MARCH 2026 • Now Enrolling
Specialist Diploma in Non Directive Play Therapy
Delivered via Blended Learning
Non-Directive Play Therapy
Delivered via Blended Learning
Therapeutic intervention with children is a specialised area of practice. In ensuring principles of best practices when working with this client group, therapists need to possess the appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies in order to ensure they are working ethically, professionally and effectively.
Our Specialist Diploma in Non-Directive Play Therapy addresses and incorporates the core competencies for working therapeutically with children as set out in IACP’s “Standards for Working with Under 18’s” document.
This programme has been designed specifically for qualified and in-training Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Psychologists and Art Therapists who wish to expand their clinical practice to work therapeutically with children.
Facilitated by a team of highly experienced therapists who have expertise in Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Play Therapy and Child Psychotherapy.
This programme will be delivered through a Blended Learning format and is IACP CPD Approved and Recognised. Awarded 147 CPD points
Learning Outcomes
Participants will gain in-depth theoretical knowledge along with the clinical skills required to work therapeutically with children aged 4 -12 years. Participants will not only learn a range of therapeutic play theories, approaches and techniques, but also how to conceptualise the play therapy process from an integrative perspective.
A strong emphasis will be placed on developing participants skills and competencies in therapeutic play skills, expanding participants understanding of child development and neurobiology, working in partnership with parents and the therapeutic use of self.
Participants learning and skill development will be further enhanced through the use of a fully equipped play therapy unit.
Students Will:
- Gain an in-depth theoretical knowledge of child development and child psychology theories.
- Acquire a sound understanding of the principles underlying play therapy and the appropriate use of techniques.
- Demonstrate a competent understanding of attachment and the implications for therapeutic work with children.
- Become proficient in setting therapeutic boundaries, tracking progress, and documenting emerging play themes.
- Develop the necessary skills to undertake parental intake sessions, therapeutic needs assessments, and parental reviews.
- Understand and apply the fundamental principals involved in organising and maintaining a child centred therapeutic play space from an integrative non directive stance.
Programme Modules & Timetable
March 2026 to April 2027
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Course Orientation
Saturday 14th March 2026.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13Facilitator: Liz Quish & Marian Connell
- Introduction to Programme
- Assessment Guidelines
- Connecting with your Playful Self
- Experiential and Creative Expression
- Group Process
History and Principles Of Therapeutic Play
Sunday 22nd March 2026.
10am – 4pm on ZoomFacilitator: Marian Connell
- History and Development of Play Therapy
- Defining Play Therapy
- Conceptualising Play Therapy
- Principles of Play Therapy
Child Development
Saturday 25th April 2026,
Sunday 26th April 2026,
Saturday 09th May 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan
- Child Development: Physical, Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional & Social
- Child Development Theories
- Normative Variations Across the Spectrum of Child Development
- Atypical Child Development
- Social, Environmental and Cultural Factors Influencing Child Development
- Nature/ Nurture Debate
Attachment
Saturday 23rd May 2026,
Sunday 24th May 2026,
Saturday 06th June 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- Attachment Theory
- Stages of Attachment
- Attachment Styles
- Internal Working Model
- Neuroscience and Attachment
- Implications of Attachments Style in Therapeutic Process
- Role of Play in Facilitating Positive Attachments
- Earned Secure Attachment
Parental Involvement
Friday 27th June 2026,
Saturday 28th June 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- Parenting Theories
- Parenting Approaches and Styles
- Parents as Partners in the Childs Therapeutic Process
- Parental Intake Sessions and Contracting
- Conducting Parental Reviews
- PACE Parenting
- Framework for Parental Support Sessions
Puppets & Therapeutic Stories
Saturday 18th July 2026.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan
- Storytelling with Puppets as a Therapeutic Process
- Effective Puppet Techniques and Skills
- Puppet Making Craft & Materials
Tutorial 1
Tuesday 21st July 2026.
7:30pm – 9:30 on Zoom.Facilitator: Liz Quish
Therapeutic Powers of Play
Saturday 22nd August 2026,
Sunday 23rd August 2026.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- Therapeutic Powers of Play
- The Therapeutic Play Continuum
- Neurobiology of Play
- Directive / Non Directive Play Therapy
Case Conceptualisation
Saturday 26th September 2026,
Sunday 27th September 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan.
