Study Play Therapy Online Course and learn how to become a successful Play Therapist

Parents and childcare professionals alike can benefit from studying our Play Therapy Online Course. Suppose you are interested in starting your own play therapy business. In that case, this is the course for you—people who want to earn a certificate online, such as psychologists, counsellors, or educators. If you are a parent considering child therapy or already involved in a play therapy program, this course is perfect for you.

Researchers have found that play is one of the best activities for children's growth and learning. Moreover, play therapy aids a child's cognitive growth.

In order to help children with developmental disabilities, play therapy is used as a therapeutic tool. The therapy encourages children to develop the necessary social skills to function in modern society. As a bonus, play therapy could help children deal with a wide range of daily difficulties.

Students will also learn to build a play therapy atmosphere. Several important aspects of play therapy will also be covered in the course. Improving self-esteem in children and using play to help traumatized children cope with their experiences are both discussed.

Every part of delivering good play therapy sessions will be covered. Your efforts to implement play therapy sessions will be enhanced by using this strategy.

During our online training, we use real-life client and therapist case studies to illustrate the concepts. To understand how and why to play therapy works, you will need to look at actual case studies. There is also an overview of becoming a specialist play therapist at the end of the online play therapy course.

What will you learn with our Play Therapy Course?

• Introduction to Play Therapy
• Benefits of Play Therapy
• Types of Play Therapy
• Contraindications and Precautions
• Treating Trauma
• Mental Health
• Play Therapy Careers

Who is the Play Therapy Online Training Course designed for?

• Novices in the field of play therapy will find this play therapy certification online course an excellent introduction to the subject.
• Current play therapists, teachers, psychologists, therapists, coaches, counselors, nurses, carers, and social workers will find that the Play Therapy Course will help in improving existing knowledge and develop new skills.
• People considering a career in play therapy but are unwilling to commit to full-time study will find online play therapy certification programs valuable.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

• Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
• Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
• Be a self-directed learner
• Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

• Course content is structured for easy comprehension
• Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Play Therapy Course
• All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
• Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
• All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

For any additional questions please see our comprehensive FAQS tab above.

Play Therapy Online Certificate Outline 

Module 1: Introduction to Play Therapy

Play therapy is a psychotherapy strategy that therapists use to evaluate the behavioural patterns of children aged 3 to 12. These therapists employ play to help patients with their issues while also enhancing their communication and emotional abilities.

Why Play?

A child's language is played. According to psychologists and mental health professionals, play is just as crucial to human well-being as love and work.

Play Therapy Definition

Though play in various forms has been present for hundreds of thousands of years, the concept of play therapy was first introduced in the twentieth century.

Play Therapy for Children

Although play therapy is helpful at any age, it is most suited for children between three to twelve. Play therapy may be beneficial in the following situations: shyness, anxiety, depression, grieving, and other psychosocial difficulties.

Play Therapy for Adults

Play therapy is not just for children. Teenagers and adults alike struggle to express their emotions and cope with various psychological problems.

Module 2: Benefits of Play Therapy

This session will discuss the efficacy and benefits of play therapy and how including family and guardians improves outcomes. The therapist-patient relationship will also be discussed in this chapter.

Benefits of Play Therapy

It is not just about playing with toys when it comes to playing therapy. Play therapy aims to provide a safe and enjoyable setting for children to learn, develop, and express their feelings.

Regulation of Behavior

Children can learn to control their behaviour and accept responsibility for their actions through play therapy. Therapists put them through their paces in a safe play environment, such as playing with toys or damaging something, to help them understand the repercussions of their actions.

Creative Problem Solving

Therapeutic play aids in the development of creative problem-solving skills in youngsters. The therapist engages children in various games, such as physical games or strategy games, in a playset. They offer children issues that they must solve.

Empathy

Empathy is a powerful human emotion that is essential in all types of counselling. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another's shoes and understand their sentiments.

