Play Therapy Training
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Play Therapy Training introduces therapeutic play techniques that support children’s emotional expression, behavioural understanding, and communication development, helping learners build compassionate, structured approaches for safe, supportive, and child-centred intervention practice.
Play Therapy Training
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1 Year Access -
Intermediate
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149 Students
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7 hours, 2 minutes
1 Year Access 
149 Students 
7 hours, 2 minutes Get access to 5000+ courses including this for only £49. Learn More.
Course Overview
Children often struggle to express difficult experiences in words, which is precisely why play therapy exists, using play as a way to help children process emotions, trauma, and distress safely. This play therapy training gives learners a genuinely thoughtful introduction to how this approach works, covering both the theory and its real-world application with vulnerable children.
Please note that, this course provides an introductory, CPD-level overview and does not qualify learners to practise as a play therapist. In the UK, practising play therapy typically requires a recognised postgraduate qualification and registration with a professional body such as Play Therapy UK (PTUK), alongside an enhanced DBS check.
Curriculum Breakdown
The course opens by explaining what play therapy is, before covering its advantages and outcomes and the different models and approaches used within the field. Learners then explore the play setting itself, including the roles of the therapist, the child, and the materials involved, before moving into the typical issues that arise during play therapy sessions.
The course then addresses more sensitive applications, covering play therapy for children who have experienced sexual or emotional abuse, and for children who are homeless, alongside play interventions used within disaster mental health contexts. The course closes with case studies and recent trends, giving learners a current, practical view of how play therapy is applied in real settings.
The course was audited and updated on: 24th August, 2026
Learning Outcomes
- Understand what play therapy is and how it supports children.
- Recognise the advantages and outcomes associated with play therapy.
- Understand different models and approaches within play therapy.
- Understand the roles within a play therapy setting.
- Recognise typical issues that arise during play therapy sessions.
- Understand how play therapy supports abused or homeless children.
- Recognise how play interventions apply within disaster mental health.
Key Features of This Course
- Accredited by CPD QS, adding recognised value to your CV.
- Available in both updated video format and text-based learning.
- Includes case studies and current trends within play therapy.
- Covers sensitive, real-world applications of play therapy.
- Self-paced online learning, accessible anytime from any device.
- No prior experience or qualifications required to enrol.
Assessment & Certification
Training Format
This play therapy training is available in an updated video format, and an older text-based format for learners who prefer reading at their own pace. Both formats are fully self-paced, meaning there are no live sessions or fixed timetables, making the course accessible to those balancing study with work or other commitments.
Assessment
A mock exam is completed before the final assessment.
The final multiple-choice exam must be passed.
Exam duration: 20 minutes
Pass mark: 60%
Certification Options
CPD QS Certificate
PDF certificate available for £9.
Printed hard copy available for £15.
Issued by CPD Quality Standards (CPD QS), a widely recognised UK accreditation body.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this play therapy training. It's open to anyone with a basic understanding of English, numeracy, and IT, regardless of prior therapy or childcare experience. Please note this course provides an introductory overview and does not qualify learners to practise as a play therapist.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
- Individuals exploring a future career in play therapy.
- Childcare, education, or social care professionals wanting broader knowledge.
- Parents or carers wanting to understand how play therapy supports children.
- Those considering further postgraduate study in play therapy.
- Anyone interested in child mental health and therapeutic approaches.
Career Opportunities
- Teaching Assistant (SEN focus): £18k to £24k/year
- Family Support Worker: £20k to £28k/year
- Play Worker: £17k to £22k/year
- Child Support Practitioner: £20k to £26k/year
- Play Therapist (post further qualification and PTUK registration): £28k to £40k/year
Note: Salary figures are indicative only. Actual earnings may vary depending on experience, location, employer, and professional qualifications. Completion of this course does not guarantee employment or a specific salary level.
Why People Choose One Education for Their Career
Thousands of learners trust One Education to support their professional development, and their feedback speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a play therapist in the UK?
Becoming a play therapist typically requires a recognised postgraduate qualification and registration with a professional body such as Play Therapy UK (PTUK), alongside an enhanced DBS check; this course provides a foundational introduction to the field.
Does this course qualify me to practise as a play therapist?
No, this course offers an introductory, CPD-level overview and does not qualify learners to practise professionally; practising play therapy requires further postgraduate study and professional registration.
What qualifications do you need to work with vulnerable children?
Requirements vary by role, though most positions working directly with vulnerable children require relevant training, an enhanced DBS check, and often safeguarding certification.
How much does a play therapist earn in the UK?
Fully qualified and registered play therapist salaries typically range from £28k to £40k per year, depending on experience, setting, and specialism.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the course is designed to be accessible to beginners, with no prior therapy or childcare experience required.
Course Curriculum
| Play Therapy Training - Updated Version | |||
| What is Play Therapy | 00:29:00 | ||
| Advantages and Outcomes of Play Therapy | 00:17:00 | ||
| Models and Approaches of Play Therapy | 00:27:00 | ||
| The Play Settings: Therapist, Abused Child and Materials | 00:32:00 | ||
| Typical Issues in Play Therapy | 00:37:00 | ||
| Play Therapy for Sexually and Emotionally Abused Children | 00:33:00 | ||
| Play Therapy for Children Who are Homeless | 00:20:00 | ||
| Play Interventions for Disaster Mental Health | 00:22:00 | ||
| Case Studies and Recent Trends in Play Therapy | 00:25:00 | ||
| Play Therapy Training - Old Version | |||
| Module 01: What is Play Therapy | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 02: Advantages and Outcomes of Play Therapy | 00:10:00 | ||
| Module 03: Different Models and Approaches of Play Therapy | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 04: The Play Settings: Therapist, Abused Child and Materials | 00:20:00 | ||
| Module 05: Typical Issues in Play Therapy | 00:20:00 | ||
| Module 06: Play Therapy for Sexually and Emotionally Abused Children | 00:20:00 | ||
| Module 07: Play Therapy for Children Who Are Homeless | 00:10:00 | ||
| Module 08: Play Interventions for Disaster Mental Health | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 09: Case Studies and Recent Trends in Play Therapy | 00:15:00 | ||
| Mock Exam | |||
| Mock Exam – Play Therapy Training | 00:20:00 | ||
| Final Exam | |||
| Final Exam – Play Therapy Training | 00:20:00 | ||
Play Therapy Training