Course | Certificate of Play Therapy

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.

Unit

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.

Career Pathways

Professional development for:
- Health professionals
- Playleaders
- Therapists
- Counsellors
- Teachers
- Parents
- Toy and game designers, manufacturers, or retailers

For further information, please visit Australian Online Courses website.