Introduction to Play Therapy

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for counsellors working with children and young people. If you are a professional already working with this client group and you are looking to further your skills this course may also be suitable for you.

What will I learn?

Creatively explore play therapy in this experiential workshop. Upon completion of this course you will have an understanding of:

• What play therapy is
• The different types of play and how they are linked to child development theories
• Virginia Axline’s model of non-directive play therapy
• The history of play therapy
• The ethical considerations involved

How will I learn?

You will learn through a combination of theory work and practical activities, including:

• Case studies of current or past children and young people that practitioners have worked with
• Creative exercises including artwork, play and stories
• Experiential learning where you will learn from reflecting on your work with children and young people
• Group discussions that will be a non-judgmental space to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences of work
• Skills practice in pairs or small groups
• Theoretical input

John Bradley

John is a person-centred counsellor, supervisor and trainer. He is a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Senior Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist (Children and Young People) and BACP Senior Accredited Supervisor. John has offered counselling to children and young people since 1998, previously working for Youth Counselling Projects for Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. He has also offered supervision since 2008, and counselling children and young people training courses and workshops since 2013. John currently works in a private practice as a counsellor, supervisor and trainer in Hull. He also offers counselling in a secondary school.