Professional Development for Play Therapists in South Africa

Elevate your practice with Play Therapy International South Africa’s specialized CPD program—designed by South Africans for South Africans.

featured course

Neurodiversity - A Deeper Perspective

With Dr. Juazel de Villiers

This 3 part course serves to provide an introduction to neurodivergence through deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental traits, neurotypes and overlapping diagnosis. Furthermore, an overview of intervention considerations  and support strategies is provided on a systemic and individual level.

Gain profound insights into neurodiversity through a South African lens. Juazel de Villiers is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. Her area of clinical practice predominantly focusses on the assessment, systemic and therapeutic support of those with neurodevelopmental and associated diagnosis, including ADHD and Autism. She has a special interest in interest in understanding and supporting healthy functioning of different neurotypes. Juazel is passionate about sharing what she has learnt and continuing to grow her own understanding.

Monday 17 November

19h00 – 21h00

Wednesday 19 November

19h00 – 21h00

Thursday 20 November

19h00 – 21h00

Cost: R1200

Early Bird fee (if you pay before 1 November) R1000

Register

Why Continuous Professional Development Matters

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) isn’t just a requirement—it’s the cornerstone of ethical, effective play therapy practice. For certified PTUK/PTI Practitioner Members, quality CPD is essential to:

  • Maintain your position on the Voluntary Register
  • Stay current with emerging therapeutic approaches
  • Refine and expand your therapeutic toolkit

The South African CPD Challenge

Relevance Gap

Many available courses lack specific application to the South African context, missing our unique cultural and social dynamics.

Member Needs

South African therapists require specialized content that addresses local challenges and healing modalities.

Affordability

International CPD offerings often come with prohibitive price tags, making consistent professional development inaccessible.

Category

Conditions & Examples

Max Hours

1

Short Courses on Professional

Issues
(a) Courses undertaken in areas of special interest or concern which are relevant to play therapy practice e.g., sand play, storytelling, working with abuse, working with trauma, bereavement. These may be courses that are accredited by and registered with PTI/PTUK and at stage 4 of the PTUK Training Model. The course content must include competencies listed in the Profession Structure Model competency framework. (b) Other approved courses are those delivered by presenters who have an international or national reputation in a related field for example Dr Alan Schore, Dr Dan Siegel, Dr Sue Gerhardt. Please provide the full title of the course, the CPD hours being claimed as you may be asked to evidence your attendance.

20

2

Seminars and Conferences

PTUK, PTI and other affiliated organisations as detailed above. Seminars / conferences on topics relevant to play therapy practice, which may be organised locally, nationally, or internationally, by individuals or organisations. For example: PTUK/PTI Conference. Please provide the full title of the course, the CPD hours being claimed, with a copy of your attendance certificate with your membership renewal documentation. PTI Online conference attendance 5 – CPD points PTUK Annual conference attendance – 8 CPD points

20

3

Study for Further Qualifications

Further award bearing training in a relevant professional field e.g. PQ Certificate in Play Therapy and Creative Arts Supervision, or MA in Practiced Based Play Therapy. These will normally be Post Qualifying courses ‘kite marked’ by a university. The course content must include competencies listed in the Profession Structure Model competency framework. Attending an approved PQ course will exempt you from any other CPD activity during that year. Please provide the full title of the course, the name of the training provider, the date, and the venue in your membership renewal documentation.

20

4

Study for Further Qualifications

Designing and facilitating workshops; offering a training session or giving a talk at a conference; writing e.g., articles, book reviews, books (relevant to professional practice); published research; initiatives taken alone and in consultation with peers to create and develop new ideas relevant to therapeutic play, play therapy or creative arts therapies and making these available to others. Please provide the full title of the workshops or papers etc, the CPD hours being claimed, the date and the venue/publication in your membership renewal documentation.

20

5

Working Party / Advisory Board and other Meetings

Play therapy related meeting work, local or national consultation with colleagues leading to initiatives such as establishing local groups. Membership of committees where play therapy may be represented to others. Contribution to PTUK standards. Representing PTUK as a stakeholder at NICE consultations, meetings with local commissioning groups to promote play therapy Please provide a list of these events, the CPD hours being claimed, the date and the venue in your membership renewal documentation.

10

6

Personal Development

Participation in groups; learning new skills; Acquiring knowledge and new insights from reading, films, plays. (Personal therapy is not to be included) Please provide a list of these activities, the CPD hours being claimed, the date and the venue in your membership renewal documentation.

10

Our Program Approach

South African Context

Every course is designed with our unique social, cultural, and therapeutic landscape in mind.

Online Accessibility

All courses delivered online to ensure accessibility regardless of your location in South Africa.

Bi-Annual Planning

Program details released twice yearly, allowing you to map out your professional development.

Certified Recognition

Formal certificates issued for all completed activities, simplifying your PTI verification process.

Join Us on the Journey of Professional Growth

Ready to elevate your play therapy practice?

Our CPD program offers the perfect balance of professional rigor, South African relevance, and practical accessibility. Together, we’re building a stronger community of play therapists equipped to meet our country’s unique needs.

For other CPD opportunities: Watch this space