In today’s rapidly evolving world, supporting children’s emotional and psychological development is more crucial than ever. Play therapy has emerged as a powerful tool to help children express themselves, process complex emotions, and overcome trauma in a safe and creative environment. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy offers a comprehensive, accessible program for individuals seeking to develop specialized skills in this therapeutic discipline.
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach that leverages the natural medium of play to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings. It is particularly beneficial for children experiencing behavioural challenges, trauma, anxiety, social difficulties, or developmental delays. Through guided play, therapists can observe, assess, and support a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
The Occupational Safety, Health and Awareness Association (OSHAA) has developed a professionally recognized 30-hour diploma program to train individuals in the foundations and applications of play therapy. Delivered entirely online, the course is designed to suit educators, healthcare providers, parents, and aspiring therapists who wish to integrate therapeutic play into their personal or professional practice.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy is an enriching and accessible way to build expertise in a vital area of child development. With a growing demand for mental health and emotional support services for children, play therapy continues to gain recognition as a crucial intervention method.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Foundations of Play Therapy and Child Development (3 hours)
- Understand the core principles and purpose of play therapy
- Identify key stages of child development relevant to therapeutic practice
- Recognise the importance of play in emotional, cognitive, and social development
- Develop an awareness of the therapist’s role in child-centred play
Theoretical Approaches to Play Therapy (5 hours)
- Explore major psychological theories underpinning play therapy (e.g. psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural)
- Compare directive and non-directive approaches to play therapy
- Understand the influence of attachment theory and child-centred models
- Analyse how different frameworks guide therapeutic goals and interventions
Types of Play and Their Therapeutic Value (4 hours)
- Identify various forms of play used in therapy, including symbolic, imaginative, and sensory play
- Understand the emotional and behavioural expressions associated with different play types
- Recognise how play supports communication in children with limited verbal skills
- Apply appropriate play types to different therapeutic contexts
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Play Environment (3 hours)
- Learn how to design and maintain a physically and emotionally safe play space
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and trust-building
- Explore inclusive practices that accommodate diverse needs and backgrounds
- Implement strategies to manage boundaries and encourage openness
Understanding Emotional and Behavioural Cues in Play (5 hours)
- Recognise non-verbal signals and themes expressed through play
- Interpret emotional indicators in children’s behaviour during sessions
- Develop observational skills for assessing emotional states and progress
- Understand cultural and developmental factors influencing play behaviours
Therapeutic Tools and Techniques in Play-Based Interventions (3 hours)
- Gain familiarity with common tools such as sand trays, puppets, art materials, and storytelling
- Apply techniques that align with therapeutic goals and the child’s developmental stage
- Adapt interventions to suit individual needs and preferences
- Evaluate the effectiveness of selected tools in supporting emotional expression
Working with Trauma and Grief Through Play (3 hours)
- Understand the impact of trauma and loss on children’s mental health
- Identify signs of trauma responses during play therapy
- Learn trauma-informed approaches to support healing through play
- Facilitate expression and processing of grief in a safe, age-appropriate way
Engaging Families and Building Therapeutic Relationships (4 hours)
- Understand the role of parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process
- Develop communication strategies for involving families in treatment plans
- Address challenges in family dynamics that affect therapy outcomes
- Build collaborative relationships to support the child’s emotional growth
- Develop a foundational understanding of play therapy principles and practice
- Enhance your ability to support children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing
- Gain practical skills in using play-based tools and therapeutic techniques
- Improve your confidence in interpreting children’s behaviour through play
- Learn how to create safe, inclusive, and supportive therapeutic environments
- Build competence in working with trauma, grief, and behavioural challenges
- Strengthen collaboration skills when working with families and caregivers
- Earn a professionally recognised certification to support career progression
- Apply learning to real-life scenarios across educational, healthcare, and social settings
- Contribute meaningfully to the mental health and development of children and young people
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy is designed for individuals who work with or support children and wish to develop skills in therapeutic play. It is suitable for:
- Teachers, teaching assistants, and early years practitioners
- School counsellors and pastoral care staff
- Social workers and youth support professionals
- Childcare providers and foster carers
- Psychologists and mental health support staff
- Parents, guardians, and caregivers seeking to better understand child development
- Healthcare professionals involved in paediatric care
- Individuals considering a career in child counselling or therapy
This course is ideal for both professionals looking to expand their knowledge and individuals seeking to begin their journey in child-focused therapeutic support. It offers practical, adaptable insights for use in educational, clinical, and home-based settings.
