CTC Training Course
Specialised Courses for Parents, Carers and Professionals
An Introduction to Play Therapy
Live Online Course Course Fee: €35
Next Course Dates:
Tuesday 13th May 2025 7:30pm – 9pm
Wednesday 24th September 2025 7:30pm -9pm
Wednesday 12th November 2025 4:30pm – 6pm
This live online course will provide participants with a great introduction into the world of Play Therapy. This experiential workshop is a hands on, skill building session that will allow the participants to experience the therapeutic powers of play in action. The workshop will demonstrate non directive therapeutic play, explore play skills and how to set up a non-directive play session. A range of therapeutic play techniques will be engaged in which will encourage expression and communication. Adult led activities and therapeutic play tools will be explored. Relaxation and regulating activities will also be practiced and developed. Participants will learn how to use play as a communication method, explore creative ways to resource children and explore difficulties that they are experiencing in a child centered way. During the webinar participants will:
- Experience the therapeutic powers of play in action.
- Learn about non directive therapeutic play, explore necessary play skills and learn how to set up a non-directive play session.
- Learn therapeutic play techniques which will encourage expression and communication.
- Explore adult led activities and therapeutic play tools.
- Learn about and practice relaxation and regulating activities.
Participants are required to have the following tools.
Materials:
- Blank A4 Paper
- Colouring pencils/crayons/markers
- Scissors
Space and technology:
- Sound cancelling headset or confidential room to participate in
- A computer or other suitable device (e.g. i pad), ideally, but not essentially, with built in (or external) microphone, speaker and camera.
- Uninterrupted internet connection
Note: Please only use one devise during each session – if you have difficulties with sound (microphone or volume) on computer, use of external microphone and/or speakers works better than adding a second devise.
All participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Facilitator 1: Emer McDonagh Emer Mc Donagh S.I.A.P.T.P., holds an MA in Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy and a BA (HONS) in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. Emer is Assistant Course Leader at the Children’s Therapy Centre. She has extensive experience working with children who have experienced domestic violence and also with non-residential parents and their children, maintaining and promoting quality contact. Emer has been involved in the Daphne III programme Responding to Child Parent Violence action research project, training in Non Violent Resistance and the Break 4 Change programme targeting services to families affected by Child Parent Violence. Emer has also completed Intensive Filial Therapy Training, and mindfulness training. Emer also provides a family support role with families affected by meningitis. She has developed a number of workshops to support adults such as “You, Your Thoughts & Your ACTions”, addressing stress and anxiety, “Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!, parenting children affected by meningitis”. She has also developed and facilitated workshops to support whole families including “Reconnecting after Meningitis” and the sibling support workshop “Me Too!”. Emer has worked with the Brothers of Charity services and been involved in a number of Humanitarian aid projects in both Ethiopia and Peru. Email: ctcemer@gmail.com
Facilitator 2: Carol Duffy M.I.A.H.I.P., S.I.A.P.T.P (BSc Hons Social Psychology and Sociology, Diploma in Creative Supervision; MA in Creative Psychotherapy.) Carol is a Child And Adolescent Psychotherapist Specialising In Play Therapy And A Former Senior Play Therapist In Tusla in Mayo. She is a Core Trainer and Academic Registrar at The Children’s Therapy Centre in Westmeath and a Clinical Supervisor. She has over 21 years’ experience working therapeutically with children and their families. Carol specialises in the areas of attachment, trauma, and play. She has significant experience of working with children in care and with children who have experienced attachment disruptions and developmental/relational/complex trauma. Carol was a member of the perinatal and infant mental health forum in Mayo during her time in Tusla. Carol delivers training widely, facilitates many workshops, has published videos and blogs online. Carol has published chapter contributions on the many therapeutic benefits of play and playfulness and the process of therapy. Carol developed a therapeutic model called the R.R.I.G.H.T. Play Therapy Techniques to promote trauma informed and trauma responsive practices for both professionals and parents/carers.
Cancellations: Full fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellations within 14 days of the webinar. You can nominate another person to attend in your place.