- Neurosequential Model
- Recognizing Play Themes
- Deconstructing Play Narratives and Reflecting Themes
- Theme Analysis
- Tracking and Documenting Therapeutic Progress
Setting Therapeutic Limits and Boundaries
Saturday 17th October 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan
- Therapeutic Limit Setting and Boundaries
- Touch in The Therapy Room
- Transference and Counter-transference
Regulation & Co-Regulation
Saturday 14th November 2026,
Sunday 15th November 2026.
10am – 4pm on Zoom.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- Polyvagal Theory
- Window Of Tolerance
- Regulation and Co- Regulation
- Regulation Tools and Strategies
- Therapeutic Use of SELF
Sensory Play
Saturday 05th December 2026,
Sunday 06th December 2026.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan
- Value of Sensory Play
- Sensory Play Materials and Accessories
- Exploring and Investigating with the Senses
- Sensory Processing
Tutorial 2
Tuesday 08th December 2026.
7:30pm – 9:30 on Zoom.Facilitator: Liz Quish
Sand Play
Saturday 16th January 2027,
Sunday 17th January 2027.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- History and Development of Sand Play Therapy
- Principles of Sand Play Therapy
- Sand Play Equipment and Miniatures
- Sand Play Process & Stages
- Free and Protected Space
- Symbolic Expression
- Identifying, Tracking and Documenting Themes
Therapeutic Art
Saturday 20th February 2027,
Sunday 21st February 2027.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX15.Facilitator: Marian Connell
- Art as a Therapeutic Modality
- Core principles of Therapeutic Art
- Resources and Materials
- Planning and Implementing Therapeutic Art Sessions
- Exploring Patterns and Themes
Therapeutic Endings
Saturday 20th March 2027.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Elaine Fagan
- Termination Planning
- Directive Play Activities for Termination
- Transference in Play Therapy Termination
Programme Closing – Group Process
Sunday 21st March 2027.
10am – 4pm at The Greenane Centre, E34 CX13.Facilitator: Liz Quish & Marian Connell
- Group Process
- Therapeutic Use of Self
Programme Fee & Registration
Full Fee: €2,900
€500 Deposit on registration
€400 monthly for 6 months, automatically debited to payment card.
Entry Requirement
This CPD Diploma is open to qualified and in-training counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists and art therapists who wish to expand their skill set to work therapeutically with children aged 4 – 12 years.
Clinical Practice
- 65 hours of one to one client work with children (must source own clinical practice hours).
- 11 Supervision sessions with Appointed Supervisor (Supervision fee not included in course fee).
Teaching Method
This Programme will be delivered through a blended learning format with 15 days online and 11 days facilitated through class-based learning at The Greenane Centre.
Assessment
- 2 Reflective Learning Journals – 1500 words each
- Book Review – 1500 words
- Supervisors Report
Terms & Conditions:
Please read our Terms and Conditions document carefully. You will be required to indicate your consent on the programme application form.
Testimonials
Previous Participant Feedback
“I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I learned so much from the lecturers, their presentations, the material shared, the experiential learning and also from the group. I have attended several courses, CPD etc. and whilst I have always learned something new, I have always left feeling disappointed. Not this time! I have gained awareness, knowledge and skills on this course, all of which will benefit me personally and professionally. I have gained confidence in my practice and feel motivated and inspired by this training. I am very grateful for this experience and will be recommending this course. Thank you!”
– Emma L. | Psychotherapist
“Having a clear framework to guide my work with clients who present with trauma has given me such confidence. I now feel I can work in a safe and relational manner without the fear of re-traumatising.”
– Catherine O’N | IACP Accredited Psychotherapist
“A fantastic programme. Will definitely be recommending. Content so relevant to my work as a counsellor. Polyvagal Theory now makes sense!”
– Donna G. | IACP Accredited Psychotherapist
“This programme has been amazing from start to finish. I have learned so much from this training and now feel fully equipped to support clients who present with trauma histories.”
– Mary C. | Psychotherapist
Have additional questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries. We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.
