Course description

Research has found Play to be an effective therapeutic medium for children in difficult and challenging circumstances such as family changes, separation and divorce, new schools, chronic illness and even death and dying. It is a natural means for children to work out difficulties they might face such as in making friends; dealing with excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry and shyness. Play also helps in dealing with issues emerging from aggression and acting out; school difficulties; abuse and neglect; social adjustment; sleeping and eating difficulties; poor self concept and low self esteem; trauma; grief and loss; hospitalization; and adoption and identity.

This course is specifically designed for anyone with experience of working with children or adolescents, also those who work or intend to work therapeutically with them. It includes
•Counsellors
•Clinical Psychologists
•Psychotherapists
•Montessori and Primary school Teachers/Assistants
•Pediatricians
•Nurses
•Social Workers
•Play School/Sessional services staff
•Children’s Hospice care Home staff
•Adoption/Foster Care Workers

Qualifications Gained

Fetac Level 6 minor award (6N4705) certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills

Entry Requirements

Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. There are no previous academic requirements

Course Structure

This is a part-time course delivered 1 evening a week over 14 weeks plus 2 workshops
•Sand Play Therapy
•Creative Arts

Course Content Modules
•Equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to use play and its developmental, educational and therapeutic applications.
•Enable the learner to use play in a variety of settings –educational, care- (day care, residential and Hospital) and recreational settings
•Enable the learner to demonstrate facilitation skills focusing on children’s specific needs in relation to holistic development.