Monica Jephcott
Consultant, APAC, PTUK and PTI Founder, Course CreatorMonika has over 17 years successful experience of managing professional organisations, and is APAC Chief Executive, of which she was a founding member in 1998. The team, led by Monika Jephcott, CEO, is drawn from various backgrounds and has a wealth of experience and skills. Teaching staff are not only well-qualified and undertake research activities, but are also passionate and inspiring so that you become the future professionals who will change children’s lives. All members of the APAC faculty that teach the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, and MA tutors are drawn from the UK and international pool of professional psychological and play therapies educators which has been assembled over many years. All teaching staff are members of PTI/PTUK and are on the PTUK Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapies.
Rene Ohlhoff, MA
Course Director & Chief Executive of Play Therapy South AfricaI’m a play therapist, a play therapy trainer and clinical supervisor with a passion for supporting children, families, and therapists to grow in confidence, resilience, and connection. My work is grounded in creating safe, empathic spaces where learning and healing can happen in meaningful ways. Qualifications MA in Practiced base Play Therapy Certified Play Therapist Clinical Supervisor (Play Therapy) Experienced Course Director, Trainer, and Mentor Areas of Expertise I specialise in therapeutic play with children, parent–child relationship work, and the supervision and training of play therapists in practice. My approach weaves together theory and creativity, with a strong emphasis on ethical practice, attunement, and reflective learning. I particularly enjoy helping students and practitioners discover their unique therapeutic voice while staying rooted in evidence-based practice. Beyond the Playroom When I’m not teaching or supervising, I love working on creative projects that bring ideas to life visually and enjoy delving into art activities. I have various hobbies that involves creative arts and enjoy expressing myself through various art mediums. I also value curiosity, authenticity, and laughter, and I’m energized by collaborating with others who are equally passionate about supporting children and families. 5. One thing you’ll never catch me without… “You’ll never catch me without a notebook and pen — my brain throws out ideas faster than I can catch them!” My favourite play therapy medium is… “My favourite play therapy medium is therapeutic stories — they’re bridges between the child’s inner world and the outside one, full of symbols, wisdom, and just enough magic.”
Madeleine Yong, MA
Course Director & Chief Executive of Play Therapy MalaysiaI’m Madeleine Yong — a play therapist, clinical supervisor, and trainer with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, families, and professionals across corporate, non-profit, and clinical settings. My passion lies in creating safe spaces for healing, growth, and resilience, whether that’s through one-to-one therapy, advocacy, or systemic change. Over the years, I’ve worked everywhere from shelter homes and schools to courtroom advocacy and national policy reform, always driven by the belief that every child deserves a voice and the chance to thrive. Qualifications MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy (UK) Registered Play Therapist (UK) Certified Synergetic Play Therapist (USA) SandStory Therapist (UK) EMDR Practitioner (Australia) HRDC-accredited trainer and Course Director for the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (UK) Chief Executive of Play Therapy Malaysia Co-Founder of Power of Play, a trauma-informed clinical practice providing therapy, supervision, and professional training Founder of P.S. The Children, Malaysia’s first NGO dedicated to breaking the silence around child sexual abuse Areas of Expertise My work spans individual therapy, supervision, training, and advocacy. I specialise in supporting children and adolescents experiencing trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, grief, aggression, ADHD, relationship difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges. My clinical practice is deeply trauma-informed, integrating play-based approaches with EMDR and sandplay, and I am passionate about empowering caregivers and professionals with tools to support children’s emotional wellbeing. I also work at a systems level — from grassroots programmes in high-risk communities to influencing national child protection policies — to ensure children’s rights and safety are upheld. Beyond the Playroom I’m deeply committed to building stronger systems of protection for children, and my work has been recognised with multiple awards — including the Play Therapy International Award (2006) for pioneering play therapy initiatives in Malaysia. These days, I split my time between clinical practice, training, and advocating for policy change, while continuing to grow Power of Play as a centre for healing and professional development. When I’m not in the therapy room or training space, you’ll likely find me connecting with communities, mentoring future therapists, or developing new ways to make trauma-informed care more accessible
Wailee Kui
Course Director & Chief Executive of Play Therapy ThailandI’m Wailee Kui, a Child Psychotherapist and Counsellor with a deep passion for supporting children and families through the power of play. Over the years, I’ve worked with children and adolescents across the globe, from Africa to Asia, helping them heal, grow, and thrive. I believe every child deserves access to emotional support, and that play is one of the most powerful ways to make that possible. Qualifications Certified Play Therapist, Filial Play Coach, Children’s Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor (PTUK, PTI, APAC) Course Director (PTUK, PTI, APAC) Practitioner in DIR/Floortime™ (ICDL -US) Practitioner in Baby Bonding and Parent-Child Attachment Play (BTLT - UK) Early childhood specialist with UNICEF, Save the Children, and CARE focusing on the psycho-social needs of vulnerable children Areas of Expertise My work is trauma-informed and attachment-focused, and I’m passionate about empowering professionals and caregivers with tools to support children’s emotional