Make 2024 your best year yet!
Begin a new career as a Therapeutic Play Coach! Gain the qualifications, professional accreditation and membership, and insurance to practice, or use the skills and knowledge in your current career!
Begin a new career as a Therapeutic Play Coach! Gain the qualifications, professional accreditation and membership, and insurance to practice, or use the skills and knowledge in your current career!
Key Facts
Key Facts
The Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Play Coaching Practice is designed with specific aims and objectives to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of therapeutic play. The qualification aims to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be used to either work in your own current setting (such as a school or residential childcare setting) or to provide therapeutic play services in your own therapy or coaching practice
You will gain an understanding of:
Upon completion of the qualification, you will receive a qualification certificate from TQUK, one of the UK's largest Ofqual regulated awarding organisations, and the opportunity to become a member of the professional coaching and psychotherapy body, the ACCPH. With the qualification and membership, you will be entitled to apply for professional insurance with Westminster Indemnity, allowing you to work as a Therapeutic Play Coach or Practitioner with your own Therapy Practice Setting.
This is an incredible opportunity for existing coaches or therapists to add play to their toolkit, or for those interested in starting their own coaching or therapeutic practice in play-based therapies.
The Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Play Coaching Practice is designed with specific aims and objectives to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of therapeutic play. The qualification aims to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be used to either work in your own current setting (such as a school or residential childcare setting) or to provide therapeutic play services in your own therapy or coaching practice
You will gain an understanding of:
- The principles, theories, and practices of therapeutic play
- The practical skills necessary for effective therapeutic play practice in diverse settings
- How to effectively with children of various backgrounds, including those with complex needs and trauma histories
- How to adhere to the ethical and professional standards in therapeutic play practice
- Advanced topics, contemporary research, and emerging trends in the field of therapeutic play
- Personal and professional growth, including the importance of self-care and reflective practice
Upon completion of the qualification, you will receive a qualification certificate from TQUK, one of the UK's largest Ofqual regulated awarding organisations, and the opportunity to become a member of the professional coaching and psychotherapy body, the ACCPH. With the qualification and membership, you will be entitled to apply for professional insurance with Westminster Indemnity, allowing you to work as a Therapeutic Play Coach or Practitioner with your own Therapy Practice Setting.
This is an incredible opportunity for existing coaches or therapists to add play to their toolkit, or for those interested in starting their own coaching or therapeutic practice in play-based therapies.
|
|
|
Syllabus
Syllabus
Self-paced Interactive Learning Units:
Unit 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Play in Family and Child Coaching
Within this unit, you will explore the the origins and development of therapeutic play, exploring its historical milestones and the evolution of its perception in child development. It emphasises the significant contributions of pioneers like Melanie Klein and Virginia Axline, comparing various historical approaches to the practice. The unit further examines the role of therapeutic play in family and child coaching, highlighting its impact on emotional and social development, family relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. It critically evaluates the principles, theories, benefits, and challenges associated with integrating therapeutic play into practice. This includes analysing core principles, the role of attachment theory, the application of various theoretical frameworks, and understanding the importance of safety and boundaries. The unit also addresses the implications of cultural differences and strategies to overcome barriers in diverse settings, providing a comprehensive overview of therapeutic play's application in family and child coaching contexts.
Unit 2: The Role of Play in Children’s Development and Psychological Wellbeing
This unit provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role of play in children's development and psychological wellbeing. It begins by examining how play activities evolve across different developmental stages of childhood, including early years, middle childhood, and adolescence. The unit evaluates play's contribution to cognitive, social, and emotional development at each of these stages, offering a comprehensive understanding of its benefits. The psychological aspects of play are also analysed, focusing on how play meets various psychological needs, fosters resilience, and can be used to identify and address psychological issues in children. The concept of play as a safe space for emotional expression and processing is a key focus.
In addition, the unit explores into different types of play, such as structured and unstructured play, imaginative play, physical play, and technology-based play. It compares their developmental benefits and highlights their role in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall physical and psychological health. Finally, the unit addresses the role of adults in facilitating play. This includes creating conducive environments for therapeutic play, engaging reluctant children, and understanding the importance of observation and intervention. It also explores how adults can balance safety with the benefits of risk-taking in play settings, ensuring a holistic approach to fostering children’s development and wellbeing through play.
