Booking options
£10

£10
On-Demand course
8 hours
All levels
The Art Therapy, Play Therapy & Autism Course explores how creative and play-based approaches support communication, emotional expression, and behavioural understanding in autistic children and adults. This course introduces the core principles behind art and play therapy, explaining how structured creative activities can help interpret emotions, sensory needs, and social responses within autism-focused settings. Learners gain clear insight into autism spectrum conditions, common challenges, and the value of expressive methods in educational, care, and support environments.
Designed for flexible online study, the course focuses on theory, observation, and evidence-informed frameworks rather than physical attendance or in-person delivery. It examines ethical considerations, boundaries, and the role of therapists, educators, and support workers when using art and play as communication tools. With a balanced, professional tone and subtle warmth, the course highlights how creativity can offer meaningful alternatives to verbal expression, supporting confidence, emotional awareness, and engagement. Suitable for anyone seeking to deepen knowledge of autism and creative therapeutic approaches, this course adds recognised CPD value and supports personal development across care, education, and wellbeing contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the 2-in-1 bundle course, you will be able to,
Get an overview of the basic principles of Art Therapy, Play Therapy & Autism.
Explore the link between psychology and neuroscience.
Improve your understanding of models and approaches of play therapy.
Gain a thorough grasp of common issues in play therapy.
Learn the concept of creative therapy and mindful creativity.
Discover different techniques and applications of art therapy.
Gain a thorough grasp of drawing and reflective writing.
Determine the difference between art therapy for adults, families, and children.
This online Art Therapy and Play Therapy course is accredited by CPD. That means you'll have the privilege of learning in your own time, at your own pace and earning an accredited certification.
Why People Love And Enrol The Art Therapy and Play Therapy Course From One Education
Eligibility for an CPD accredited certificate on successful completion of Course
Learning materials of our course contains engaging voiceover and visual elements for your comfort
Freedom to study at your own pace
24/7 access to the course materials for 12 months
Full Tutor support on weekdays (Monday - Friday)
Don't forget to take your FREE 'Autism training' course.
Please note that this course does not entitle you to join the HCPC register or recognised art therapist. This course will not make you an art therapist but you will come across all the basic guidelines of art therapy to boost and shine your knowledge in this particular field.
This course features easy-to-digest modules that break down each topic and ensure all our students receive an unrivalled and thorough learning experience.
If you want to work in this rapidly growing sector and stand out from the competition, then our course is the perfect place to kickstart your dream career.
On the course, we guarantee that you will gain relevant skills and knowledge on the subject. Moreover, the certificate you'll achieve after completing the course is just the cherry on top!
Enjoy a pleasant and professional 100% online learning experience enrol in our course today and take control of your career!
Course Curriculum:
Here is a curriculum breakdown of the course:
**Art Therapy**
Module 1: Introduction
Definition
Basic Principles
Development of Art Therapy
Rorschach Inkblot Test
Art in Relation to Mental Health Care
The Therapeutic Application in Mental Health Care
Summary
Assessment
Module 2: Psychology and Neuroscience
Psychology
Behaviourism
Psychodynamic Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Humanistic Psychology
Biological and Evolutionary Psychology
Neuroscience
Summary
Assessment
Module 3: Art Therapy in Practice
Practical Matters
Referral
Assessment
Contracting
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy
Open Groups
Closed Groups
Using Themes
Disposal
Summary
Assessment
Module 4: Creative Therapy
Principles
Two Main Approaches
Expressive Therapy
Summary
Assessment
Module 5: Mindful Creativity - Colour and Creation
Art and Mindfulness
Colour and Creation
Summary
Assessment
Module 6: Techniques and Applications
Warm-Ups
Murals
Drawing
Advertising
Painting
Collages
Puppets and Masks
Sculpture
Clay
Combining Modalities
Portraits
Photography
Dance/Movement Therapy
Drama Therapy
Music Therapy
Group Work
Holiday Projects
Stress Reduction
Summary
Assessment
Module 07: Using Mindfulness
Mindfulness Exercise
The Sun
Inner Peace Collage
Mindful Drawing
The Senses
The Ocean: A Relaxation Exercise
Mind Jar
One Minute Breathing/One Minute Painting
Loving Breath
Mindfulness Stone
The Wave
The Five Senses
Body Scan
Mindful Mandala
Aroma and Art
Module 8: Drawings
Questioning
Empty/Full
Ideal Family
Change
Survivor
Who Would I Be Without My Anxiety?