Anxiety

The most frequent mental problems in children are anxiety disorders. Anxiety, shyness, poor communication, stress, depression, and sorrow can all be addressed with play therapy.

Healthy Family Relationships

In the therapeutic process, parents, siblings, and other family members play an essential role. The therapist uses Child-centred and Family-centred play therapy strategies to help children connect with their families and form stronger ties.

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is the belief and trust in one's ability to carry out daily activities or tasks. In a playset, children fail, learn, and succeed. They become more resilient as a result of overcoming obstacles. In this situation, motivation and supportive words from the therapist and family are pretty important. Even if a child fails several times, he should learn to keep trying until he succeeds.

Positive Mindset

A person's mindset refers to how they think, feel, and perceive the world. Your mentality is influenced by a variety of internal and external influences. Therapists assist children in educating their minds to be positive in all circumstances and to embrace optimism. They participate in activities that encourage them to express gratitude and positive conduct.

Creative Independence

Instead of being told what to do all of the time by their elders, play therapy provides a secure atmosphere for children to experiment, learn new abilities, and make their own decisions. It also makes students think about the implications of their behaviour.

Emotional Intelligence

Play therapy aids in the development of emotional intelligence in children. Children learn to manage their emotions better and comprehend others' sentiments. They become more pleasant, understanding, and adaptable to new situations as a result of it.

Cognitive Development and Creativity

Play is necessary for proper brain development. Children can express themselves via play while developing their inventiveness, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. The therapist engages children in exercises and games and analyzes them based on the results in Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT).

Teamwork and Social Skills

The ability to develop collaboration and social interaction skills is aided by playing with other youngsters. The therapist engages the children in group activities such as doll play, puppet play, drawing, and role play. It also improves their social and communication abilities.

Self-Control and Self-Direction

Children with self-control, self-direction, and self-acceptance benefit from play therapy. Therapists give kids a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which they can learn, heal, and grow.

Family and Caregivers

Researchers have discovered a substantial relationship between poor parenting and their children's problems. Children's life can be improved by improving parental skills and family ties. Play therapy is much more than just the therapist-child relationship. Families and friends play a vital part in a child's development and progress.

Ethical Practice

Play therapists must conduct therapy in a way that honours the dignity of the patient, recognizes individuality, and promotes the patient's best interests. This entails acting ethically and equitably.

Building a Trusting Environment

Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, therapists must personalize play therapy strategies to each patient.

Module 3: Types of Play Therapy

The various types of play therapy, play therapy equipment, role-playing exercises, storytelling, and bringing art and toys into the playsets are all covered in this chapter.

Types of Play Therapy

Instead of sitting and asking questions, the therapist in play therapy invites patients (typically children) to play throughout sessions. The therapist then observes the patient's behaviour to determine the issues and assist them in dealing with them.

Child-Based Therapy

The different styles of play therapy are classified according to the level of involvement of the therapist. In child-centred treatment, the therapist and the kid work alone, with no family or friends present.

Family-Based Therapy

Family-based or filial therapy is a type of therapy that involves the patient's relatives, guardians, or caretakers. The youngster may not feel at ease or have separation anxiety at the start of the therapeutic procedure.

Group-Based Therapy

Several children play together in a group environment while the therapist examines their behaviour. They benefit from group therapy because it improves their social skills and teaches them to interact with others more effectively. Children benefit from group games because they help them regulate their behaviour, communicate with others, develop problem-solving and creative abilities, exercise collaboration, and foster cognitive growth.

Directive Play Therapy (DPT)

The therapist guides and directs the child's play in directional play therapy. Throughout the session, the therapist engages in dialogue with the child. The therapist may also ask them questions or encourage them to speak. These tactics can be used in conjunction with games.

Non-Directive Play Therapy (NDPT)

The kid directs the play in non-directive play therapy, while the therapist follows the patient's lead. This creates a sense of trust. The therapist observes and comments on the child's nonverbal conduct, assisting them with understanding their behaviours indirectly. Because it focuses on their unconscious acts, NDPT is more of a psychodynamic approach.

