Play Therapy

The Definition of Play Therapy

You’ll start with learning what play therapy is and why it’s used, as well as the positive impact it can have on children’s mental and emotional health. We’ll explore the history and goals of play therapy, the psychology that underpins it, and the reasons play is often described as a child’s “natural language.”

From there, you’ll look at different types of play therapy, including sensory play, storytelling, role-play, dramatic play, arts and crafts, sand tray work, and symbolic play. You’ll also learn how to adapt techniques to suit the child’s age, abilities, preferences, and emotional needs.

Play Therapy for Confidence and Healing

This accredited play therapy practitioner course shows you how play can:

• Boost self-esteem and confidence through creative expression.

• Build trust and emotional safety in supportive environments.

• Help children process trauma, grief, anxiety, and stress.

• Encourage communication and social skills development.

• Strengthen emotional regulation and resilience.

You’ll explore self-esteem and play therapy in depth, learning why confidence is a big factor in emotional wellbeing and how play-based techniques can help nurture it. There’s also a dedicated focus on trauma and play therapy, helping you understand how children respond to difficult experiences and how to approach them with sensitivity.

Professional Insight and Practical Guidance

The course also addresses the future of play therapy, including how it is evolving as a practice, and important precautions to keep in mind, such as safeguarding, setting clear boundaries, and staying within your scope of practice. Real-life case studies bring the theory to life, showing how play therapy principles work in everyday settings.

If you want to take your learning further, the course outlines the steps toward formal qualifications and professional registration, so you can see exactly what’s involved in becoming a licensed practitioner.

Please note: This course is for personal development and educational purposes only. It does not qualify you to practise as a licensed play therapist. To become a registered professional, further academic and clinical training is required. Guidance on next steps toward professional qualifications is included in the course.

This accredited play therapy training is perfect for anyone who wants to:

• Learn practical techniques to support children’s emotional health.

• Add creative play methods to existing work in education, childcare, or wellness.

• Gain a certification in play therapy for personal development or career progression.

• Begin training in play therapy as a foundation for future study.

• Learn flexibly through online play therapy training you can fit around your schedule.

Play Therapy as a Career

To become a professionally registered play therapist in the UK, you will typically need to:

• Complete an approved postgraduate qualification in play therapy.
• Be registered with a recognised body such as the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) or Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
• Pass checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (or equivalent in your region).