Program Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, a 20-month part-time program, empowers students to utilize play therapy techniques in various settings. Delivered through experiential workshops and online tutorials, the program includes 100 hours of clinical practice and prepares graduates for careers in supporting children with emotional difficulties. Graduates earn recognition as "Therapeutic Play Practitioners" and are eligible to practice safely using therapeutic play skills in settings such as schools, health services, and private practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills is a 20-month part-time program delivered by the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) in collaboration with UCC's Adult Continuing Education (ACE). The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize therapeutic play techniques in various settings to support children experiencing emotional difficulties. Upon completion, graduates are recognized as "Therapeutic Play Practitioners" and are qualified to practice safely and effectively using therapeutic play skills with children exhibiting mild to moderate emotional challenges.
Outline:
The program consists of 30 credits distributed across four modules:
- ED6705 Non-Directive Play Therapy (5 ECTS): This module explores the theoretical foundations and practical application of non-directive play therapy.
- ED6712 Clinical Practice (Therapeutic Play) 1 (15 ECTS): This module provides hands-on experience in therapeutic play practice, including clinical supervision and placement.
Delivery:
The Postgraduate Certificate modules are delivered over five 3-day face-to-face block weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) comprising tutorials, workshops, and theory-based lectures. Learning is primarily experiential and collaborative, utilizing dyad and triad therapeutic training workshops, group process, role-play, sculpts, vignettes, and case presentations. Additional online tutorials enhance theoretical understanding. Students are required to complete 100 hours of clinical placement practice with children and engage in ten hours of Group Clinical Supervision delivered over the five weekend blocks.
Teaching:
Lecturers are facilitated by highly experienced professionals from The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC). These educators possess a strong foundation in play therapy and extensive field experience, which they effectively convey to students.
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for careers in various settings, including:
- Primary schools
- HSE (Health Service Executive)
- TUSLA (Child and Family Agency)
- CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
- Mental health organizations and charities
- Play Therapy is supported by clinical outcomes, demonstrating its effectiveness.
- Therapists work with children aged 4 to 13 years old (primary school level).
- Play Therapy Practitioners employ the Integrative Holistic Model, utilizing diverse theories and techniques to assess clients and develop case conceptualization.
- The Play Therapy courses are evidence-based programs delivered in collaboration with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC).
- The curriculum emphasizes 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 Certificate level.
- Students require a set minimum ratio of clinical supervision while undertaking clinical work with children.
€4,045