Equipment

Researchers have created several play treatment strategies. They are used in different places of the world. Technique, culture, and resources may all influence the specific pieces of equipment used.

Play Therapy Techniques

To construct the best program for patients, a combination of play therapy strategies might be used. Because each patient will react differently to each form, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to a successful play therapy session.

Role-Playing

The therapist could try a one-on-one role-playing exercise with a youngster. They may also include other children in the activity. Role-playing assists children in dealing with stressful events such as the first day of school, speaking with someone, or dealing with a problematic issue. It can also educate children on how to be more self-controlling.

Costume Play

Dress-up play therapy, often known as costume play, is a fun technique to engage children's imaginations. It permits them to be someone else or impersonate characters from their favourite TV shows or movies. It encourages them to think outside the box and enhances their communication and behavioural abilities.

Puppet Play

In-play therapy, puppets are frequently utilized as instruments. For example, in family-based therapy, the therapist gives each family member a puppet and then asks them to play out or compose a tale. This also aids the therapist in determining the dynamics of the family.

Mutual Storytelling

Richard Gardner, a child psychiatrist, invented this storytelling style. It entails the therapist and the patient each telling their version of the same narrative. To begin, the youngster is asked to tell the narrative and explain the moral. The therapist then retells the story, but this time with better solutions to the imaginary characters experience.

Incorporating Art and Music

Play therapy can benefit from the use of art and music. Even though art and music therapy are two separate areas, there can be significant overlap.

Emotions

The therapist allocates various colours to various emotions, such as red for anger, yellow for happiness, blue for sadness, etc. They next inquire about how patients felt in specific situations, such as going to school, playing with friends, or conversing with family members.

Clay Play

The children are given a ball of clay in this technique. They are free to do with it whatever they please. They can construct something or do whatever they want. They can do whatever they want with the clay to make themselves feel less worried and more at ease.

Free Drawing

The therapist gives a youngster paper and crayons and asks to create pictures responding to the therapist's open-ended queries. If a child has had a horrific incident in the past, the therapist may ask them to draw it—this procedure aids in comprehending and assessing the child's actions and feelings.

Mandala Drawings or Paintings

The therapist hands out numerous mandala templates to the youngster and instructs them to colour them using crayons or coloured pencils. The therapist may also ask the youngster to paint something with their fingers or paintbrush.

Music/Dance/Movement Play

The therapist provides different musical instruments or hula hoops to put the patient's mind at ease to produce a calming environment for the youngster—this aids in developing a positive patient-therapist connection.

Family Drawing/Sculpting

A therapist might ask a child to use clay to draw or sculpt family members. Next, the therapist asks the youngster a series of questions about their familial relationships and how the child feels about them.

Ball Play

The therapist allows the children to play while throwing balls about, and each time a ball is caught, the child is required to tell others something that makes them happy.

Doll Play

The therapist engages patients in dollhouse play and watches for signs that a child is comforting or mistreating a crying doll. This aids a therapist in determining whether a child is experiencing problems at home or school, such as mistreatment by parents or instructors.

Medical Play

Children who have recently undergone medical operations benefit from medical play practices. The therapist gives them a stethoscope and an overall and invites them to "play doctor" with the plush animals.

Toy Telephone Play

This method can be used with children who are uncomfortable with face-to-face communication. The therapist uses the toy telephone to ask them a series of questions that assist them to understand if a patient is having difficulty with something.

Magic Wand Play

The therapist hands the youngster a "magic" wand and instructs them to make three wishes. These wishes may provide insight into the patients' real-life problems for the therapist.

Bubble Play

Blowing and exploding bubbles is a fun method to reduce tension and make patients feel more at ease. Balloon play, like blowing bubbles, is a fun approach to break the ice and make patients feel more at ease in the treatment environment.