Unit 3: Therapeutic Play Techniques in Practice
Unit 3 focuses on the practical application and understanding of various therapeutic play techniques within a coaching context. The unit starts by outlining the principles and applications of different therapeutic play techniques, including Sand Play, Storytelling, Art and Drawing, Sensory Play, Music, and Drama. It delves into how these techniques facilitate emotional expression in children and evaluates their purpose and appropriate use. A significant part of the unit is dedicated to teaching how to apply play therapy techniques in practice. This involves planning and implementing therapeutic coaching sessions using a chosen play technique, identifying and responding to the needs of the children involved, and adjusting the sessions to meet their changing needs.
The unit also emphasises the importance of adapting play therapy techniques to individual needs. It covers assessing which technique is most suitable for a specific child, considering cultural sensitivity, modifying techniques for children with special educational needs, and adjusting approaches when a technique is not engaging the child. The unit addresses how to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic play interventions. It guides on analysing success indicators, gathering feedback, evaluating challenges, and suggesting improvements. Methods for documenting and measuring progress in therapeutic play coaching sessions are also analysed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the effective application of therapeutic play techniques in practice.
Unit 4: Working with Diverse and Complex Needs in Therapeutic Play Practice
Unit 4 focuses on addressing and adapting therapeutic play practices to meet the diverse and complex needs of children. It begins by exploring how therapists and coaches can ensure cultural sensitivity and understand the impact of socio-economic factors on a child's engagement in therapeutic play. The unit also discusses considerations for working with children from non-English speaking backgrounds and the importance of understanding family dynamics in diverse populations. A significant portion of the unit is dedicated to therapeutic play for working with traumatised children. This includes analysing the principles of trauma-informed practice, adapting play to support children who have experienced trauma, recognising signs of trauma during therapy, and establishing safety and trust in these sensitive situations.
The unit then moves on to engaging children with additional and special educational needs. It covers adapting play sessions for various needs, using play to enhance communication skills in children with speech and language difficulties, strategies for managing challenging behaviours, and the role of sensory play for children with sensory processing disorders. Finally, the unit addresses how to adapt therapeutic play techniques to individual needs. This includes assessing the suitability of different play therapy techniques for each child, adapting sessions for children with physical needs or disabilities, considerations for children with emotional needs, and evaluating and adjusting the therapeutic approach based on the child's response to the play session. This comprehensive approach ensures that therapeutic play practices are inclusive and effective for a wide range of children's needs.
Unit 5: Relationships and Communication in Therapeutic Play Practice
This unit looks into the intricacies of relationships and communication within the context of therapeutic play practice. The unit commences with an exploration of the dynamics of therapeutic relationships, highlighting the elements crucial for building a strong bond with a child. It addresses how therapists or coaches can maintain appropriate boundaries while fostering a therapeutic relationship, tackle challenges in building rapport, and underscores the importance of consistency and predictability in these relationships. The unit then shifts focus to the role of effective communication in therapeutic play. It analyses various communication techniques effective for engaging children, discusses adjustments in communication styles for different age groups, and emphasizes the significance of active listening. Challenges and barriers in communication during therapeutic play are also evaluated, along with strategies to overcome them.
Engagement with children and families forms another critical aspect of this unit. It examines how therapists and coaches can involve parents or carers in the therapeutic play process, communicate effectively about a child's progress, and integrate family therapy sessions with individual child play sessions. Strategies for handling parental resistance or scepticism are also discussed.
Unit 6: Ethics and Professional Practice in Therapeutic Play
Unit 6 addresses the critical aspects of ethics and professional practice in the context of therapeutic play. It begins by examining the ethical principles central to therapeutic play practice, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and working with vulnerable populations. The unit also guides on handling sensitive situations, like when a child discloses abuse. A significant focus is placed on understanding and navigating ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in therapeutic play. The unit discusses resolving potential ethical dilemmas, maintaining professional boundaries, handling conflicts of interest, and managing situations where personal values conflict with professional duties.
Professional development and self-care are also emphasised. The importance of ongoing professional development, strategies to prevent burnout, the role of reflective practice, and the benefits of supervision and peer support are explored to maintain ethical practice and promote personal and professional growth. Additionally, the unit covers resources and organisations that contribute to professional development in therapeutic play coaching. This includes evaluating professional associations, the benefits of attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and utilising various resources like journals, online forums, and research databases. It also guides on creating a professional development plan with short-term and long-term goals.
