QQI Certificates

CTC isn’t just a course, it’s the heart and soul of Play Therapy in this country.

MA Graduate

The MA in Creative Psychotherapy and Play Therapy offered by The Children’s Therapy Centre is second to none. It is enlightening! This MA sparked a love of learning in me and ignited so many passions that my life has completely changed for the better. The emphasis placed on personal development is of equal importance to professional development…imagine a course where you take time to get to rediscover your own authenticity and learn who you were before the world told you who to be. People frequently tell me “I am a fountain of knowledge,” the source of this knowledge was CTC. I will be forever grateful that I learned how to parent with kindness, creativity and compassion. It is such a privilege to be part of a child’s journey and speak their language of ‘play.’ I recommend this MA wholeheartedly.

I could not recommend the Therapeutic Play Skills Certificate enough. I feel that it is a course that everyone should do as it offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the therapeutic powers of play. We had an amazing lecturer, Laura, who always greeted us with a warm, bright energy. Laura created a safe space for everyone within the group. She is a fountain of knowledge, with a wonderful way with words to help people understand and grasp the therapeutic play skills. You are also given the opportunity to do some individual play sessions which I thoroughly enjoyed. You get to see the therapeutic powers of play at work here, which I found fascinating. It’s the most amazing form of treatment when a child gets to do what they do best- play and heal at the same time. There is also a great sense of community and support within the group, which again makes learning easier and fun. Unknown to yourself, overtime you’ll slowly notice a nice little collection of books, puppets, crafts etc accumulating as you become immersed in the course. Enjoy 🙂

TPS Certificate Graduate

I completed the Therapeutic Play Skills training in person in Kilcock with Elaine. The training was so enjoyable, it challenged me to reflect on my own practice, and to become really curious about the children’s behaviour. I feel that it changed the way I teach and interact with the children I work with, for the better. It is, hands down, the best CPD I have done in my 10 years of teaching.

“Since qualifying from the MA & working in Psychotherapy, attending CPD trainings with CTC has been a transformative experience for my practice. I continue to gain new insights, learning & resources, that have directly enhanced my therapeutic skills. I’ve gained a deeper understanding in more specialised areas & the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals has expanded my confidence and competence. These trainings have truly enriched my ability to support my clients & their families in a more holistic and effective way, allowing me to offer them the best care possible.”

I absolutely loved the Therapeutic Play Skills course. The content is incredibly relevant and valuable for anyone working with children, regardless of their profession. One of the standout aspects for me was the experiential nature of the course—it really allowed me to reconnect with my own sense of playfulness, which in turn gave me a wealth of practical ideas to bring into my work with children as a teacher.

Cathy was a wonderful facilitator—so warm, calm, and thoughtful in her approach. She created a safe and supportive space where everyone felt heard and engaged, and she made sure we all got the most out of each session. The course was well-structured, with the modules spaced out perfectly to allow for reflection and learning, while still being full of rich, enjoyable content. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of therapeutic play and bring new energy to their work with children.

TPS Certificate Graduate

“I recently completed the Live Online Therapeutic Play Skills Course through the Children’s Therapy Centre, facilitated by the wonderful Edel Lawlor. This training was truly insightful, empowering, and deeply rooted in the power of play. The course not only enriched my understanding of therapeutic play but also provided me with practical, hands-on skills that I can confidently bring into my work with children.

My experience with CTC has been overwhelmingly positive. The team, especially Siobhán Prendiville, is incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and always available to answer any questions. Their dedication to high-quality training and professional development is evident in every aspect of the course.

I would highly recommend training with CTC to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of therapeutic play. It’s a transformative experience that blends theory with creativity.”
Therapeutic Play Skills Certificate Graduate

‘The MA in Creative Psychotherapy, specialising in play therapy is a unique course that masterfully integrates the depth of psychotherapeutic theory with developmentally appropriate, creative approaches to work with children and adolescents effectively. The trainers bring a wealth of expertise, ensuring that every aspect of the course is delivered to the highest professional standard. Their ability to bridge academic knowledge with real-world therapeutic application is invaluable and allowed me to feel confident in my practice from an early stage. The staff’s ongoing innovation and commitment to maintaining alignment with evolving regulatory standards ensure that the course remains both relevant and forward-thinking. It is also important to mention, the course fosters significant personal growth, encouraging deep self-reflection alongside professional skill development. This MA is an immersive, enriching experience that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and personal insight to work in the field of child and adolescent psychotherapy’

MA Graduate