Your Guide to
Choosing the Right Course

The fact that you are reading this suggests that you are interested in training in the field of play, therapeutic and developmental play, play therapy and psychotherapy.

You have come to the right place – CTC is a European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institute following successful assessment by the European Association for Psychotherapy. We operate to the very highest academic and professional conventions, fully meeting the standards set by Quality and Qualification Ireland (QQI); The Irish Association for Play Therapy and Psychotherapy (IAPTP), and the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy (EAIP).

Where Are You On Your Journey?

The first thing for you to consider is what type of training you are interested in. Are you looking to build new skills to use in your existing job? Perhaps you need to engage in ongoing training to meet continuing professional development requirements for a professional body or CORU? Or are you looking for a new or enhanced career? Perhaps you want to gain another qualification to complement previous training or to bring you to a higher level on the academic framework? Or you may be a parent or carer hoping to develop new understanding and skills to support a child or adolescent in your care. You may wish to get a brief introduction to a new field or dive into a bigger training.

Before enrolling for any course, you should check to see who it is suitable for so as to be sure it is a good fit for you. Most of our short courses are suitable for a wide range of professionals working in social care, educational, and therapeutic settings. Many of our short courses are also suitable for parents and carers. A few are only open to therapists. Each course description gives details of whom the training is suitable for and a link to book in online.

If you are hoping to launch yourself in a new career, or acquire a new Practitioner Award to expand on your current profession, you need to consider entry criteria – are you currently eligible to apply? Do you need to undertake other training first?

Some courses involve an application process to assess suitability and ensure that you are aware of the demands that the training may make on you. If considering our MA, remember that psychotherapy training is not for everyone: it is personally demanding and involves a lot of personal growth work. We have a very detailed MA information file available on this website so if this is the training you are considering please take time to read the information in full and give yourself time to reflect and digest it all!

Start With You:

Exploring Your
Background and Goals

This will involve considering the training you have already completed, and the work experience you have to date to build your personal profile.

This will involve considering the training you have already completed, and the work experience you have to date to build your personal profile.

  • What field of learning have you experience and training in?
  • What level of academic training have you completed to date?
  • What kind of professional training courses have you completed to date?
  • What is your employment history?
  • What skills and experience have you acquired through training, life, and work experience?
  • What dreams and ambitions do you wish to realise?
  • Do you need to meet criteria linked to either your current role (e.g. CPD requirements), or linked to regulatory standards (e.g. CORU, professional accreditation / registration)??
  • Are you considering an academically validated award? A CPD opportunity? A full professional qualification?
    Financial implications – training is expensive especially if you are looking for a professionally recognised award.
  • Time commitment – undertaking an academic training (such as the MA) will require participants to dedicate a lot of time to reading, study, assignments etc.
  • Will you need to engage in additional prior training to make you eligible for the route you wish to follow? Read entry criteria carefully.

Course Categories at CTC

QQI Level 9 Postgraduate Awards

Our full qualifying QQI Level 9 Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy includes an embedded award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy and is designed for those wishing to pursue a new career as a Psychotherapist and Play Therapist. This is a four-year part-time course provide the dual qualification and is fully recognised by national and international professional bodies such as IAPTP and EAIP.
Learn More

QQI Level 6 Awards

Our QQI Level 6 validated courses are designed for professionals working with children and/or teenagers who want to gain new knowledge and skills to use within their current professional role. They include our Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills and our Certificate in Nature-Based Therapeutic Play. These Level 6 courses are also ideal introductory level training courses for those interested in pursuing full MA level training in Psychotherapy and Play Therapy.
Learn More

QQI Level 8 Award

Our Level 8, 10 ECTS, Principles of Art Therapy Certificate course is an exciting collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU). It develops an understanding of Art Therapy and supports both personal and professional development.
Learn More

Practitioner Awards

Professional Certificate and Diploma Courses for therapists, counsellors and other mental health professionals. These include:

  • Diploma in Creative Supervision
  • Diploma in Sandtray Therapy & Symbolic Expression
  • Practitioner Certificate in Creative Therapy with Emerging Adults
  • Practitioner Certificate in Multi-Sensory Trauma Processing and EMDR Principles across the Lifespan

These courses provide advanced training in working with new client groups, adding new modalities, or stepping into roles like clinical supervision.

Learn More

Short Courses and CPD Options

Short CPD Courses – For Therapists & Other Mental Health Professionals
Ideal for trainee and qualified professionals looking to expand their skillset, meet CPD requirements, and continue their professional development. These vary in length and are offered both live online and in person.

Short CPD Courses – For Non-Therapist Professionals
We offer a wide range of courses for professionals such as teachers, SNAs, youth workers and social care practitioners. These are also suitable for those considering further therapeutic training or looking to gain new tools for their current role.

Skill-Building Courses for Parents and Carers
A number of short courses are suitable for parents and carers who wish to gain knowledge and confidence in supporting children and teens in their care.

Learn More

Bespoke Training for Agencies

In addition to our regular course offerings, we design and deliver bespoke in-house training for a variety of organisations in Ireland and internationally.

Training can be delivered online or in person.
Enquire Now

Your Path to Professional Growth

Easily select, book, and complete your training with CTC. Our flexible courses provide the skills, certification, and confidence needed to advance your career in Play Therapy, Therapeutic Play and Psychotherapy.
Select Course
Choose from a range of flexible, practical training options designed to fit your needs. Learn at your pace and enhance your therapeutic skills effectively!
Book Course
Browse, book, and begin your training with ease. Choose the right course for you and start learning today!
Certificate
Gain official certification to showcase your skills and enhance your career opportunities in play therapy and psychotherapy!

Still Not Sure? Let’s Chat.

Choosing the right course is a big decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re unsure where to begin or have questions about eligibility, time commitment, or course content, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact Us for Course Guidance
Children’s Therapy Centre (CTC) is Ireland’s longest established leading provider of training in the field of Play Therapy, Therapeutic Play, and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy.
Our centre
Children’s Therapy Centre
Stewart House
Lonsdale Road,
National Technology Park,
Plassey, Limerick.
V94 KN70, Ireland
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