Module 4: Contraindications and Precautions

So far, we have covered the importance of play therapy, different forms of play therapy, the patient-therapist connection, treatment benefits, and play therapy equipment and practices.

Assessing whether play therapy is suitable for a patient

So far, we have covered the importance of play therapy, different forms of play therapy, the patient-therapist connection, treatment benefits, and play therapy equipment and practices.

Assessing whether “Play Therapist” is right

A play therapist conducts structured play therapy sessions with patients to analyze their psychological concerns and help them cope with unpleasant feelings or trauma by counselling and allowing them to play with sand, dolls, puppets, music, colours, and other children.

Contraindications to Play Therapy

The play therapist must assess whether play therapy is appropriate for each individual and situation and determine what indications or contraindications may be present. There is plenty of research-based evidence that play therapy is effective for children. However, some research shows mixed results.

Limitations of Play Therapy

If a therapist is inexperienced, he or she may interfere with a child's normal development. It might be difficult for parents to grasp the significance of play therapy since they may mistake it as "play" and wonder why they should pay for it.

Precautions to take

The value and effectiveness of play therapy cannot be overstated. Play therapy aids patients, primarily children, in overcoming behavioural disorders, anxiety, psychiatric, and psychosocial concerns.

Things to be Avoided in Play Therapy

The necessity and sensitivity of play therapy, as previously said, cannot be overstated. In the Contraindications and Precautions section, we have addressed the majority of the items to avoid. Let us have a look at a few more details.

Conclusion

Children like to express their emotions through play rather than words. Play therapy is a method in which a play therapist engages children in enjoyable and healthy activities to help them cope with their problems, develop creative problem-solving skills, and promote cognitive development.

Module 5: Treating Trauma

Trauma

Trauma is the way we react to unfavourable life circumstances. These events might be one-time occurrences or a sequence of occurrences that impact our neurological and cognitive functions.

Trauma is classified into three types.

A single traumatic incident causes acute trauma. Car accidents, assaults, and witnessing incidents that deprive individuals of their physical and mental safety are examples. Chronic trauma is caused by a sequence of events that generate high stress over time. Bullying, domestic abuse, and child harassment are just a few examples. Multiple stressful experiences that occur in a recurring pattern generate complex trauma.

Play Therapy and Treating Trauma

Play therapy is a type of counselling or psychotherapy that involves individuals expressing themselves via play and games. It is a natural way for patients to process their feelings.

Sensitivity

For persons who have been through traumatic events, trauma-informed care is critical. It is, nonetheless, good in any case because it demonstrates empathy and sympathy. Trauma-informed ideas and practices must underpin all communications.

Best Practices

Encourage free-flowing dialogue while also allowing for quiet periods. Encourage the expression of emotions and the recounting of past events. If the patient is uncomfortable talking to you, give them the option of talking to someone else.

Things to Avoid

Excessive talking should be avoided. Allow the survivor to speak for themselves. If you want to, include scenes from your own horrific experiences, but keep the focus on the survivor. Use clichés sparingly. Using phrases like "Look on the bright side" and "This has only strengthened you" should be avoided at all costs.

Module 6: Mental Health

In this module, we will discuss how play therapy can help individuals with mental health issues. Then we will move on to anxiety, sadness, and poor self-esteem applications.

Mental Health Applications

Play therapy benefits patients with mental health illnesses or neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Play therapy, especially for young children, is helpful in cases of PTSD where regular cognitive-behavioural treatment is not the best option. Its repeating nature aids in desensitizing and externalizing the youngster to the source of the painful experience.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

In therapy and everyday life, it might be beneficial to assist children in becoming more confident and self-assured. Children may identify with a specific method or tactic in particular. Therapists may combine tactics and instruments with a child's current interests—a child who like superheroes, for example, may be more willing to use items with that theme.

Magic Tricks

This method is used to help children boost their self-esteem. Teaching magic tricks to a child will make them feel more in control and confident. It also strengthens the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the therapist.

