The Centre for Play Therapy and Training offers specialised courses for professionals who work with children, including social workers, psychologists, registered counsellors, educators trained in learner or psycho-social support, and occupational therapists. These programmes provide valuable additional knowledge and practical skills for practitioners engaged with children across a variety of settings.
While the course enhances the ability of educators and other professionals to support children’s psycho-social and developmental needs in their daily roles, it does not qualify participants to practice as independent play therapists.
This training is designed for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding and strengthen their practical skills in working with children in educational and care environments. Participants will gain insight into child development, behaviour management, communication techniques, and effective engagement strategies, enabling them to create supportive and nurturing spaces for children.
The course is suitable for:
- Social Workers, Psychologists, Counsellors and Educators
- Professionals in the humanities and related fields
- Classroom teachers and teaching assistants
- Staff working in children’s homes or youth care facilities
- School camp organisers and facilitators
- Members of youth organisations
- Auxiliary and support workers
- Au pairs and childminders
- Youth leaders and mentors
The following would be advantageous when enrolling for this training:
- Basic knowledge of child development: Play-based interventions are commonly used with children, so an understanding of developmental milestones and stages can assist in tailoring interventions to meet each child’s unique needs.
- Familiarity with child-centered approaches: These interventions place the child’s needs and interests at the foreground. The ability to create a safe, supportive, and responsive environment is key to facilitating effective engagement and communication.
- Strong communication skills: Play-based work often involves collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professionals. Effective communication is essential for building relationships and ensuring coordinated support for the child.
- Relevant personal qualities: Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in working with children are essential. These qualities support the development of positive relationships and contribute to more meaningful and effective interventions.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Application Form online to apply. A copy of your application is sent to your email address.
- Dr Hannie personally reviews all applications.
- Once reviewed, we will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application.
Once your application is successful, you can purchase the course. Payment methods available include EFT bank transfer, debit and credit cards.
PLAY THERAPY LEVEL 1
PLAY THERAPY LEVEL 2
When you register and pay for both courses – Level 1 and Level 2 – you will receive a complimentary copy of the book, A Gestalt Intervention Framework for Play Practitioners (520 pages, R599.00). The book provides a Framework for Intervention with a practical and accessible structure for play practitioners to use in real-world settings. The Gestalt philosophy is integrated with the structure to give the reader a theoretically based reference source. This book is referred to and advised reading for Level 1 and required reading for Level 2. South African participants will receive a hard copy of the book. International participants will receive an eBook (PDF).
Requirements:
Applicants who are registered and in good standing with a recognised professional body and have experience working with children are granted automatic admission to the course.
Statutory Professional Boards
South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), including:
- Social Workers
- Social Auxiliary Workers
- Child and Youth Care Workers
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), including:
- Psychologists (PS)
- Registered Counsellors (PRC)
- Speech, Language and Hearing Professionals (STA)
- Art Therapists (AT)
- Psychometrists (PMT)
Non-Statutory Professional Bodies
- Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP)
- South African Council for Educators (SACE)
- South African Professional Institute for
- Kinderkinetics (SAPIK)
Alternative Admission Requirements
Applicants who are not registered with one of the above professional bodies may still enrol in the course if they meet all of the following requirements:
- Have at least a Grade 10 qualification.
- Have a minimum of 18 months’ experience working with children.
- Be willing to work under the supervision of a qualified Play Practitioner or Play Therapist for the duration of the course.
CPD Accreditation:
- Participants registered with a professional board will receive CPD accreditation as follows on successful completion:
- Level 1: CPD approval 411/2025 12.5 points
- Level 2: CPD approval 412/2025 8 points
Duration of each course:
- Video lessons;
- Exercises;
- Feedback forms;
- Evaluation forms;
- Written Assignment at the end of each course.
Total estimated learning time for each course:
- 30 hours (including all activities and submissions).
Completion Period:
- Each course must be completed within 2 months (8 weeks) of starting.
- Includes:
- Watching all videos
- Completing exercises
- Submitting Evaluation Forms
- Submitting the written Assignment
Monitoring and Verification of Participation:
- Course members should note that the presenter is able to monitor the times and duration of their engagement with the course materials.
- If any irregularities are detected, the presenter reserves the right to verify the participant’s involvement and understanding of the course content, including the video lessons.
- This measure ensures the integrity of the learning process.
Assistance during the course:
- The presenter is available to assist during the course and will respond, if possible, between 09h00 and 16h00 on working days (Monday – Friday).
Contact Dr Hannie Schoeman:- Email: admin@gestaltplaytherapy.co.za
- Cell phone / WhatsApp: +27 72 730 2597
- For any technical and website related questions contact Shalene on WhatsApp: +27623478966
Important Notes:
- Failure to complete a course within the two-month timeframe results in disqualification.
- Extensions may be granted provided that arrangements are made before the course end date.
- Please note: Extensions are not automatic and an additional fee applies.
Completing the course and Certification:
- During the course, participants must submit Evaluation Forms.
- Before the course end date, participants must submit an Assignment, which will be graded by Dr. Hannie Schoeman, the course presenter.
- The final assignment will be reviewed based on meeting the requirements outlined in the assignment description.
- To qualify for the certificate, your submission must demonstrate that the required learning outcomes have been achieved.
- Once you receive the outcome of the review, a PDF e-Certificate will be issued and made available for online download on the Profile Dashboard after you click on COMPLETE COURSE.
Certificate:
- Where applicable the participants Professional board and board number as supplied on application will be on the certificate.
- The Certificate indicates the total course hours and confirmation that participants have met the course completion requirements.
- HPCSA CPD points will be submitted on behalf of successful applicants.