OSHAA Diploma in Play Therapy and Child Counseling Training
IThe OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy is a structured training program designed in alignment with occupational health and safety principles and modern child psychology practices. The course focuses on understanding how play can be used as an effective therapeutic tool to help children express emotions, resolve psychological challenges, and support healthy emotional development.
This program introduces the fundamentals of play therapy, including its principles, techniques, and applications in supporting children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental difficulties. It highlights how play activities can help children communicate feelings that may be difficult to express verbally, especially in safe and supportive environments.
In addition, the diploma provides practical knowledge of therapeutic play techniques, observation skills, and child-centered communication methods used in educational, clinical, and counseling settings. It is suitable for teachers, counselors, caregivers, and mental health professionals working with children. By completing this course, learners gain essential skills to support children’s emotional wellbeing through safe, ethical, and professional play therapy practices in line with recognized occupational health and safety standards.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Play Therapy
- Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this child therapy program
- Educational Background: Minimum secondary education (Matric/SSC) is required; candidates with qualifications in Psychology, Education, Child Development, Counseling, or related fields will be preferred
- Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of English is required to follow course materials, therapeutic concepts, and training instructions effectively
- Work Experience: No prior experience is required; however, experience in childcare, teaching, counseling, or social services is considered an advantage
This course is suitable for beginners as well as professionals who wish to develop skills in play therapy in line with occupational health and safety and child mental health standards.
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
- Child Emotional Understanding: Gain insight into children’s emotions, behavior, and psychological needs through play-based approaches
- Therapeutic Play Skills: Learn how to use structured play techniques to support emotional healing and expression
- Behavior Management: Develop skills to address behavioral issues in children in a safe and supportive way
- Communication Enhancement: Understand how play helps children express thoughts and feelings effectively
- Child Development Support: Promote healthy emotional, social, and cognitive development in children
- Safe Therapeutic Practice: Learn ethical and safe methods for conducting play therapy sessions
- Observation Skills: Improve ability to observe and understand children’s behavior during play activities
- Stress and Trauma Support: Gain basic knowledge of helping children cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma
- Professional Growth: Enhance career opportunities in education, counseling, and child mental health services
- Family Support Skills: Learn how to guide parents in using play for better child interaction and bonding
- Practical Application: Apply play therapy techniques in schools, clinics, and childcare environments
- Early Childhood Educators: Teachers working in preschools, nurseries, and early learning centers
- Child Psychologists: Professionals working in child mental health and emotional support services
- Counselors and Therapists: Individuals providing emotional and behavioral support to children
- Caregivers: Parents, guardians, and childcare workers supporting children’s emotional development
- Special Education Staff: Teachers and assistants working with children having learning or behavioral challenges
- Social Workers: Professionals supporting children in welfare and community services
- Healthcare Workers: Nurses and pediatric staff involved in child wellbeing and development
- Students of Psychology and Education: Learners interested in child development and therapeutic practices
- NGO Workers: Staff involved in child protection, development, and counseling programs
- Anyone Working with Children: Individuals interested in understanding and supporting children through play-based therapy methods
