By the end of this course, participants will have completed and developed knowledge and competence in:

• Applying knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic powers of play and how playing in and with nature supports holistic development.
• Experiencing and reflecting on 2 experiential play activities for immersion and orientation in nature.
• Demonstrating the potential for natural materials to support structured therapeutic play activities indoors.
• Apply learning regarding the value of risk and how to balance risk and benefit to plan and implement a child led group play session in a natural space outdoors.
• Developing a range of creative ideas in different modalities to support outdoor therapeutic play for a group of children, adolescents or adults.
• Incorporating nature based therapeutic play into their own professional role, including scope of practice, ethical and inclusion considerations, and health & safety.

Certificate in Nature-Based Therapeutic Play runs over 7 Saturdays from 09:30 – 13:30. Please check individual course information files for specific dates.

Students will also engage in activities linked to the theme of each unit (7 hours); a series of directed study tasks (10 hours); and independent learning.

• Discounted Payment Plans (TPS Holder)
• Standard Payment Plans (Non TPS Holder)

Space and technology:

• A confidential space without interruptions or distractions
• A computer or other suitable device that can use Zoom (e.g. i pad, desktop, laptop), with built in, or external, microphone, speaker and camera.  have screen size that facilitate clear viewing of course material and participants, and engagement and interaction with peers, and utilising a split screen so as to concurrently view the virtual classroom and any related material that you may wish to open separately on your device.
• Stable internet connection (download speed of 1.5Mbps)
• A sound cancelling headset can be useful

Note: If you have difficulties with sound (microphone or volume) on computer, use of external microphone and/or speakers may work better than adding a second devise.

And creative materials that include:

• A4 paper and scissors
• Art materials – g. crayons, colouring pencils, markers
• Small toys and props

The trainer will advise participants of additional resources to have to hand for each session.

Each learner is given access to the online platform with additional resources over the duration of the course. This includes access to the material for each course, Online Library and Resources, and Academic Writing Support.

Applications are accepted by letter/email giving details of the applicant’s name, address, email and phone numbers, educational background, current employment, and reasons for wishing to complete the course. Proof of identity in the form of (scan of official photo id, e.g. passport) is required.  Email application to ctcsiobhan@gmail.com.  If you have previously completed CTC’s Therapeutic Play Skills Certificate course, please provide details of when and where you do this in your application email. You can then avail of the discounted price and be registered for the full Certificate in Therapeutic Play Practice, a full Level 6 Special Purpose Award.

The course requires verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills in English, equivalent to QQI level 5. If English is an applicant’s second language, they must demonstrate proficiency at B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). We have prepared an Inherent Requirements document for prospective students.

In the event of any cancellation a booking fee of €100 will be retained. Full fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellations within 3 weeks of the event, You may nominate another eligible person to take your place – simply notify us and provide us with their contact details.