Skydiving
Clouds
The Unknown
Lost and Found
Feelings
Best and Worst Self
Stress
Summary of Your Life
Draw Your Armour
Counting Blessings
Autobiography
Feeling Sandwich
Module 9: Reflective Writing
Positive Feelings
Brain Dumping
Word List Pass and Mandala
Self-Esteem Circle
Communication Skills
Positive Traits
Acrostic Poems
Lifestyle Balance
In the Moment
Love Letter
The Butterfly Effect
Beauty
Expressive Verse
Positive Photos
My Name
Prescription for Happiness
Module 10: Art Therapy for Children
Therapy for Child Development
Brain Development in Children
Interpretation by Therapists
Therapy Treatment
Summary
Assessment
Module 11: Art Therapy for Adults
Therapy for Aged Clients - Changes Related to Ageing
Therapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clients
Therapy for Women
Therapy for Men
Summary
Assessment
Module 12: Art Therapy for Family
Family Dynamics
Family and Art Therapy
Art Therapy Exercise
Module 13: Illness and Art
Specific Mental Health Problems
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Alzheimer's Disease (AD): Art, Creativity and the Brain
Development of Art Therapy in Psychiatric Services
Summary
Module 14: The Art Therapist
Art Therapy as a Profession
The Observation Method
The Photograph/Drawing and Checklist Method
Group Therapy Interaction Chronogram
Supervision
Summary
**Play Therapy**
Module 01: What is Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy
'Play' in Play Therapy
Child-Therapist Relationship
How to become a Play Therapist
Ethical Principles
Module 02: Advantages and Outcomes of Play Therapy
Advantages
Development of Self-Esteem
Monetary Advantage
Outcomes
Stronger Social Skills
Robust Familial Relationship
Module 03: Models and Approaches of Play Therapy
Non-Directive Play Therapy
Directive Play therapy
Filial Play Therapy
Collaborative Play Therapy
Social Construct Theory
Narrative Therapy
Module 04: The Play Settings: Therapist, Abused Child and Materials
The Play Setting
The Play Therapist
Initiating Play Therapy
Materials for Play
Selection of Toys
Module 05: Typical Issues in Play Therapy
Silent Child
Overly Depended Child
Guessing Game Problem
Child Tries to Steal a Toy
Module 06: Therapy for Sexually and Emotionally Abused Children
Impact of Sexual Abuse on Children
The Healing
Guilt and Emotion
Release of Anger
Module 07: Therapy for Children Who are Homeless
Impact of Homelessness on Children
Why Play Therapy
Physiological Survival
Love and Belonging
Self-Esteem
Module 08: Play Interventions for Disaster Mental Health
Assessment of Coping Strategies
Enhancing Coping Skills
Managing Intrusive Re-experiencing
Module 09: Case Studies and Recent Trends in Play Therapy
Kathy- An Independent Play Therapist
Simon - A Play Therapist in Social Services
Julie - A Play Therapist in the NHS
Recent Trends
Method of Assessment
To complete the course, students will have to take an automated multiple-choice exam. This exam will be online and you will need to score 60% or above to pass. After successfully passing the course exam, you will be able to apply for a CPD-accredited certificate.
Exam & Retakes:
It is to inform our learners that the initial exam for this online course is provided at no additional cost. In the event of needing a retake, a nominal fee of £9.99 will be applicable.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the assessment procedure, learners can obtain their certification by placing an order and remitting a fee of £9 for PDF Certificate and £15 for the Hardcopy Certificate within the UK ( An additional £10 postal charge will be applicable for international delivery).
Mental health professionals such as therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and social workers.
Art therapists and play therapists.
Teachers, educators, and school counsellors.
Paediatricians, child development specialists and other healthcare providers.
Parents, grandparents, and caretakers of children.
Individuals interested in using creative arts for personal growth and healing.
There are no formal entry requirements for the course, with enrollment open to anyone! Anyone and everyone with a knack for learning can enrol on this course without any hesitation.
Learn online from any internet device, including your computer, tablet or smartphone. Study when it suits you and complete the course at your own pace.
All students must have a passion for learning and literacy, as well as being over the age of 16.
Study the course today and increase your professional skillset from the comfort of your home!
This 2-in-1 bundle course on Art Therapy and Play Therapy is extensively designed and will be beneficial for the following career options.
Art Therapist
Play Therapist
Art Teachers
Art Psychotherapist
Creative Arts Therapist
Child Art Therapist
Geriatric Art Therapist
Clinical Art Therapist
In the United Kingdom, the average salary of these professions ranges from £30,000 to £50,000 per annum.