TS4D011 - Advanced Play Therapy Theory and Skills 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TS4D011
Module Title: Advanced 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: 40 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 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to enable students to develop as reflective practitioners with ability to apply in depth understanding of therapeutic use of self to their own practice analysis.

Students will also be prepared to work with complex cases that involve children living with the impact of trauma, neglect or abuse in early childhood.

Content Summary

Students will engage in extensive critical evaluation of their own development using case studies and problem based learning.

The impact of trauma, neglect and abuse on family dynamics and interfamilial relationships will be explored, particularly with regards to parenting. Students will gain understanding of the impact of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation of children. They will study attachment focused play therapy interventions, and professional team working approaches.

Advanced understanding of safeguarding and risk assessment processes in professional practice will be addressed in the light of The Social Services and Well Being (Wales) Act, 2014 and other key legislation, including health & safety at work. Additionally, students will be introduced to court work and the role of the play therapist as an expert witness.

The module will require continued commitment to group process in informing clinical/professional practice and in promoting effective personal development.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Seminar 2
Tutorial 2
Practical classes and workshops 15
Independent Study 175
Directed Study 176
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 10
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact of trauma, neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation, on children and their families.
LO2 Demonstrate critical and specialist skills in managing complex cases that involve children suffering from the impact of trauma, neglect or abuse in early childhood, including a critical understanding of safeguarding and risk assessment processes in professional practice.

Module Requisites

Code Title Requisite Type
MOD010632 Evidence Based Play Therapy Practice pre-requisite
MOD010633 Working with Children and their Families pre-requisite
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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1 Tutor examined Viva on practice (no video recording). 30 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Portfolio to evidence clinical practice, clinical supervision and personal therapy 0 N/A 10 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Critical understanding of the impact of complex trauma on the developing child and the implications for Play therapy practice 0 3000 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 1
Portfolio 1
Essay 1

Reading List

BACP Children and Young People Journal

British Journal of Play Therapy

Finkelhor, D. and Browne, A. The Traumatic Impact of Sexual Abuse: A Conceptualization American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 55(4) October 1985

Gil, E. (editor) (2010) Working with Children to heal Interpersonal Trauma: The Power of Play New York: Guilford press

International Journal of Play Therapy

Sanderson, C. (2004) The Seduction of Children: Empowering Parents and Teachers to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse London: JKP

Van der Kolk, B. (2015) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma New York: Penguin Books