Unit 7: Business Skills for Therapeutic Play Coaches
This unit equips Therapeutic Play coaches with essential business skills, focusing on setting up and effectively running a coaching practice. It begins with the foundational steps of establishing a Therapeutic Play coaching business, covering legal requirements in the UK or the coach's home country. The unit evaluates the pros and cons of operating as a sole trader versus a limited company and guides through the process of starting a business, including the importance of defining a unique selling proposition (USP) for differentiation in the market.
A significant emphasis is placed on developing strategies for marketing and client engagement. This includes analysing both online and offline marketing techniques, creating and implementing a marketing plan, and exploring effective methods for building and maintaining client relationships.
Unit 8: Advanced Topics in Therapeutic Play Practice
This unit begins by analyzing mindfulness-based play therapy, contrasting it with traditional approaches, and evaluating the effectiveness of neurobiological methods in play therapy. It also discusses emerging trends and the application of eco-therapy techniques in therapeutic play and coaching settings, showcasing the evolving landscape of this field. addresses societal and global issues, explaining how therapeutic play coaching can support children affected by trauma or displacement, its role in promoting social and emotional learning in educational settings, and its potential in addressing social inequality and diversity. Additionally, it covers adapting therapeutic play techniques for children in crisis situations like pandemics or natural disasters, reflecting the adaptability of these practices in various contexts.
Self-paced Interactive Learning Units:
Unit 1: Foundations of Therapeutic Play in Family and Child Coaching
Within this unit, you will explore the the origins and development of therapeutic play, exploring its historical milestones and the evolution of its perception in child development. It emphasises the significant contributions of pioneers like Melanie Klein and Virginia Axline, comparing various historical approaches to the practice. The unit further examines the role of therapeutic play in family and child coaching, highlighting its impact on emotional and social development, family relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. It critically evaluates the principles, theories, benefits, and challenges associated with integrating therapeutic play into practice. This includes analysing core principles, the role of attachment theory, the application of various theoretical frameworks, and understanding the importance of safety and boundaries. The unit also addresses the implications of cultural differences and strategies to overcome barriers in diverse settings, providing a comprehensive overview of therapeutic play's application in family and child coaching contexts.
Unit 2: The Role of Play in Children’s Development and Psychological Wellbeing
This unit provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role of play in children's development and psychological wellbeing. It begins by examining how play activities evolve across different developmental stages of childhood, including early years, middle childhood, and adolescence. The unit evaluates play's contribution to cognitive, social, and emotional development at each of these stages, offering a comprehensive understanding of its benefits. The psychological aspects of play are also analysed, focusing on how play meets various psychological needs, fosters resilience, and can be used to identify and address psychological issues in children. The concept of play as a safe space for emotional expression and processing is a key focus.
In addition, the unit explores into different types of play, such as structured and unstructured play, imaginative play, physical play, and technology-based play. It compares their developmental benefits and highlights their role in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall physical and psychological health. Finally, the unit addresses the role of adults in facilitating play. This includes creating conducive environments for therapeutic play, engaging reluctant children, and understanding the importance of observation and intervention. It also explores how adults can balance safety with the benefits of risk-taking in play settings, ensuring a holistic approach to fostering children’s development and wellbeing through play.
Unit 3: Therapeutic Play Techniques in Practice
Unit 3 focuses on the practical application and understanding of various therapeutic play techniques within a coaching context. The unit starts by outlining the principles and applications of different therapeutic play techniques, including Sand Play, Storytelling, Art and Drawing, Sensory Play, Music, and Drama. It delves into how these techniques facilitate emotional expression in children and evaluates their purpose and appropriate use. A significant part of the unit is dedicated to teaching how to apply play therapy techniques in practice. This involves planning and implementing therapeutic coaching sessions using a chosen play technique, identifying and responding to the needs of the children involved, and adjusting the sessions to meet their changing needs.
The unit also emphasises the importance of adapting play therapy techniques to individual needs. It covers assessing which technique is most suitable for a specific child, considering cultural sensitivity, modifying techniques for children with special educational needs, and adjusting approaches when a technique is not engaging the child. The unit addresses how to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic play interventions. It guides on analysing success indicators, gathering feedback, evaluating challenges, and suggesting improvements. Methods for documenting and measuring progress in therapeutic play coaching sessions are also analysed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the effective application of therapeutic play techniques in practice.