wellbeing. I specialise in adapting interventions to be culturally relevant, accessible, and sustainable, working with NGOs, schools, or hospitals in low-resource settings including Tanzania, Myanmar and Madagascar. I design and deliver play therapy workshops and training programmes in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and France. Beyond the Playroom Living and working in developing countries has shaped my commitment to making mental health support accessible where it’s needed most. I collaborate with NGOs, universities, governments, and community organisations to create sustainable, locally grounded models of child mental health care. When I’m not teaching or in the therapy room, you’ll probably find me connecting with communities, exploring new cultures and creative ways to bring play therapy within reach of every child in countries where it has yet to be introduced. One thing you’ll never catch me without: Tissues because laughter and tears can happen within five minutes in a session or anywhere else! My favourite play therapy medium is: Drawing because it is easily accessible with a pen or soot, on paper or on the ground.
Nina Ambroziak
Course Director & Chief Executive of Play Therapy PolandChild and Adolescent Psychologist, Certified Play Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer at Certificate and Diploma level. CEO of Play Therapy Poland, President of the Play Therapy for Poland Foundation, and President of the Polish Association for Play Therapy. For over a decade, she has been at the forefront of introducing and developing Play Therapy in Poland. Nina delivers training and supervision at international standards, supporting professionals in acquiring and strengthening therapeutic competencies based on PTI and PTUK guidelines. Her mission is to integrate Play Therapy into education and healthcare systems, raise public awareness of children’s mental health, and establish strong institutional foundations for the method in Poland. Combining clinical expertise with a visionary approach, she creates opportunities for children, families, and therapists to engage in transformative processes of healing and growth.
Michelle Bux
Course Director, IrelandI am Michelle Bux, Accredited play therapist (now retired), certified clinical creative supervisor based in south Dublin and Course Director for APAC based in Dublin, Ireland. I have practiced play therapy since 2010 and have witnessed first hand the benefit of this work for families supporting children to reach their full potential through play. Currently passing on my wisdom through supervising trainee's and qualified therapists using creative mediums and talking through their process as well as that of their clients in a supportive way. Accredited Play therapist, Certified Supervisor and Course Director.
Joyce Chung Yun Leung
Course Director, Hong KongI’m Joyce Chung Yun Leung — a psychotherapist, play therapist, supervisor, and course director with over two decades of experience supporting children and families across Hong Kong, the UK, and Singapore. My passion lies in creating safe, compassionate spaces for healing and growth, and I’m especially drawn to working with complex trauma, relational challenges, and neurodiversity. My practice combines evidence-based approaches with creativity, mindfulness, and deep relational work to support each client’s unique journey. Qualifications MSocSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy BA in Social Work Accredited Play Therapist Certified Clinical Supervisor Certified Filial Play Coach Certified Intermediate Theraplay® Practitioner Accredited Psychotherapist (BACP) EMDR Therapist (EMDR UK) Registered Social Worker (SWE) Trained Mindfulness Teacher (MiSP) Course Director for Play and Creative Arts Therapy Areas of Expertise I bring over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams in schools, community services, and clinical settings. My background includes leadership roles in mental health services within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and extensive experience supporting children with complex trauma, attachment disruptions, and neurodiverse profiles. I am particularly passionate about integrating mindfulness and somatic approaches into therapy to help clients build self-awareness, regulation, and resilience. Beyond the Playroom I’m deeply committed to ongoing learning and growth — both for myself and the professionals I support. When I’m not in the therapy room or facilitating training, you’ll often find me practising mindfulness, exploring ways to integrate it into therapeutic work, or advocating for trauma-informed care in schools and community settings. One thing you’ll never catch me without: Recipes to try, playlists to listen, movies to watch and plane tickets to book. My favourite play therapy medium is : Sand tray and clay
Lauren Lamberton
Course Director, UKI am Lauren, an accredited Play Therapist Clinical Supervisor and Social Worker I’ve also completed a range of qualifications in sensory attachment, sandplay, mentalisation-based therapy and counselling. I have a strong research background with my PhD study focusing on online mental health interventions. I lecture for a number of Universities across play therapy, social worker and psychology modules. Areas of Expertise I work in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health field, working mostly with children and young people experiencing mental illness. I have a particular interest in emotional regulation and sensory attachment intervention approaches along with sandplay. I work in a systemic way, working closely with parents and carergivers and am particularly interested in neurodiversity affirming practices. Beyond the Playroom Something more personal and human. You can mention your interests, values, current projects, or anything that helps people get a feel for who you are outside of work. I am a busy Mum of three musical theatre loving children, so spend a lot of time facilitating rehearsals, and going to the theatre. I also love to travel, and always planning the next adventure. Swimming is my way to destress and keep moving. One thing you’ll never catch me without… You’ll never catch me without a travel plan…. My favourite play therapy medium is messy play - I love the healing that goes on once we can get absorbed in the play.
