Advanced Certificate Child-Centred Play Therapy Studies
Pathway to Practice
The Advanced Certificate in Child-Centred Play Therapy Studies is Australia’s most comprehensive CCPT training program for allied health professionals, counsellors, psychologists, social workers and educators who want to work therapeutically with children using a child-centred approach.
Delivered entirely live online across five progressive modules, the program combines theory, skills practice, supervision and practical placement hours to prepare you for confident, ethical and effective clinical practice – wherever you are in Australia.
On completion you will receive the CCPT-AU Credential, recognised by the Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA), Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Who is this course for?
This program is designed for qualified practitioners who work with children and want to add a specialised, evidence-informed therapeutic modality to
their practice.
It is well suited to:
- Counsellors and psychotherapists working with children and families
- Psychologists seeking a structured play therapy training pathway
- Social workers in schools, family services or child protection settings
- Occupational therapists working with children in clinical contexts
- Teachers and school counsellors supporting children's emotional wellbeing
- Allied health professionals looking to extend their scope of practice
There are no prerequisites beyond completion of Module One CCPT
Professional Foundations. If you haven't yet completed Module One,
it can be taken as a standalone introductory workshop before enrolling
in the full certificate program.
What Makes This Course Different?
Unlike many play therapy training programs in Australia, the Advanced Certificate is built entirely around Child-Centred Play Therapy - the most extensively researched play therapy modality in the world, with over 70 years of evidence supporting its effectiveness with children experiencing trauma, anxiety, behavioural difficulties, family breakdown and a wide range of presenting concerns.
All five modules are facilitated by Kylie Ellison - an internationally recognised CCPT trainer, practitioner and supervisor with over two decades of experience. You won't be taught by rotating guest lecturers or
pre-recorded videos. Every session is delivered live, with direct access to Kylie's clinical expertise and real-time feedback on your developing skills.
Training is delivered live online via Zoom, making it fully accessible to practitioners in regional, rural and remote Australia - without requiring
interstate travel or time away from your daily life.
Comprehensive & Immersive
103 live, interactive training hours
121 guided integration hours - (study + practice)
Supervised Placement Included
Group Supervision included
Study From Anywhere in Australia
All five modules are delivered live online via Zoom — no travel required. Accessible to practitioners in metro, regional and rural Australia.
Recognised Training Provider
As one of Australia’s longest-running CCPT training providers, our program is recognised by leading professional bodies, including:
• Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA)
• Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Proven. Established. Trusted.
Passionate teachers
All training is delivered by Kylie Ellison - one of Australia’s longest practising Child-Centred Play Therapy clinicians and trainers.
Flexible Payment Options
Pay per module, in four instalments, or upfront with a 5% discount. Nine-month payment plans also available.
Practice Ready Qualification
Graduate with the CCPT-AU Credential and the confidence to practise as a play therapist.
Our program is designed not just to qualify you - but to prepare you for real clinical work with children.
You finish ready.
Module One
CCPT Professional Foundations
Module One introduces the core theoretical, relational, and practical foundations of Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT).
Participants explore the philosophy, principles, and essential therapist attitudes required to facilitate therapeutic play.
The module includes:
- Origins & Theoretical Framework
- Core Principles of CCPT
- Skills Development
MODULE TWO
CCPT Components & Structure
Module Two builds on the foundational principles of Child-Centred Play Therapy by exploring the essential components, structure, and practical elements that create a safe, consistent, and therapeutically effective play therapy experience.
Participants learn how to intentionally design, organise, and facilitate CCPT sessions using the core elements that support autonomy, emotional expression, and therapeutic change.
The module includes:
- Key Components of CCPT
- Structure of CCPT Sessions
- Essential CCPT Therapist Skills
- Understanding the Process Over Time
MODULE THREE
CCPT Clinical Issues and Ethical Practice
Module Three focuses on the clinical, ethical, and practical considerations necessary for delivering Child-Centred Play Therapy safely, responsibly, and effectively.
Participants learn how to navigate common challenges in play therapy practice, uphold ethical standards, and work thoughtfully with diverse and complex presentations while maintaining the core principles of the CCPT model.
The module includes:
- Legal & Ethical issues in CCPT
- Clinical Issues & Common Challenges
- Working with Autism, ADHD, DV & Trauma
MODULE FOUR
CCPT Advanced Skill Work
Module Four consolidates participants’ CCPT skill development and introduces additional formats of child-centred therapeutic work to broaden clinical competence.
Building on foundational and advanced skills, this module focuses on applying CCPT principles with increased confidence, flexibility, and sophistication across different therapeutic structures and contexts..
The module includes:
- Determining the end of therapy
- Introduction to intensive child-centred play therapy
- Play Therapy in the school setting
- Filial Therapy
MODULE FIVE
CCPT Extensions Beyond the Playroom
Module Five expands practitioners’ understanding of the deeper layers of Child-Centred Play Therapy by exploring play themes, the therapist’s internal world, and the role of clear, ethical documentation.
This module strengthens therapeutic insight, fosters reflective depth, and supports the development of thoughtful, accountable clinical practice.
The module includes:
- The personhood of the therapist
- Documentation in Play Therapy
- Extending knowledge of themes
Schedule and Fees
Module One
CCPT Professional Foundations
Module One is a one full day online course, presented live online via Zoom.
- 8:30am - 4pm
- 699
Module two
CCPT Components & Structure
Module Two is a three-day course, presented live online via Zoom
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
- 1,999
module three
CCPT Clinical Issues & Ethical Practice
Module Three is a three-day course, presented live online via Zoom
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
- 1,999
Module Four
CCPT Professional Foundations
Module Four is a three-day course, presented live online via Zoom
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
- 1,999
Module Five
CCPT Extensions Beyond the Playroom
Module Five is a three-day course, presented live online via Zoom
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
- 1,999
Payment Options
Upfront Payment – 5% discount is applicable for payment of full fees upfront.
Payment Plan – 9 month payment plans are available for modules two-five (additional fees applicable)
Pay per Module – payment can be made per module (must be received two weeks prior to each module)