voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Understanding Play Therapy - Foundation Level 1 (10-week course)
Created: 11/08/2026
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.
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:
The course emphasises understanding children through their play, rather than approaching interactions from the role of a teacher.
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.
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.
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.
For more information or to enquire about the course:
Jeanne McLaughlin
07970 979570
[email protected]
www.withkids.org.uk