Joseph Jardim-Hinds
Assistant Course Director & CPD trainer, UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Assistant Course Director UK Continuous Professional Development Trainer Accredited Play Therapist Certified Filial Play Coach Certified Clinical Supervisor Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy BA (hons) in Childhood, Culture and Education Specialism/Area of Expertise: Developing and leading Play Therapy service at an Autism Charity Developing trainings for therapists, staff, parents and carers on attachment, trauma and therapeutic intervention Supervisor for teaching staff at an SEMH school Developed singing music in education campaign UK/international Self-employed therapist and Clinical Supervisor in private practice
Amber Bonarius
Assistant Course Director, South AfricaSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Assistant Course Director Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills Diploma in Play Therapy Certification in Synergetic Play Therapy Specialism/Area of Expertise: Currently completing my Postgraduate Qualification in Filial Play Coaching as well as a Post-Qualifying Certificate in Clinical Supervision.
Matina Vlachou
Course Director, GreeceSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Course Director Greece Certified Play Therapist Trainee Clinical Supervisor Person-Centred Counsellor BA in Philosophy, Pedagogy & Psychology, major in Psychology Specialism/Area of Expertise: Family Counselling Attachment and Emotional Regulation Collaboration with Schools and Child Health Organizations Special interest in therapy for neurodiverse children, including gifted and twice exceptional children MA in Marketing Private practice in Greece
Katerina Lionti
Course Director, GreeceHi, I’m Katerina Lionti Play Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Psychologist, and Clinical Supervisor in Creative Arts Therapies. I truly believe in the healing power of play and the way it helps both children and adults find their voice and reconnect with themselves. As a Course Director for Play Therapy International in Greece, I feel inspired every day by the creativity, courage, and growth I see in others. My motto is “Play or tell your world.” Qualifications Certified Play Therapist (PTI/PTGR) Psychologist (BSc, University of Essex) Greek Philology (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) Drama School “Archi” Graduate MSc in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (University of Strathclyde, with Distinction) Certified Clinical Supervisor in Creative Arts Therapies (PTI/PTGR) Course Director – Play Therapy International, Greece Additional training in Filial Play Coaching, Circle of Security, Laban Movement Analysis, Therapeutic Storytelling, Creative Supervision & Parenting Education Areas of Expertise I work with children, teens, adults, and parents — always through a creative, person-centred lens. My approach blends Play Therapy, art, movement, and storytelling to nurture safety, connection, and emotional growth. Play, for me, is the language that bridges hearts. Beyond the Playroom I love designing workshops for parents and teachers that support the wonderful work they already do with children. I also collaborate with schools, creating psychoeducational programmes that build empathy, self-expression, and cooperation. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me at the theatre, dancing, or walking by the sea (or somewhere high up in the mountains!). One thing you’ll never catch me without… My notebooks and folders — I still love writing everything by hand! They hold my thoughts, stories, and reflections from each session. Oh, and usually a sweet treat too My favourite play therapy medium is… Role play! It moves me every time a child becomes “someone else” — a hero, a doctor, an animal, or something completely magical. Through role play, children can explore, experiment, and heal in ways words could never reach.
