Course Overview
Discover how therapeutic play can support children’s emotional wellbeing, self-expression and development, particularly when they are navigating challenging experiences.
This 3-month QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Therapeutic Play Skills provides a strong foundation in the theory, reflective practice and creative techniques needed to use play-based approaches effectively in early years, special needs and wider child-focused settings.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to use therapeutic play approaches in a meaningful and supportive way with children.
This engaging QQI level 6 Minor Award in Therapeutic Play Skills offers a strong foundation in the theory and practice of therapeutic play, exploring how play can support children’s emotional wellbeing, self-expression, regulation and holistic development.
Through a blend of theoretical learning, reflective practice and creative experiential activities, you will gain insight into the relational processes that underpin effective therapeutic play work.
Led by experienced play therapy practitioners, the course introduces a range of play-based and creative techniques that can be applied in real-world contexts. You will explore key areas including emotional regulation, co-regulation, attuned communication and the importance of practitioner self-care in maintaining safe, ethical and effective practice.
Ideal for those working with, or aspiring to work with, children, this course is designed for learners who want to make a positive and lasting impact through the use of therapeutic play skills.
During this course, you will learn extensively about the role of therapeutic play as a medium to help children work through difficult circumstances they may be enduring. You will learn about the different therapeutic play theories and principles and their relevance in different situations. You will also learn the key practical skills needed to facilitate therapeutic play with children.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate key concepts and practices in therapeutic play across different child settings.
- Appraise the relevance of various therapeutic play theories.
- Demonstrate understanding of interpersonal communication, both one-on-one and in group dynamics.
- Examine the needs of specific individuals, such as children who are bereaved or experiencing long-term illness.
- Identify and enhance your own skills and competencies.
- Contribute effectively within early years, education, or healthcare settings.
- Design and implement a range of practical play techniques, including art, drama, music, and dance.
- Facilitate group work and plan activities for children and adolescents.
- Ensure equal opportunities and best practices to help children reach their full potential.
- Demonstrate the necessary language, literacy, and numeracy skills for therapeutic play.
- Exercise substantial personal autonomy and responsibility.
Please note: This course is an introduction to therapeutic play and does not qualify you to work as a play therapist.
Anne-marie O’Riordan
Anne-marie O’Riordan is an accredited Play Therapist and tutor on Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Therapeutic Play Skills, bringing approximately 10 years of professional experience in play therapy, child development, emotional wellbeing, and family support. Alongside lecturing, she runs a successful private play therapy practice in Wicklow.
Industry Experience & Career Outcomes
- Accredited Play Therapist with close to a decade of experience
- Founder and practitioner at Play Therapy Wicklow, working directly with children and families
- Specialist expertise in therapeutic play, emotional attunement, observation, regulation, and reflective practice to support children’s emotional and behavioural development
Anne-marie’s Pathway in Play Therapy
Anne-marie’s connection with Portobello Institute began in 2002 when she qualified as a Montessori Teacher. After gaining experience in education, she returned to study as a mature student, completing a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Play Therapy at the University of Galway.
“I had a desire to help more with children’s emotional and behavioural development,” says Anne-marie. “I believe that education helps link theory to practice and understand why specific approaches help a child or family.”
Teaching and Supporting Students
Anne-marie describes her teaching style as experiential, reflective, and grounded in real clinical practice. She helps students move beyond theory into practical application through structured triad exercises, where learners take on the roles of a child, therapist, and observer using real-world clinical scenarios.
She explains: “I help students apply their learning in a realistic way. I emphasise reflection, emotional attunement, and tolerance for uncertainty, encouraging them to think deeply about the meaning of play rather than rushing to interpret or direct it.
“I also draw on anonymised examples from my own practice to connect theory with reality, modelling a calm, containing, and relational approach that supports students in developing both their skills and their professional identity.”
This approach is particularly relevant for SNAs, early years educators, and teachers as Anne-marie shows how therapeutic play principles can be used within everyday educational and classroom settings.
Students develop transferable skills in observation, emotional attunement, communication, and reflective thinking, supporting them to apply therapeutic play skills with confidence in their own professional contexts.
Why Portobello Institute
Anne-marie was attracted to teaching at Portobello Institute because of its focus on practical, vocational learning and professional development.
“Portobello prepares students for real-world roles in education and care settings,” she says. “I value the opportunity to bring my experience as a play therapist into a context where theory is closely linked to practice.”
This emphasis on accessible, reflective, and career-focused education aligns closely with Anne-marie’s own teaching approach, supporting students to build confidence, develop applied skills, and use therapeutic play principles meaningfully in their work with children.
Explore Therapeutic Play Skills at Portobello Institute
If you’re interested in learning more about Portobello Institute’s Therapeutic Play Skills short online course, view the full programme details here.
Start on September 12th
The course will begin on September 12th, 2026 with a short introduction to the module. The teaching sessions and online workshops will take place on September 26th and October 10th. Attendance at all scheduled sessions is mandatory to successfully complete the course.
Start on November 7th
The first day of online workshops takes place on the 7th of November. The second workshop will take place on the 12th of December. Attendance at both is mandatory to successfully complete the course.
This two-day course combines theory, reflection and experiential learning to help participants develop confidence in using therapeutic play skills in practice.
Day One introduces the key theoretical foundations that underpin therapeutic play. You will explore core concepts while engaging in reflective practice to deepen your awareness of your own responses, experiences and professional role. The day also introduces a variety of creative and play-based approaches, allowing you to experience these methods first-hand and begin developing practical skills in a supportive learning environment.
Day Two focuses on regulation and co-regulation, exploring how emotional regulation develops and how you can support others through attuned, responsive and relational interactions. You will also consider the importance of practitioner self-care and its role in maintaining safe, effective and ethical practice.
Across both days, theory is carefully integrated with creative techniques, practical activities and opportunities for reflection. By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of the principles and relational processes that support therapeutic play, along with greater confidence in applying these skills in real-world settings.
Graduates of the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills have career opportunities supporting children in educational, care, and community settings.
The programme is suitable for those working with children who wish to develop skills in supporting emotional wellbeing through play.
Therapeutic Play Career Opportunities
This programme prepares you for roles supporting children’s emotional development.
Typical career pathways include:
- Early Years Practitioner with therapeutic play skills
- Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
- Childcare Practitioner
- Family Support Worker
- Community Support Worker
These roles involve using play-based approaches to support children’s emotional expression, wellbeing, and development.
Employers Recruiting Our Graduates
Graduates work across:
- Early Years settings
- Schools and educational environments
- Family support services
- Community and childcare organisations
These employers value practitioners who can support children’s emotional and social development.
Why Therapeutic Play Skills Are in Demand
There is increasing awareness of the importance of supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
Practitioners with therapeutic play skills can provide additional support within Early Years, education, and care environments.
What You Will Develop
Through this programme, you will develop:
- Understanding of therapeutic play approaches
- Skills in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing
- Knowledge of child development and behaviour
- Practical techniques for play-based support
- Confidence working with children in supportive environments
This enhances your ability to support children across a range of settings.
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1Complete the online booking form.
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2Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants following successful application.
Course: €425.00