Musical Play

Self-expression, self-esteem, and therapist-patient interactions are all aided by playing toy instruments and writing songs. It also teaches children that they can grow and improve their talents over time.

Tea Party Play

Celebrations to acknowledge progress or accomplishments made during sessions or outside of therapy. It makes people feel acknowledged and valued for the changes they have made in their lives.

Group Therapy

The play is another name for this sort of play therapy. It entails holding sessions with a group of children who have or are experiencing comparable situations. It aids in the formation of healthier social ties and reduces anxiety. It may also boost self-confidence and empathy.

Factors in Mental Health

It is not enough to have good mental health if you do not have any mental illnesses. It is the state in which people can reach their maximum potential in terms of growth and development. The following are some of the elements that can have an impact on a child's mental health.

Self-Esteem

This is the worth and value we place on ourselves. It can also be viewed as the value we place on ourselves in terms of confidence and self-worth. Those with high self-esteem are often optimistic, strong and content with themselves and their deeds. The opinions of others rarely sway them.

Family Structure

Divorce or separation of parents and the death of a family member can be difficult transitions. Finding skills to cope with loss and changes in the family structure is especially crucial for children. The way they deal with their sadness will decide how it affects them in the future.

Physical Health

Physical health is frequently ignored and undervalued as a factor that influences mental health. Mental sickness can be caused by diseases, disorders, injuries, and other physical problems. When the body is not functioning correctly, it can lead to low self-esteem, melancholy, a pessimistic attitude on life, low self-worth, low self-confidence, and despair. Children may be too young to comprehend why their bodies are behaving in a way that necessitates medical attention.

Trauma

Children who have been through a traumatic event are more likely to acquire mental diseases. Accidents, abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying are all examples of such disorders. Acute, chronic, or complex trauma are all possibilities.

Genetics

When a family history of mental problems runs in the family, children may be more sensitive to mental illness. Some diseases, such as schizophrenia, have a possible hereditary relationship.

Module 7: Research

It has been challenging to establish play therapy as a distinct field. Even though it is not new and has been commonly used for over a century, there is little research. However, since the beginning of the twenty-first century, there has been a significant increase in the amount of study undertaken.

Current Research

A continual stream of advancement has resulted in new criteria for effective and efficient care, which will help play therapy gain acceptance as an evidence-based treatment. Even yet, the technique has a long way to go before it is regarded as an empirically supported treatment.

Case Study 1: Autism

This case study is about a seven-year-old kid who has been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. The youngster went through a total of 12 45-minute counselling sessions. The youngster had a history of classroom tantrums, playground aggression, including striking and biting peers, and a general lack of school activities. During those play sessions, his behaviour and play patterns were studied.

Key Learnings

Observing play can help therapists obtain insight into a patient's mental processes. When their emotions and experiences are channelled through a character, toy, or superhero, children may be more open with their feelings and experiences. Play therapy is very personalized. This sort of therapy necessitates the provision of space for free expression.

Case Study 2: Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

In one case, a child turned to video games as a coping mechanism after his parents' divorce. His video gaming addiction harmed his academics as well as his social interactions. He went through 12 sessions of play therapy, during which his therapist used a style of play therapy called James.

Key Learnings

In this scenario, the child had established an ineffective coping method for dealing with change. By using a specialized approach, the therapist addressed both the underlying issue and the coping mechanism. This emphasizes the need of having a variety of strategies at one's disposal.

Case Study 3: Trauma

The topic of this case study is a five-and-a-half-year-old kid who experienced PTSD symptoms. It stemmed from a single traumatic event where he was separated from his mother and twin sisters during a tornado at a theme park.

Key Learnings

The utility of play therapy for highly complicated emotions and traumatic events is demonstrated in this case study. It also highlights that play therapy requires long-term treatment to produce outcomes like most forms of therapy.