Unit 4: Working with Diverse and Complex Needs in Therapeutic Play Practice
Unit 4 focuses on addressing and adapting therapeutic play practices to meet the diverse and complex needs of children. It begins by exploring how therapists and coaches can ensure cultural sensitivity and understand the impact of socio-economic factors on a child's engagement in therapeutic play. The unit also discusses considerations for working with children from non-English speaking backgrounds and the importance of understanding family dynamics in diverse populations. A significant portion of the unit is dedicated to therapeutic play for working with traumatised children. This includes analysing the principles of trauma-informed practice, adapting play to support children who have experienced trauma, recognising signs of trauma during therapy, and establishing safety and trust in these sensitive situations.
The unit then moves on to engaging children with additional and special educational needs. It covers adapting play sessions for various needs, using play to enhance communication skills in children with speech and language difficulties, strategies for managing challenging behaviours, and the role of sensory play for children with sensory processing disorders. Finally, the unit addresses how to adapt therapeutic play techniques to individual needs. This includes assessing the suitability of different play therapy techniques for each child, adapting sessions for children with physical needs or disabilities, considerations for children with emotional needs, and evaluating and adjusting the therapeutic approach based on the child's response to the play session. This comprehensive approach ensures that therapeutic play practices are inclusive and effective for a wide range of children's needs.
Unit 5: Relationships and Communication in Therapeutic Play Practice
This unit looks into the intricacies of relationships and communication within the context of therapeutic play practice. The unit commences with an exploration of the dynamics of therapeutic relationships, highlighting the elements crucial for building a strong bond with a child. It addresses how therapists or coaches can maintain appropriate boundaries while fostering a therapeutic relationship, tackle challenges in building rapport, and underscores the importance of consistency and predictability in these relationships. The unit then shifts focus to the role of effective communication in therapeutic play. It analyses various communication techniques effective for engaging children, discusses adjustments in communication styles for different age groups, and emphasizes the significance of active listening. Challenges and barriers in communication during therapeutic play are also evaluated, along with strategies to overcome them.
Engagement with children and families forms another critical aspect of this unit. It examines how therapists and coaches can involve parents or carers in the therapeutic play process, communicate effectively about a child's progress, and integrate family therapy sessions with individual child play sessions. Strategies for handling parental resistance or scepticism are also discussed.
Unit 6: Ethics and Professional Practice in Therapeutic Play
Unit 6 addresses the critical aspects of ethics and professional practice in the context of therapeutic play. It begins by examining the ethical principles central to therapeutic play practice, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and working with vulnerable populations. The unit also guides on handling sensitive situations, like when a child discloses abuse. A significant focus is placed on understanding and navigating ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in therapeutic play. The unit discusses resolving potential ethical dilemmas, maintaining professional boundaries, handling conflicts of interest, and managing situations where personal values conflict with professional duties.
Professional development and self-care are also emphasised. The importance of ongoing professional development, strategies to prevent burnout, the role of reflective practice, and the benefits of supervision and peer support are explored to maintain ethical practice and promote personal and professional growth. Additionally, the unit covers resources and organisations that contribute to professional development in therapeutic play coaching. This includes evaluating professional associations, the benefits of attending conferences, seminars, workshops, and utilising various resources like journals, online forums, and research databases. It also guides on creating a professional development plan with short-term and long-term goals.
Unit 7: Business Skills for Therapeutic Play Coaches
This unit equips Therapeutic Play coaches with essential business skills, focusing on setting up and effectively running a coaching practice. It begins with the foundational steps of establishing a Therapeutic Play coaching business, covering legal requirements in the UK or the coach's home country. The unit evaluates the pros and cons of operating as a sole trader versus a limited company and guides through the process of starting a business, including the importance of defining a unique selling proposition (USP) for differentiation in the market.
A significant emphasis is placed on developing strategies for marketing and client engagement. This includes analysing both online and offline marketing techniques, creating and implementing a marketing plan, and exploring effective methods for building and maintaining client relationships.
Unit 8: Advanced Topics in Therapeutic Play Practice
This unit begins by analyzing mindfulness-based play therapy, contrasting it with traditional approaches, and evaluating the effectiveness of neurobiological methods in play therapy. It also discusses emerging trends and the application of eco-therapy techniques in therapeutic play and coaching settings, showcasing the evolving landscape of this field. addresses societal and global issues, explaining how therapeutic play coaching can support children affected by trauma or displacement, its role in promoting social and emotional learning in educational settings, and its potential in addressing social inequality and diversity. Additionally, it covers adapting therapeutic play techniques for children in crisis situations like pandemics or natural disasters, reflecting the adaptability of these practices in various contexts.
