Play Therapy (MA)

Course details

This programme is a postgraduate clinical training in Play Therapy. It aims to equip practitioners with the advanced knowledge and clinical capability that would match international standards of best practice within the Play Therapy profession.

Until the development of this training in CIT, IPTA had only accepted membership from Play Therapists who had undertaken a training accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT).

[The Irish Play Therapy Association was set up to establish and maintain standards for play therapists and to inform and protect members of the public seeking and availing of their service]

All full members of IPTA are expected to adhere to the code of practice which aims to provide a framework for addressing ethical issues and to encourage the highest standard of practice.COURSE CONTENT

1. Clinical Work Preparation and Practice

This training focuses on developing the students’ awareness and comprehension of the Play Therapy skills needed when setting up, working in and maintaining a Play Therapy practice. It will also ensure that the trainees work within the core play therapy competencies and standards in order to communicate effectively with clients, parents and referrers in a supportive and appropriate manner.

2. Child Development, Play and Attachment

Students will receive a thorough grounding in child development, play and attachment theory. It critically looks at key theoretical positions in developmental literature and most recent research. Students will examine theories and processes of individual development and change through the life span.

3. Neuroscience

Students will develop an integrated understanding of the nature and origins of trauma and dissociation and their symptoms, with application to Play Therapy. The effects of trauma from a neuroscientific perspective will be explored in detail.

4. Play Therapy Theory and Processes

Students will explore the theoretical background and rationale for Play Therapy with particular emphasis on Non Directive Play Therapy. Pervasive developmental disorders, trauma, attachment difficulties, abuse and neglect will be thoroughly examined. The use of congruence, accurate empathy and unconditional positive regard will be utilised through small group personal development and clinical work practice classes.

5. Application of Play Therapy Skills

Students will explore experientially the Play Therapy journey. Creative mediums such as sand, art and appropriate play materials will be introduced and explored.

6. Clinical Supervision and Placement

Students will be equipped to select suitable candidates for Play Therapy intervention. Approval of selection will be made in consultation with clinical supervisor. Throughout placement, students will be required to attend clinical supervision. A list of approved supervisors will be provided to students. Supervision must be paid for by the student.

7. Personal Counselling

Students will be required to attend at least 25 hours of personal counselling per year throughout their training. Counsellors must be trained on a counselling/psychotherapy training accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (www.irish-counselling.ie) or IAHIP. A written statement from the psychotherapist confirming hours are completed must be returned on completion of the hours in order to complete the training in Play Therapy.