Countertransference & Transference in the Playroom – Explain the concepts of transference/countertransference. Demonstrate an understanding of the impacts of transference and countertransference on both therapist and child. Utilise countertransference & transference as a source of assessment and interpretation. Show an understanding of the methods of addressing countertransference.

Trauma & Attachment – Differentiate the different types of trauma and explain the impacts on brain development. Discuss common trauma-related behaviours in children. Explain the stress response and its relationship to trauma. Describe how trauma is stored in memory. Demonstrate an understanding of the four attachment styles and their impacts on child development and behaviour. Explain why Play Therapy is the chosen theoretical approach to working with traumatised children.

Skill Revision: tracking, reflecting content, reflecting feelings – Demonstrate effective use of the three skills. Show a comfortable balance between tracking and silence. Apply a warm, gentle, conversational tone. Demonstrate effective reflection of feeling at each opportunity presented. Reflect on the content of the play, demonstrating an understanding of the sequences.

Stages and Themes of Play Therapy – Explain each of the four stages in the therapeutic journey and the common presentations/play behaviours observed. Demonstrate an understanding of the trajectory of a child’s journey through the four stages. Name the common themes observed in each of the four stages and give examples of play sequences indicative of each theme. Explain why different themes tend to show up in different stages.

Parents/Guardians as Partners in Play Therapy – Demonstrate an understanding of why it is important to work holistically with the child and their family. Explain the process for including parents in the therapeutic journey. List the information typically collected in an initial consultation. Describe the parameters of informed consent and demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical obligations.

Skill Revision: Limit Setting – Demonstrate effective use of the three-step limit-setting process and exhibit confidence in its use. Maintain a warm, gentle, conversational tone, acceptance, empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.

Child Development Theory – Demonstrate a basic understanding of the addressed child development theories. List and explain the stages of play development. Demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of child development theory to Play Therapy and the therapeutic journey.

Goal Setting/Treatment Planning – Work with parents to cocreate positively stated, clear, measurable goals for therapy. Name the methods for tracking progress across a therapeutic journey. Explain the therapeutic trajectory and why CCPT tends to be a longer-term modality.

Case Noting/Report Writing – Summarise brief, professional case notes, in a format that maintains confidentiality. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal obligations related to case noting. Describe the key factors considered for inclusion in case notes. Demonstrate a basic understanding of professional report compilation, and the components typically included.

Skill Revision: Facilitative Responses – Demonstrate effective use of facilitative responses, prioritising the child’s independence and agency and keeping the child in the lead. Refrain from asking questions and answering questions related to the therapist’s opinion. Maintain a warm, gentle, conversational tone, acceptance, empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.