Practical Assessment
Practical Assessment
You will complete a practical assessment with other students as a part of this programme. This will be conducted live, and online. There will be a range of dates to select from and this will allow you to demonstrate your own practice, receive feedback, and reflect.
Upon successful completion of your portfolio of evidence and your practical assessment, you will be awarded your certificate and accreditation with the ability to set up in practice.
You will complete a practical assessment with other students as a part of this programme. This will be conducted live, and online. There will be a range of dates to select from and this will allow you to demonstrate your own practice, receive feedback, and reflect.
Upon successful completion of your portfolio of evidence and your practical assessment, you will be awarded your certificate and accreditation with the ability to set up in practice.
F.A.Qs.
F.A.Qs
Can I run a therapeutic practice with this course?
Upon completion of this course, which is certified by the Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, TQUK, you will be able to apply for professional membership with the ACCPH. The ACCPH is a professional body for coaches, counsellors, and psychotherapists. With their membership, you will be able to apply for insurance to practice. You are also able to list your services on their site. Please bear in mind, that to practice, you will need to take additional considerations for working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, including undertaking an enhanced DBS certificate.
Is the course online?
The course is a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous in its learning but is entirely online. You will complete a mixture of live online sessions over the Zoom platform, engaging in the practical skills to prepare you for your therapeutic role. In addition, you will study the knowledge-based elements via our online, interactive platform.
What happens if I don't complete on time?
Firstly, we understand that life happens. If you get into any issues with timings, please reach out. The course is not an easy course, it is a level 5 qualification. However, we are here to help. You can also book 121 sessions with your tutor if you need additional support. If you need longer, let us know.
Do I receive a certificate?
You will receive your ensorsed level 5 qualification certificate from TQUK, the Ofqual Regulated awarding body, and an accredited certificate from the ACCPH. TQUK certificates take around 4 weeks after completion to arrive. Please note, we send certificates once all payments are settled if you have chosen to pay by installments.
What if I have not studied at level 5 before?
Level 5 is equivalent in its level of study to the second year of an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree. We know this can be daunting if you have not studied at this level before or if you have not studied for a while. Don't worry, our tutors are here to support you. In addition, you may consider taking one of ourlevel 3 programmes in the first instance: CACHE Accredited Level 3 in Therapeutic Play Techniques or the TQUK Endorsed Level 3 in Coaching and Therapeutic Practice with Children and Families.
What if I have more questions?
Please click on "Talk to Us!" at the top of this page and we will reach out to you!
Can I run a therapeutic practice with this course?
Upon completion of this course, which is certified by the Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, TQUK, you will be able to apply for professional membership with the ACCPH. The ACCPH is a professional body for coaches, counsellors, and psychotherapists. With their membership, you will be able to apply for insurance to practice. You are also able to list your services on their site. Please bear in mind, that to practice, you will need to take additional considerations for working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, including undertaking an enhanced DBS certificate.
Is the course online?
The course is a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous in its learning but is entirely online. You will complete a mixture of live online sessions over the Zoom platform, engaging in the practical skills to prepare you for your therapeutic role. In addition, you will study the knowledge-based elements via our online, interactive platform.
What happens if I don't complete on time?
Firstly, we understand that life happens. If you get into any issues with timings, please reach out. The course is not an easy course, it is a level 5 qualification. However, we are here to help. You can also book 121 sessions with your tutor if you need additional support. If you need longer, let us know.
Do I receive a certificate?
You will receive your ensorsed level 5 qualification certificate from TQUK, the Ofqual Regulated awarding body, and an accredited certificate from the ACCPH. TQUK certificates take around 4 weeks after completion to arrive. Please note, we send certificates once all payments are settled if you have chosen to pay by installments.
What if I have not studied at level 5 before?
Level 5 is equivalent in its level of study to the second year of an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree. We know this can be daunting if you have not studied at this level before or if you have not studied for a while. Don't worry, our tutors are here to support you. In addition, you may consider taking one of ourlevel 3 programmes in the first instance: CACHE Accredited Level 3 in Therapeutic Play Techniques or the TQUK Endorsed Level 3 in Coaching and Therapeutic Practice with Children and Families.
What if I have more questions?
Please click on "Talk to Us!" at the top of this page and we will reach out to you!
