School of Play and Creative Therapies

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School of Play and Creative Therapies

We deliver comprehensive independently accredited Play and Creative Arts Therapy training to work with Children & Young People.

High quality Continued Professional Development training for professionals working with children, young people and adults.

08/05/2026

We’d love to share our Level 6 Creative Therapeutic Life Story Work course, accredited by CpCAB, designed for professionals supporting children and young people in care, adoption, or displacement.

This comprehensive programme equips Play Therapists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Social Work Assistants, and Foster Carers with the skills to deliver ethical, client centred life story work. Participants will learn to support children to construct a clear, sequential narrative of their history, supporting identity, belonging, and emotional wellbeing.

Grounded in attachment theory, trauma informed practice, and neurodevelopmental understanding, the course explores how to sensitively gather and present life histories using creative media. It enables children and young people to safely explore their past, make sense of moves and decisions, and strengthen connections with both birth and adoptive families.

Developed in consultation with adoptive parents, post adoption social workers, and specialist therapists, this training blends theory with practical session planning, relationship building, and reflective practice.

Empower children to understand their story, strengthen identity, and build secure futures through Creative Therapeutic Life Story Work today now.

This is 1-year, part-time course, commencing on 18/07/2026

For more information visit: https://schoolofpact.com/courses/post-qualifying-creative-therapeutic-life-story-therapy/

07/05/2026

We had a fantastic weekend with our Level 7 Diploma students! Thanks so much for this lovely feedback.

"This weekend has been transformative. I have gained so much from this weekend whether it be an insight into my own unconscious or extending my toolkit"

"I found this weekend really rich in learning because of the high proportion of practical work "

"I found the tutor's vast and varied knowledge inspiring, with the pace and delivery being well judged and engaging. "

"A very well constructed weekend. Thoughtful and thought-provoking activities, discussion and information, coupled with a fantastic tutor, proved to be a very effective combination."

For more information about our 2-year, part-time Level 7 Diploma Relational Play and Creative Therapy qualification visit: https://schoolofpact.com/level-7-diploma/

Upcoming courses available:
Dubai: commencing 24/07/2026
Crewe: commencing 03/10/2026
Bristol commencing: 24/10/2026

06/05/2026

AutPlay® Therapy – 2 Day Intensive training

04/07/2026 - 05/07/2026
9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Available online or in-person.

Find out more and book now through our website!
www.schoolofpact.com

05/05/2026

Our book of the week! Understanding Autism: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens by Robert J. Grant

This is a clear, compassionate, and accessible resource that centres autistic experience through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Rather than framing autism as a deficit, the book emphasises difference, identity, and self-understanding, helping young readers recognise and value their own neurotype.

One of its key strengths is its direct, child-friendly language. Complex ideas around sensory processing, communication styles, emotional regulation, and social interaction are explained in a way that is easy to understand without being simplistic. The use of relatable examples helps children and teens connect the content to their everyday experiences.

The book also supports emotional validation, offering reassurance that there is no “right” way to think, feel, or interact. This can be particularly empowering for young people who have previously felt misunderstood or pressured to mask their traits. Accessibility is part of this books strength.

If you are interested in developing your neuroaffirming approach to working with neurodivergent children and young people join us for AutPlay® therapy training 04/07/2026-05/04/2026. https://schoolofpact.com/courses/autplay-therapy-full-course/

01/05/2026

Time is running out to book a place on our Creative Clinical Supervision course!

Step into advanced supervisory practice with the Level 7 Certificate in Creative Clinical Supervision, a specialist training for experienced healthcare, counselling, and therapeutic professionals ready to develop confident, ethical, and reflective supervisory skills.

Running from 16/05/2026, this part-time 1-year online course combines six intensive teaching days with quarterly group tutorials, allowing you to integrate learning directly into your professional practice. Designed by Emma Nagle for the School of Play and Creative Therapies, it offers a distinctive blend of theory, creativity, and reflective supervision models.

You will develop the ability to build effective supervisory relationships, navigate complex ethical and relational challenges, and support supervisees with clarity, safety, and integrity. A strong emphasis is placed on creative and reflective approaches, helping you respond flexibly to clinical issues while strengthening professional insight.

The course also prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring your supervisory practice is culturally responsive and ethically grounded. By the end, you will be equipped to supervise with confidence across a range of settings, supporting professional growth, resilience, and high-quality clinical practice.

This course will take place online. Apply now to advance your supervision practice with this accredited Level 7 Certificate
https://schoolofpact.com/courses/level7-certificate-creative-clinical-supervision/

30/04/2026

Have you heard the news? We have an information event coming up!

If you are interested in Play Therapy we have two new Level 7 Diploma Autumn courses in Crewe and Bristol.

Why not join us at this information event to find out more about the power of Play Therapy and how this helps children and young people explore and express their experiences.

