Clinical Play Therapists help children, adolescents & young adults attain their highest potential. They engage individuals and their families in cycles of positive behavioural changes, supporting self-esteem, emotional intelligence & positive learning dispositions.They work actively to promote the learning & development of their clients, including those with additional needs.

This is a unique programme for chosen individuals with the relevant skills, attributes & commitment to become fully trained & registered Clinical Play Therapists at The Euphelia Clinic. Chosen candidates complete 5,000 hours of supervised clinical experience & case study work in Clinical Play Therapy, and complete higher education modules to extend their knowledge to degree & postgraduate level. Students complete a tailored programme of modules within a practical case-study approach, in a flexible professional framework.

Please click here for more information regarding access to becoming a Clinical Play Therapist within The Euphelia Clinic.

This practice-based programme normally takes four years to complete. All candidates must be part of a health, education or social care setting to access this programme, & over 25 years of age. Access to this programme involves a two day interview, and an evidence-based statement of values,ethics & commitment from potential candidates. Candidates must demonstrate their experience & aptitude for working with children, adolescents & vulnerable adults with emotional & behavioural issues. GCSE/O-Level Maths & English at grade C & above is required, and evidence of suitability for accessing higher education training modules.

Please email training@euphelia.com to find out if there are any available places for this programme.

Foundation Level Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills

A part-time & flexible programme of study (1 year duration). This is a structured part-time programme of therapeutic play skills workshops. Students must be able to attend each weekend of the five full weekend workshops across the year (15 days in total).

The training content is a balance of experiential exercises, theory and practical work. The course integrates both non directive and directive approaches to play therapy. The programme content is based upon the theory and practice of humanistic psychology, particularly that of Virginia Axline ("Dibs In Search of Self"), and Carl Rogers and the gestalt play therapy approach of Violet Oaklander. It recognises contributions made by others in the 20th century such as John Bowlby, Margaret Lowenfeld, Donald Winnicott, & Rachel Pinney.

Please click here for more detailed information regarding the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills.

Psycholudic Play Theory is the theory that underpins Therapeutic Play Skills with children. Please download this leaflet for more information regarding Psycholudic Play Theory.

Degree in Childhood Studies

The childhood years are crucial to later learning and development. This course will give you the opportunity to explore the factors which influence childhood and how these can affect later development. The course will draw upon a variety of disciplines including sociology, psychology and educational studies in order to help us to understand the childhood years. You will be given the opportunity to combine both theoretical topics with hands-on, practical experience, thus enabling you to develop both the academic and the professional skills that are needed to work with children.

This is a 3 year full-time study programme, with flexibility to study on a part-time basis in Wales at The Euphelia Clinic for students who wish to access the degree as part of an outreach support programme. Attendance at Aberystwyth University campus is necessary.

Please click here for more detailed information regarding the Childhood Studies degree programme.

Foundation Level Certificate in Psychology & Childhood Studies

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour, covering almost every aspect of human experience, from the development of language, thought and a sense of identity, to how we make sense of everyday life. This course enables students to be introduced to key approaches & theories in psychology, with particular focus in regards to children & Developmental Psychology.

This is a 3 to 5 year part-time study programme, with flexibility to study on a part-time basis at The Euphelia Clinic for students who wish to access the Foundation Level Certificate as part of an outreach support programme. Some attendance at Aberystwyth University campus is necessary.

Please click here for more detailed information regarding the Certificate in Psychology & Childhood Studies foundation degree programme.

Equal Opportunities Policy

As in other areas of its institutional practice, The Euphelia Clinic's selection criteria for new students are made in line with Equal Opportunities Legislation. The Euphelia Clinic aims to foster the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion and ethnic origin. Our selection procedures consider applicants in the context of experience and personal readiness. All those serving on selection panels and training programmes on behalf of The Euphelia Clinic adhere to this policy.