
M. Smith, Wyndham Vale, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
A great self-paced program, comprehensive content and supportive tutors.
S. Bey, Tarneit, VIC | Certificate of Play Therapy
I enjoyed my experience studying with Australian Online Courses as the instructions were easy to follow and they have a diverse range of activities for my course. This supports me to learn through different techniques.
M. Joseph, Bondi Beach, NSW | Certificate of Play Therapy
I have had a great experience, very easy to navigate and the learning material was well above expectation. I will be studying with you again.
L. Coatsworth, East Bunbury, WA | Certificate of Play Therapy
The course content was very informative and the assignments were practical and relevant to working in the field of play therapy.
W. Smith, Brinsmead, QLD | Certificate of Play Therapy
Easy to follow, informative course that provides a good outline of what play therapy is and where it can be applied.
M. Cunningham Cooper, Endeavour Hills, VIC |Certificate of Play Therapy
The content was easy to navigate and understand. Tutors and other support was also easy to access and valuable to my learning.
Kasey | Moama, NSW | Certificate of Play Therapy
Easy to access and to understand what was required.
Lisa | Ellenbrook, WA | Certificate of Play Therapy
Excellent course content. Tutors were easy to access when needing support
Emily | Capel, WA | Certificate of Play Therapy
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for:
- Health Professionals
- Playleaders
- Therapists
- Counsellors
- Teachers
- Parents
- Toy and Game Designers, Manufacturers or Retailers
Related Blogs
