Professional and short courses

Introduction to Play Therapy

Build on your existing skills as a counsellor and expand your knowledge with this practical 1 day workshop.

Learn about the various play therapy theories and how they can be incorporated into counselling children and young people. Through a combination of theory and practical learning, you will explore Axline's 8 principles of non-directive play therapy.

York campus

Course leader – John Bradley
Duration – 1 day
Dates and times
Monday 6 November 2023

Course Fees

£95 per person

Course information

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.

Course leader biographies

John Bradley 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.

How to apply

To find out more about this course, please email the Business Development Office at business@yorksj.ac.uk or get in touch using our enquiry form.

You can book a place on this course below.

Apply now

Continuing Professional Development at York St John University

Boost skills, knowledge and confidence with a professional or short course from York St John University. We offer professional learning and development opportunities for teams and individuals, from single sessions to longer courses.

To talk to us about your training and development needs, please email business@yorksj.ac.uk.