13 May at 7.00pm
Visit our website to find out more and secure your spot - www.schoolofpact.com

29/04/2026

Geek Therapy® with Josue Cardona -16th May! Book now through our website to secure your space.

Geek Therapy can be particularly useful for some child clients because it meets them in a language and world they already understand and enjoy.

Many children struggle to express complex emotions directly. Talking about feelings like anxiety, anger, or sadness can feel abstract, intimidating, or even unsafe. But those same emotions often become much easier to explore when they are attached to familiar characters, stories, or game scenarios. A child who cannot say “I feel overwhelmed” might easily describe a character in a game who keeps “losing control of their powers.”

It also supports engagement. Children who are reluctant to attend or participate in therapy may become more motivated when sessions include interests such as Minecraft, Pokémon, superheroes, or role-play games. This shared focus can reduce resistance and build trust more quickly.

Geek Therapy also supports identity and self-esteem. Many children who feel “different” or misunderstood find comfort in fandoms and fictional worlds where uniqueness is valued. Using these interests therapeutically can validate their experiences and help them feel seen.

Importantly, it allows for safe distance. Discussing emotions through a character creates psychological space, making difficult topics easier to approach without feeling exposed.

"Such powerful training! I feel empowered to continue to utilise clients interests within sessions and will definitely be signing up to the Geek Therapy forum! "

"Extremely insightful and has opened up a library of resources and new connections"

When: 16 May 2026
Online: 10.30-12.30

28/04/2026

Our book of the week! The Revealing Image by Joy Schaverien 📚

This book is a significant contribution to analytical psychology and art therapy literature. It explores how images created in therapeutic settings reveal unconscious processes and emotional truths that are often difficult to articulate verbally.

Schaverien draws on Jungian theory to explain symbolic meaning in patients’ artwork and emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as central to interpretation. The book carefully balances clinical insight with rich case material, making it valuable for both students and experienced practitioners.

Schaverien also highlights the importance of visual thinking in psychotherapy and argues that images can serve as a bridge between conscious and unconscious experience. Her writing is clear yet requires attentive reading to fully grasp its implications for therapeutic practice.

It is a strong resource for understanding the power of imagery in psychological healing, offering exploration of symbolic communication and the therapist’s role in facilitating meaning-making from clinical images with enduring relevance.

Within our Level 7 Diploma in Relational Play and Creative Therapy, we explore symbolism and metaphor. As a student, you will engage in creative activities that offers greater depth of understanding of yourself and your practice.

Find out more through our website www.schoolofpact.com

27/04/2026

We were in Bristol at the weekend teaching a wonderful group of students undertaking our 2-year part-time Level 7 Diploma Relational Play and Creative Therapy course. Exploring the power of Music, Symbolism, Metaphor, Den Making and playfulness.

If you are interested in becoming a Play Therapist, join our information event on 13 May 2026 at 7.00pm to find out more.

Feedback from students:
"This weekend has been transformative. I have gained so much from this weekend whether it be an insight into my own unconscious or extending my toolkit"

"I found the practical exercises help me learn much more deeply than the PowerPoints so I found this weekend really rich in learning because of the high proportion of practical work "

Students have given permission for feedback and photos to be shared.

24/04/2026

Free Play Therapy Information Event!

Come and find out about our fully accredited Level 7 Diploma Relational Play and Creative Therapy Information Event.

We really love meeting people who are interested in Play Therapy and considering training with us to develop new skills. If you are interested in a possible career change or want to develop your knowledge and skills to work with children and young people therapeutically why not join us at our next Relational Play and Creative Therapy Information event on 13 May 2026 at 7.00pm.

For more information and to apply please visit: https://schoolofpact.com/courses/introduction-session-level-7-diploma-relational-play-and-creative-therapy-children-and-young-people-3/

23/04/2026

Our book of the week! 📚

We had a fabulous weekend teaching Level 6 Certificate Relational Play and Creative Therapy Young Peoples course. Such an inspiring group of students.
Sharing books which can support the development of knowledge and practice is part of the learning process.

The Handbook of Counselling Children & Young People by Maggie Robson and Sue Pattison is a comprehensive and practical guide for students and professionals working with children and adolescents. The editors bring together contributions from experienced practitioners and researchers, covering key theories, ethical considerations, and real-life counselling approaches.

The book explores important topics such as child development, communication skills, safeguarding, and working with families, making it highly relevant for those studying counselling, psychology, social work, or education.

One of the strengths of the handbook is its clear structure and accessible language, which helps readers understand complex concepts. Case studies and reflective exercises encourage critical thinking and application to real-world situations. Although the book is detailed and academic in places, it remains engaging and useful as both a learning resource and reference guide.

For morning information about our Level 6 Certificate Relational Play and Creative Therapy Young Peoples course please visit: https://schoolofpact.com/courses/coming-soon-level-6-certificate-relational-play-and-creative-therapy-for-young-people/

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Swansea

Telephone

+447871195373

Website

https://schoolofpact.com/

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