A 10-week foundation course from With Kids for professionals and parents/carers who want to better understand and support children through play, connection and relationships.
How do children communicate when they don't have the words to explain how they're feeling?
For children, play can be a powerful way of expressing thoughts, emotions and experiences. Understanding this can help adults communicate more effectively, strengthen relationships and develop more supportive ways of working with children.
With Kids is launching its new Understanding Play Therapy – Foundation Level 1 course, drawing on extensive experience of delivering the MSc in Play Therapy in Scotland.
The course offers an introduction to the principles and perspectives of Play Therapy, helping participants develop a deeper understanding of how children use play to make sense of themselves and the world around them.
What will you learn?
The foundation course focuses on understanding how Play Therapy works and how a Play Therapy perspective can inform the way adults communicate and build relationships with children.
You'll explore how play can:
- Support children's emotional expression
- Help children communicate thoughts and feelings
- Improve communication between children and adults
- Support stronger relationships and connections
- Help children make sense of their experiences and the world around them
- Inform more effective and compassionate support strategies
The course emphasises understanding children through their play, rather than approaching interactions from the role of a teacher.
Who is the course for?
The training is suitable for professionals, parents and carers who want to develop their understanding of children and explore how a Play Therapy perspective can enhance the support they provide.
You don't need to be a Play Therapist to take part, and the course is suitable for anyone working or living in Scotland.
Flexible learning options
The 10-week course offers a choice of face-to-face learning in Glasgow or online participation, making it accessible to people with different learning and work commitments.
The course runs from 12 September to 21 November 2026, with sessions taking place on Saturdays and evening sessions from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Please note
This is a foundation-level course and does not provide a professional qualification in Play Therapy.
Instead, it provides an opportunity to develop a Play Therapy perspective that can enhance your understanding of children and strengthen the ways you communicate, connect and provide support.
How to book
For more information or to enquire about the course:
Jeanne McLaughlin
07970 979570
[email protected]
www.withkids.org.uk
