| Code | PDPT |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 Months |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | €4,150 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Next Intake | Multiple start dates throughout the year |
Course Outline
This new and exciting programme is delivered by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) in collaboration with ACE.
Play therapists help children overcome traumatic events in their lives. Through the use of play, symbolism and metaphor, therapists provide a safe space to allow children to become confident and an opportunity to safely express themselves.
Play Therapy training offers the unique experience of working with children using play and creative arts to explore, express and work through traumatic experiences safely.
Play Therapy training comprises of three distinct levels with three exit points, PG Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, PG Diploma in Play Therapy and MA in Practice Based Play therapy.
On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants are able to practice safely and effectively within various mental health and educational settings, in an employed or contracted capacity – this also provides the opportunity to set up in private practice.
Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, students can progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy and will complete 30 credits as follows:
- ED6708 Working with Complex Cases and Group Work (5 ECTS)
- ED6709 Working with Children with Complex Needs (5 ECTS)
- ED6710 Integration of Skills (5 ECTS)
- ED6713 Clinical Practice Placement (Play Therapy) 2 (15 ECTS)
Course Practicalities
The Postgraduate Diploma modules are delivered over 5 x 3 days face-to-face block weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) comprising tutorials, workshops, and theory-based lectures. Learning will mainly be experiential and collaborative in nature, working with dyad and triad therapeutic training workshops, group process, role-play, sculpts, vignettes and case presentations to enhance experience-based learning in accordance with the UCC group work policy: Group Work | University College Cork (ucc.ie). Further reading and other investigative assignments will provide new information and consolidation of material from the experiential work encountered within the taught modules. Additional tutorials are delivered online to enhance understanding of theory. Participants will also be required to complete 100 hours of clinical placement practice with children and will engage in ten hours of Clinical Supervision which is delivered over the five weekend blocks in two-hour segments.
A Summer School is available every summer for students that may not be in a position to attend modules scheduled on weekends due to work/family. The Summer school provides the opportunity for students to complete the taught elements before clinical placement during their summer holiday time, where they may be in a position to do the 15 days all together.
Who Teaches This Course
Lecturers are facilitated by exceptionally proficient professionals from The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC). These educators possess a robust foundation in play therapy and bring with them a wealth of field experience, which they adeptly convey to the students.
Next Intake for the Course
This course has multiple start dates throughout the year. All applicants must be approved by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy before they can register on this course. Please email: contact@apac.org.uk for more information.
It is mandatory for students to engage in clinical supervision with a Play Therapy Ireland registered supervisor. For more information on Clinical supervision please visit: https://apac.org.uk/clinical-supervision/
Students must first complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills before they can register for the Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy. Please see the course webpage for more information: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace-pctpps/
Why Choose This Course
Play Therapy is a progressive profession, offering children the opportunity to explore their traumatic experiences using play and creative arts, clay, music, movement, sand play, roleplay, therapeutic stories, and creative visualisation.
Play Therapy is supported by clinical outcomes, evidencing the efficacy of Play Therapy. Therapists work with children aged 4 years to 13 years old (Primary school level).
Play Therapy training offers the opportunity to explore fundamental theoretical constructs, which enables the therapist to understand emotional and behavioural responses a child may demonstrate as a result of their experiences.
In our comprehensive postgraduate Diploma program in play therapy, we take pride in offering a holistic approach that encompasses individual and group work as vital components of therapeutic practice. Here are some key highlights that set our program apart:
- Integration of Group Work within the Holistic Model: Our curriculum goes beyond individual therapy, incorporating the crucial dimension of group work. We firmly believe that understanding how to effectively employ play therapy in group settings is essential for well-rounded play therapists. Our Integrative Holistic Model not only equips students with the skills to work with individual clients but also provides in-depth training on facilitating therapeutic groups.
- Clinical Placement with Therapeutic Groups : We understand the value of hands-on learning. That's why our program includes clinical placements where students gain practical experience in conducting group therapy sessions. During this placement, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge, refine their group facilitation skills, and witness the impact of play therapy in a collective therapeutic setting.
- Evidence-Based Assessment, Practice and Research: We prioritise the importance of evidence-based practice. To ensure the effectiveness of group therapy, our program incorporates assessment methods that identify suitable clients for group interventions. Our faculty also engages in ongoing research to evaluate the outcomes and benefits of group play therapy. This commitment to research ensures that our students are equipped with the latest insights and best practices in the field.
- Case Studies in Group Work: As part of training, students are required to explore and document their experiences in group play therapy through case studies. These case studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, challenges, and successes encountered in group settings.
Our postgraduate Diploma program not only teaches the art and science of directive individual play therapy but also emphasizes the importance of group work. We believe that by offering a well-rounded education that includes both individual and group therapy, our students are better prepared to excel in the diverse and dynamic field of play therapy.
The Play Therapy courses are evidence-based programmes and delivered in collaboration with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC). The curriculum places emphasis on experiential and theoretical learning, reflective thinking, professional and research skills. It includes a broad range of perspectives on attachment, child development and neuroscience theories within Play Therapy practice. Students are required to undertake 100 clinical hours of working with children at the Postgraduate Diploma level. Students require a set minimum ratio of clinical supervision whilst undertaking clinical work with children.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
All students at Postgraduate Diploma level will gain professional experience of working therapeutically with children within a clinical placement during the course.
The supports available includes:
- Supervision: students are supervised by a qualified supervisor, who provides guidance and support throughout the placement.
- Training: Students receive training at the appropriate level in play-based techniques and child development prior to starting their placement.
- Resources: Play therapy placements may provide access to a range of resources and therapeutic tools.
- Peer support: Students may have the opportunity to share placement experiences and assignment discussions with other students who are also completing play therapy placements (client confidentiality prevents discussion of clients).
Practicalities
Learners complete 100 hours of clinical practice placement and are clinically supervised with a ratio of 1:6 or fortnightly
- Clinical placement must be completed in a suitably approved setting (As per placement check list).
- The course director, clinical supervisor and office provide support to students in completing clinical practice hours, however two thirds of students start course with their placement already sourced.
- Signing the 4-way agreement between all parties ensures safe practice (Student, Clinical Supervisor, Training body and Placement Organisation).
- A Designated Liaison Person is required onsite.
Skills and Careers Information
This programme has enabled graduates to secure employment/contracts practicing with the educational sector at primary school level, HSE, TUSLA, CAMHS and related mental health organisations and charities.
Other MA and Postgraduate Diploma graduates have gone on to set up successful private practices and others support children’s mental health on a national, local, and individual level.
Requirements
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, minimum grade of 2H2, students may progress to the Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy.
Garda Vetting Requirements
All applicants must be approved by the Academy of Child and Play Psychotherapy before they can register on the course.
All students must satisfy Garda Vetting Requirements before they can begin their placement module. Please see the UCC Garda Vetting Policy for more information. Students will be sent details on how to apply for UCC Garda Vetting upon registration at the start of the course. Please see link below with further details:
UCC Student Garda Vetting Policy and Procedures
Fees and Costs
€4,150
Additional costs may be required for Garda Vetting and therapeutic tool kit.
It is mandatory for students to engage in clinical supervision of their practice with a Play Therapy Ireland registered clinical supervisor, https://playtherapy.ie/contacts.
The financial responsibility for clinical supervision will lie with individual students.
For further information on fees and financial supports please click here.
How To Apply
To apply for this course or to make an initial enquiry about this course and further details on how to get in touch with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy. Please email: contact@apac.org.uk for more information.