Case Study 4: Anxiety

When SH, a seven-year-old girl, began to exhibit symptoms such as increased concern, repeated nightmares, and excessive sobbing, she was referred to play therapy. Her grandma had died six months prior, and her father had been hurt at work.

Key Learnings

This case illustrates how children can use play therapy to communicate and express themselves. After a very unpleasant or unsettling occurrence, many youngsters may find it difficult to express their feelings. When a child feels helpless due to an accident, death, or other traumatic loss, play therapy can help them regain control.

Case Study 5: Inattentiveness and Aggression

Teachers recommended two children to Child-Centered Play Therapy in this case study because they displayed inattention and aggressive behaviour symptoms. They were both in first grade and six years old. Treatments for their behavioural patterns had failed in the past. They had 30-minute sessions twice a week in play therapy.

Key Learnings

Even when more traditional ways fail, play therapy can be very effective. Instead of being punished for their "poor" behaviour, these children were able to investigate the causes of their difficulties. Play therapy minimized the lack of attention and aggressiveness by providing them with the room and skills to express themselves and make healthy choices.

Statistics

While statistics are an imprecise approach to look at a field, they can give you a good idea of how treatments work in the general population. Statistics can also be used to discover flaws and new research opportunities.

Publications

Research journals and general therapeutic publications also contribute to the area by disseminating information. The former is likely aimed towards providers, whilst the latter could appeal to a broader audience. The International Journal of Play Therapy is one of the most well-known scientific journals. This book is a fantastic resource for both aspiring and practising play therapists.

Module 8: Play Therapy Careers

Play therapy practitioners observe patients' behaviour during play sessions to assist them with communication and problem-solving strategies. This counselling strategy aids children in navigating their emotions and developing more robust coping mechanisms.

Education

A bachelor's degree in a comparable discipline is advantageous. However, if an applicant has an undergraduate degree in any area and relevant work experience and is applying to a master's program, this requirement may be removed.

Daily Life

Working with children and assisting them in their healing process is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession. It can, however, be a tough job. It necessitates hours of preparation before each session, as well as dealing with obstinate parents and caregivers.

Compensation and Career Outlook

The majority of play therapists work part-time for a variety of organizations. Organizations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including government and non-profit organizations. Only a tiny percentage of play therapists work for a single organization full-time. They may also have their practice.

Working Conditions

Depending on the environment, working conditions can vary dramatically. A play therapist working in an extensive city hospital system is likely to have access to different resources than one working in a small rural practice. Some therapists may even travel to satisfy the needs of their patients. The equipment available to play therapists can be limited when they travel between facilities or private homes.

Major Considerations

Before deciding on a career in play therapy, there are a few things to think about. They fall into three categories: knowledge and comprehension, personal development, and practice skills.

Practical Considerations

Knowledge of child development, psychopathology, play development, and research procedures on a theoretical level. Play therapy's practical application and the functions of play are both essential to know.

Personality Traits

Play therapists must possess particular personality traits in addition to practical reasons. These may include empathy, sympathy, respect, honesty, self-awareness, strong ethics, Responsibility, accountability, and Flexibility.

Communication Skills

Play therapists, whether naturally introverted or extroverted, must have excellent communication skills. For those who require further assistance, classes can assist in the development of these critical abilities. Communication is critical to discuss treatment plans, explain care, and show progress to patients and caregivers.

Diversity and Inclusion

Therapists and other healthcare workers must be able to work with a wide range of patients. Therapists should be aware of how their personal biases, both deliberate and inadvertent, can affect patient care. Therapists must be able to communicate sensitively and fairly with various populations, including patients from underserved communities. This involves thinking about how culture has a role in healthcare.

Professional Networking

Therapists should attempt to develop interpersonal relationships with colleagues in their area. It is critical to work as a team to achieve the common aim of assisting patients.

Module 9: Course Review

We will go over some of the main themes and points that have come up during the course in this module.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will become a qualified Play Therapist. You will also be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate, accepted by many Play Therapy organizations worldwide.

The Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.