Now in the Middle East

Level 7 Diploma Training in Relational Play & Creative Therapies

Starting in February- exact dates to be confirmed


We are proud to introduce for the first time in the Middle East, a Level 7 Diploma training in Relational Play and Creative Therapy, Children and Young People,  delivered in partnership with the UK accredited School of PACT (School of Play and Creative Therapies).


 Register to our induction day (experiencial and informative)

 Date 06/09/2025 at 3pm, Dubai (exact location to be confirmed)

 Online date to be confirmed.

Register now

About the training

  • Integrating play and creative arts into clinical practice
  • Applying non-directive and directive techniques to support children and adolescents experiencing a range of challenges including mental health conditions, trauma, neurodiversity, and attachment difficulties
  • Working within a systems approach, holding the child central to the therapeutic process by working with the family, school and professionals for greater therapeutic outcomes.
  • Grounding practice in evidence-based practice, client-centred theory, drawing on the work of Rogers, Axline, Jung, Bowlby, Siegel, Perry, Vygotsky, and more
  • Developing clinical insight and reflective capacity through practical learning and creative exploration.

This groundbreaking part time two-year qualification offers an immersive, humanistic, and relational approach to working with children and young people (ages 4–18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs or care experience). Designed by leading experts in child mental health, trauma, and therapeutic education, this course brings together theory and practice in an accessible, emotionally resonant learning experience.



Qualification: Level 7 Diploma in Relational Play and Creative Therapy

Duration: 24 months part-time,  351 Guided Learning Hours

Delivery: 39 face to face training days (3 intensive blocks of 13 days each)

Clinical Practice: 160 hours with children/young people

Supervision: 1 hour per 6 client hours or fortnightly whichever comes first (min. 27 total hours)

Personal Therapy: Minimum 20 hours required

Assessment: Written assignments, observations, book reviews, reflective case studies, and one-to-one academic reviews


Students will complete 160 hours of clinical work over the two years. Initially focusing on mild to moderate cases, students will gradually build capacity to work with more complex needs. Placements can be arranged by students with guidance, and supervision must begin prior to clinical work. The cost of clinical supervision is not covered by the course fees.



To support emotional wellbeing and professional development, students must undertake at least 20 hours of personal creative therapy during the course.



This qualification meets the high professional standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).  Students will be required to register with BACP before starting placements.


BACP offers:


Members have easily accessible and timely support when practice queries arise. 

Monthly magazine with interesting articles and resources. 

A wide range of interesting and relevant free and low cost CPD opportunities.


Membership with BACP is not covered in the course costs, details about membership with BACP can be found at http://www.bacp.co.uk



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CPCAB

This tailor-made qualification is accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), the UK’s leading awarding organisation for counselling and psychotherapy. Regulated by Ofqual, CCEA, and Qualifications Wales, CPCAB has been accrediting high-quality practitioner-focused training for over 30 years. As the only awarding body run by counsellors for counsellors, CPCAB shares the School of Play and Creative Therapies’ core values, emphasising competence, ethics, and rigorous standards.We chose CPCAB accreditation to ensure independent, conflict-free quality assurance. Their team of experienced professionals reviews course content, delivery, and trainer qualifications to uphold excellence in psychological education both in the UK and internationally.


KHDA (under process)

For students based in the UAE, KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) accreditation adds significant value and credibility to a qualification. As the official regulatory authority for education in Dubai, KHDA ensures that training providers meet high standards in teaching, curriculum, and learner outcomes. A KHDA-accredited course is recognized locally by employers, government entities, and other educational institutions, providing learners with assurance of quality and greater opportunities for professional growth. It also means that students receive an attested certificate that can be used for employment, or further studies within the UAE.

Description Title

Total Cost: 35000 aed (emirati dirham)/ year

Flexible payment plans available

3500 aed deposit is required to secure your place

The course is delivered in Dubai from the Play Therapy Centre Dubai, the official host for the School of PACT's training.

Why Train in the Middle East?

Combine professional growth with an unforgettable experience.

Unlike many Western-based trainings, choosing to train in the Middle East offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally informed learning experience. You'll gain the skills to work therapeutically across diverse cultural backgrounds, while developing a deeper understanding of how culture, identity, and systems shape the emotional lives of children and families. 



Training in the UAE offers a rare opportunity to blend world-class education with the magic of a destination city. With its year-round sunshine, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious hospitality,   Dubai is unlike anywhere else. Participants often come for the training, and leave with memories of a lifetime. Dubai’s exceptional safety standards, efficient transport systems, and visa accessibility make it easy and stress-free to visit.


Register to our Induction Day

Entry Requirements


  • A Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling, Social Work, or a related field (required)
  • Previous experience working with children (minimum 2 years- required)
  • Fluent written and spoken English (required)
  • 25 years old and above (preferred)


Individual interviews will be conducted to determine suitable candidates.


For more information about the training please reach out to us at hello@playtherapycentre.ae


FAQ

Got a question?

  • What are the teaching blocks?

    To accommodate working professionals and colleagues joining us from other countries, the course is structured into three blocks of 13 teaching days each, spread over a period of two years. This format provides flexibility while ensuring comprehensive learning.


  • How long is each teaching day?

    Each teaching day typically runs for 9 hours, including scheduled breaks. Exact timings may vary depending on the module and delivery format.

  • I am an educator, can I join?

    Educators cannot receive their psychology license in the Midlle East. Educators can join their course upon dicussion with the course directors on future plans and ways to practice.

  • I have a background in law, human rights or another unrelated field. Am I eligible to apply for the course?

    We encourage applicants from unrelated disciplines to first complete a conversion degree  in psychology, as it provides essential foundations in human development.

  • Can I join online ?

    No. The training is highly experiencial.

  • Are accommodation and flights included in the fees?

    No, students are responsible to book their own flight tickets and accommodation.

  • Are there any flexible payment plans available?

    Flexible payment plans may be available and are considered on a case-by-case basis. We encourage applicants to contact us directly to discuss their individual circumstances and explore available options.

  • Are meals included?

    Yes, a light breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included to keep participants refreshed and focused throughout the day.

  • Do you offer any placements?

    The Play Therapy Centre offers a very limited number of placement opportunities due to capacity constraints. However, we actively collaborate with a network of trusted partners and organizations, and we are happy to provide guidance and recommendations to support your placement search. 

  • Do you offer clinical supervision

    The Play Therapy Centre provides a limited number of supervision slots due to high demand. However, we can make recommendations to support your professional development.