Four Stage Training Model
The PTUK Four Stage Training Model has been developed as
part of the Profession Structure Model to support the Career Development Map.
They are also mapped to University and NVQ levels.
Four Stages
The four stages of the training model span the entire career
development map from initial entrant with no previous experience to certified
Play Therapists who wish to progress further e.g. MA in Practised Based Play
Therapy, Supervisor and Trainer. We use the term 'stage' to avoid confusion
with the university and QCA models that use levels. The stages also cater for
other professionals who wish to add therapeutic play skills to increase their
clinical expertise and widen their client base. The training model and the
competency framework provides a basis for training providers who wish to have
their programmes and courses accredited by PTUK.
1st Stage
Short courses, workshops, seminars and programmes (typically
1 - 3 days) at this stage are extremely important since the courses:
- Provide an experiential introduction to therapeutic play
skills
- Give participants some basic understanding of the history,
informing theories and issues
- Enable further career development decisions to be undertaken
Other longer learning programmes at this stage, including
distance learning such as the Morita programme. These may provide sufficient
grounding in the relevant psychological theories to enable successful
participants, who have not previously acquired this knowledge to proceed to
stage 2 programmes. These may be viewed as foundation or conversion courses.
The material at this stage does not normally entitle
participants to practice therapeutic play or play therapy skills with children
or adults.
2nd Stage
(Certificate stage)
Courses and programmes will normally be of a post-graduate
level with sufficient theoretical, experiential and practical content to enable
successful participants to use their skills with individual children who have
slight to moderate conditions.
Training at this stage requires a minimum of 100 hours
clinically supervised work with children as an essential part of the learning
process. Participants are required to work within the PTUK Ethical System.
The award for those who successfully complete a PTUK
accredited programme at this stage will normally be a PTUK Certificate of
Therapeutic Play.
This is an essential stage for those who do not have
adequate training or experience in psychology/creative based therapies.
3rd Stage
(Diploma Stage)
Courses and programmes will normally be at the post-graduate
level with sufficient theoretical, experiential and practical content to enable
successful participants to use their skills with individual and groups of
children who have moderate to severe conditions.
Training at this stage also requires a minimum of 100 hours
clinically supervised work with children as an essential part of the learning
process. Participants are required to work within the PTUK Ethical System.
The award for those who successfully complete a PTUK
accredited programme at this stage will normally be a PTUK Diploma in Play
Therapy.
This stage provides:
- A natural progression for those who have completed a stage 2
programme.
4th Stage
(Advanced Stage)
Courses and programmes will normally be of a post-graduate
stage with sufficient theoretical, experiential and practical content to enable
successful participants to build upon their skills as a Play Therapist or
practitioner with specialist play therapy skills.
Training at this stage may also require further hours of
clinically supervised work with children as an essential part of the learning
process. Participants are required to work within the PTUK Ethical System.
A variety of programmes at this stage may be offered for
those wishing to become:
- A Clinical Supervisor of Play Therapy
- A Play Therapy Trainer
- or develop specialist skills incorporating play therapy such
as filial play coaching
- or to be awarded an M.A. in Practised Based Play Therapy
This stage provides:
- A natural progression for those who have completed a stage 3
programme.
- An entry stage for experienced and qualified Play Therapists.
