Advanced OSHAA 30-Hours Child-Centered Play Therapy Course
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Centered Play Therapy is a specialized training program designed to help learners understand how play can be used as a powerful therapeutic tool to support children’s emotional, social, and psychological development. This course focuses on child-centered approaches that prioritize the child’s feelings, experiences, and natural way of expression through play.
Learners will explore key principles of play therapy, including how children communicate through play, how emotional difficulties can be identified, and how supportive interventions can be applied in a safe and nurturing environment. The program also emphasizes building trust, empathy, and effective communication with children facing emotional or behavioral challenges.
Aligned with OSHAA standards, this diploma prepares participants to work in childcare, education, counseling support, and therapeutic environments. It is ideal for teachers, caregivers, and professionals who want to enhance their ability to support children’s mental health and overall well-being through structured play-based techniques.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Centered Play Therapy
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Centered Play Therapy is open to learners who are interested in child development, emotional support, and therapeutic care approaches.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Educational Background: A basic secondary school qualification is recommended. Prior study in Child Development, Psychology, Education, Counseling, or Health & Social Care is helpful but not mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of English is required to follow course materials and complete assessments effectively.
- Work Experience: No prior experience is required, although experience in childcare, teaching, or mental health support can be beneficial.
This course is suitable for both beginners and professionals who want to develop skills in child-centered therapeutic practices.
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Child-Centred Play Therapy (2 Hours)
- Understand the principles and philosophy of child-centred play therapy.
- Recognise the importance of play as a therapeutic tool for children.
- Identify the key benefits and applications of play therapy in different settings.
The Role of the Play Therapist (3 Hours)
- Understand the responsibilities and ethical considerations of a play therapist.
- Develop essential skills such as active listening, empathy, and non-directive guidance.
- Learn how to establish a trusting and supportive relationship with children.
Understanding Child Development and Emotional Needs (4 Hours)
- Gain insight into various stages of child development and their emotional impact.
- Understand how children process emotions and experiences through play.
- Identify common emotional and psychological challenges faced by children.
Therapeutic Play Techniques and Approaches (5 Hours)
- Explore different play therapy techniques, including directive and non-directive methods.
- Learn how to use toys, storytelling, and creative arts to facilitate therapy.
- Understand how to adapt play therapy approaches to meet individual children’s needs.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Play Environment (3 Hours)
- Learn how to design a therapeutic space that encourages free expression.
- Understand the importance of a structured yet flexible environment in play therapy.
- Recognise the role of sensory-friendly and trauma-informed settings in therapy.
Assessing Children’s Emotional and Behavioural Challenges (4 Hours)
- Develop skills to observe and assess children’s play behaviours and emotional responses.
- Understand common behavioural indicators of trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress.
- Learn how to document observations and use assessment tools in therapy.
Ethical and Professional Considerations in Play Therapy (4 Hours)
- Understand the ethical guidelines and legal responsibilities of play therapists.
- Learn about confidentiality, safeguarding, and informed consent in child therapy.
- Recognise cultural and diversity considerations in therapeutic practice.
Working with Parents, Caregivers, and Schools (5 Hours)
- Develop strategies for collaborating with parents, teachers, and caregivers.
- Understand the role of multidisciplinary teams in supporting children’s mental health.
- Learn how to provide guidance and feedback to families while maintaining professional boundaries.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Child Centered Play Therapy provides essential knowledge and practical skills to support children’s emotional and psychological well-being through therapeutic play.
- Industry-Recognised Qualification – Gain a professional certification that enhances career opportunities in child therapy and mental health support.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Play Therapy – Develop in-depth knowledge of therapeutic play techniques, child development, and emotional well-being.
- Practical Skills Development – Learn hands-on strategies to engage children in therapy sessions and support their emotional needs.
- Improved Child Assessment Skills – Gain the ability to recognise emotional and behavioural challenges through play-based interactions.
- Ethical and Professional Confidence – Understand legal, ethical, and safeguarding considerations in child therapy.
- Enhanced Communication with Children – Learn how to establish trust, create a safe space, and facilitate meaningful therapeutic interactions.
- Collaboration with Families and Schools – Develop skills to work effectively with parents, caregivers, and educators to support children’s well-being.
- Flexible Career Opportunities – Open doors to roles in counselling, education, healthcare, social work, and community support.
- Support for Trauma and Emotional Challenges – Equip yourself with techniques to help children coping with trauma, anxiety, grief, and social difficulties.
- Personal and Professional Growth – Enhance your ability to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives through therapeutic play interventions.
The OSHAA 30-Hour Professional Diploma in Child-Centred Play Therapy is ideal for individuals working with children in therapeutic, educational, and support settings. This course is suitable for:
- Counsellors and Therapists – Professionals looking to specialise in child therapy using play-based approaches.
- Teachers and Educators – Those who want to incorporate therapeutic play techniques into their teaching practice.
- Social Workers and Child Protection Officers – Professionals working with vulnerable children who require emotional support.
- Healthcare Professionals – Nurses, psychologists, and paediatric healthcare workers involved in child mental health and well-being.
- Parents and Caregivers – Individuals seeking to better understand and support children’s emotional needs through play.
- Students in Psychology, Counselling, or Child Development – Those pursuing careers in mental health, education, or child support services.
- Youth Workers and Community Support Professionals – Individuals working with children in community, foster care, or outreach programmes.
This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals who want to expand their knowledge and skills in child-centred play therapy.
