Places:
Limited spaces available
Delivery:
On campus / online
See below for details
Cost:
Varies
See below for details
Start date(s):
Multiple start dates
See below for details
Our Play Therapy Short courses introduce some of the key concepts and themes of Play Therapy, a form of psychotherapy primarily used for children as a way of expressing thoughts, feelings and emotions through play.
These courses cover essential theories and models and are an ideal way to explore more about training in this discipline and understanding the links between theory and clinical practice. These courses are facilitated by a qualified and experienced Play Therapists.
All our Arts and Play Therapy Short Courses at Roehampton are experiential in nature. In our classes, you'll have the opportunity to take part in hands on activities, completing exercises and techniques to put theory into practice.
Who are these courses for?
These courses are perfect for participants looking to develop their understanding of Arts and Play Therapies. They may be of particular interest to people working in health and social care, education, the arts or with a general interest in the subject. They would also be of interest to those looking for a career change or planning to undertake formal training.
Please note that the completion of any Play Therapy Short Course does not allow you to practice Play Therapy or guarantee a place on the qualifying Master's degree. Although these courses are experiential in nature, they are not intended to provide therapy, as such, to participants.
Introduction Course
| Location | Delivery | Cost | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus or online | 1 day workshop | £175 | On campus: Saturday 28 March 2026, 10.30am – 4.30pm Online: Saturday 25 April 2026, 10.30am – 4.30pm |
Play Therapy is an effective psychological treatment for a wide range of child mental health difficulties and stressful life experiences. It has existed as a distinct discipline since the 1940’s, emerging from child psychotherapeutic practice and the humanistic psychology tradition. In this one day introduction you will experience key aspects of play therapy practice.
This course is suitable for individuals considering taking up professional training in Play Therapy as well as professionals who are already working with children e.g. social workers, occupational/speech therapists, mental health professionals, residential workers etc. No previous experience of Play Therapy is necessary but a willingness and enthusiasm for play is very much welcomed.
Intermediate Course
| Location | Delivery | Cost | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus or online | 10 weeks | £875 | October 2026 |
Our Intermediate Play Therapy course is a ten-week course comprising of interactive seminars on various aspects of practice and theory, including sensory and embodied play, projective and symbolic play and using art in Play Therapy. The course begins and ends with a longer half-day session providing a space to get to know your classmates and reflect on your learning experience. Each week you’ll have a two-hour evening session which will be a mix of theory and experiential learning.
Courses are available both onsite and online and are facilitated by qualified and experienced Play Therapists. This Intermediate course is suitable for participants with no prior knowledge of the subject or who have taken part in our Introductory sessions.
At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance if you attend a minimum of 70% of sessions and complete the informal assessment process.
To register your interest in upcoming Intermediate Courses please email shortcourses@roehampton.ac.uk and we will let you know when they are available to book.
Advanced Course
| Location | Delivery | Cost | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus or online | 10 weeks | £875 | January 2027 |
Our Advanced Play Therapy course is a ten-week course combining theoretical lectures and seminars with experiential activities. It builds on the theories covered in our Intermediate Course, exploring topics in more detail including loss and attachment, using stores and therapeutic play with children with special educational needs. The course begins and ends with a longer half-day session providing a space to get to know your classmates and reflect on your learning experience. Each week you’ll have a two-hour evening session which will be a mix of theory and experiential learning.
Courses are available both onsite and online and are facilitated by qualified and experienced Play Therapists. This Advanced course is suitable for participants with some prior knowledge and understanding of the subject or who have taken part in our Intermediate sessions.
To register your interest in upcoming Advanced Courses please email shortcourses@roehampton.ac.uk and we will let you know when they are available to book.
Summer School
| Location | Delivery | Cost | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus | 5 days | £875 | 20 – 24 July 2026 |
This summer school involves direct experiential learning about the MA Play Therapy Programme at the University of Roehampton. Over five days, you’ll learn and experience some of the theoretical and practical elements of client-centred Play Therapy. You will be able to use your learning to enhance both your understanding of children’s emotional and behavioural development and your skills in working with children who experience difficulties. We’ll explore a variety of areas, including client-centred theory and how these can be applied to play, understanding and using ‘symbolic’ play, and the use of different media when working with children, for example, sand-play, art and drama.
As well as being of interest to those seeking to prepare to apply for a qualifying Play Therapy training, this summer school can also serve as CPD to anyone already professionally involved in working with children, including those working in Education, social work and child psychotherapy and counselling. Courses will be held on site at our Roehampton Campus. Our Summer Schools are suitable for participants with no prior knowledge of the subject or who have taken part in our Introductory sessions. You’ll receive a certificate of attendance if you attend a minimum of 70% of sessions and complete the informal assessment process.