TS4S015 - Play Therapy Theory and Skills 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TS4S015
Module Title: Play Therapy Theory and Skills
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Therapeutic Studies
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Learning in Education
Module Leader: Clare Carbis
Module Team: Laura Hanks, Louise Nicholl, Anna Playle, Kirsty Richards
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100495 - counselling
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to:

Introduce a Humanistic approach to therapy and how this might be applied to the development of Child Centred Play Therapy skills.

Equip students with the ability to apply Child Centred Play Therapy skills to work with children with mild to moderate adaptive and developmental challenges.

Content Summary

In this module students will learn the key concepts and theories underpinning Child Centred Play Therapy. They will develop skills relevant to working with children presenting with mild to moderate adjustment issues and emotional and behavioural difficulties. They will learn how to develop and nurture a therapeutic relationship in the context of Child Centred Play Therapy. Theoretical models of initial assessment and on-going therapeutic evaluation of play therapy will be examined. Ethical components of counselling and psychotherapy will be addressed.

Students will be introduced to materials and equipment used in Play Therapy and their therapeutic value.

Students will engage with legal and ethical issues for therapists, including issues relating to confidentiality, and legal requirements for safeguarding, risk assessments and health and safety procedures.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Seminar 2
Tutorial 1
Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Study 77
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 10
Groupwork 78
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a Humanistic approach to therapy and its relevance to Child Centred Play Therapy (CCPT).
LO2 Apply critical understanding of the principles and methods of Child Centred Play Therapy to their play therapy practice skills including principles of safety and assessment of risk.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Group Poster Presentation relating to key play therapy theory (15 mins - minimum 5 min each student) 0 N/A 40 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Clinical Learning 1 Practice skills assessment 15 1500 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Clinical Learning 1

Reading List

Axline, V. (2013) Play Therapy: The inner dynamics of childhood. Hesperides Press: FL. U.S.A. (Originally published 1947)

British Association of Play Therapy Journal

International Journal of Play Therapy

Landreth, G. (2012) Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. (3rd ed.) Routledge, New York.

Prendiville,E. and Howard, J. (2014) Play Therapy Today: Contemporary practice with individuals, groups and carers. London: Routledge

West, J. (1996) Child Centred Play Therapy (2nd ed.) Arnold: London