Mayumi Komuro, MA
Assistant Course Director, JapanI’m Mayumi Komuro — a certified play therapist, supervisor, and assistant course director passionate about supporting children through creativity and play. Based in Tokyo, I’ve spent more than a decade working in educational, medical, and welfare settings before opening my own private practice in 2024. My work is grounded in the belief that play and creativity are powerful pathways for healing, growth, and self-expression. Qualifications Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor Assistant Course Director in Play and Creative Arts Therapy Certified Public Psychologist (Japan) Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Fine Arts Over 12 years of experience supporting children across educational, medical, and welfare contexts Founder of a private play therapy practice in Tokyo, Japan Areas of Expertise I’m passionate about integrating creativity into therapeutic work. I strongly believe use of play and expressive arts can help children process emotions, develop resilience, and build stronger relationships. My experience spans individual therapy, supervision, and training, and I’m dedicated to advancing the field of play therapy in Japan by making it more widely understood, accessible, and valued within both clinical and educational systems. Beyond the Playroom My background in fine arts continues to shape how I see the therapeutic process — as a space for exploration, imagination, and self-discovery. When I’m not in the playroom or teaching, you’ll find me making small trips inside and outside of Japan to look for inspiration and refreshment. One thing you’ll never catch me without: a cup of coffee My favourite play therapy medium is: sandtray
Sophia O'Neill, MA
Course Director & Research Writer, PTUKHello, I'm Sophia O'Neill - Play Therapist and researcher. I teach the final module of the APAC MA in practice-based play therapy, the research dissertation. This is where students move on from the PG Diploma to PG Masters. I am Research Writer for PTUK & PTI, and Editor of our International Journal of Play & Creative Arts Therapies Research. Qualifications Certified Play Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer. Areas of Expertise Understanding people by forging relationships with them always interested me deeply, as did connecting creatively with children on their terms. This led to training as a Play Therapist in 2005. I enjoy thinking about and studying what we do. Research offers opportunities for us to continue to deepen our understanding of the different aspects and mechanisms that make up our work as Play Therapists; to discuss these findings and reflect on their contribution to the field and to best practice. Beyond the Playroom Most recently I designed a diagram to summarise our Integrative Holistic Model of Play Therapy. The goal was to create a tool to support practitioners in their work. A tool that can be used to map and track practice, to open discussions and support reflection. You can find it on www.playtherapy.org.uk/ihm One thing you’ll rarely catch me without is a big mug of tea! My favourite play therapy medium is drama because it provides opportunities for perspective taking which can precipitate important new experiences and insights.
Aikaterini Lionti, MSc
Course Director, GreeceSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Assistant Corse Director Certified Play Therapist Clinical Supervisor (tr.) MSc in Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy with Distinction BSc (Hons) Psychology Science (st.) Post Graduate Diploma in Greek Philology Post Graduate Certificate in Acting School Specialism/ Area of Expertise: Research in Parenting Styles Parentings Training Programs Parent-Child Intervention
Alanna Kearney
Course Director, IrelandSpecialist Areas of Expertise: • Assistant Course Director • Accredited Play Therapist • Supervisor for play and creative arts therapists • Level 1 Theraplay trained Specialism/Area of Expertise: • Complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, anger, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties/issues. Worries and boundaries.
Alica Arianto, PHD
Chief Executive of & Course Director Play Therapy IndonesiaSpecialist Areas of Expertise: • Accredited Play Therapist • Certified Clinical Supervisor (PTUK Senior Status) • Certified Filial Play Coach • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, PSP, USA • Certified StoryPlay, Facilitator StoryPlay • Certified Group Psychotherapy, USA • Certified Child & Adolescence Trauma Professional • Certified Advanced Telehealth, USA • Director CAE Indonesia • President of PTBI (Association of Play Therapy Indonesia) • Member of AGPA (American Group Psychotherapy Association) • Researcher, develop PCPM Model (Parent-Child Parallel Intervention Model)
Amber Cawley
Course Developer/Quality Assurance, Lead Course Director, UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise Course Development Course Director UK Accredited Play Therapist Certificate Clinical Supervisor BA (Hons) Primary Education Specialism/Area of Expertise: Teacher of children with moderate to severe learning difficulties in a range of mainstream and specialist settings Specialist experience of working therapeutically with children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties and children and young people permanently excluded from mainstream education Experience of working therapeutically with fostered children and children at risk of criminalisation
Aoife Kelly, MA
Course Director, Ireland & UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise: • Course Director Ireland & UK • Accredited Play Therapist • Certified Clinical Supervisor • Trainee Filial Play Coach Specialism/Area of Expertise: • Working with children with ASD, bereavement and medical experiences • MA Practice-based Play Therapy
Ivanka Gregurincic, MA
Chief Executive & Course Director of Play Therapy, CroatiaSpecialist Areas of Expertise: • Chief Executive of Play Therapy Croatia • Course Director Croatia • Certified Play Therapist • Trainee Clinical Supervisor • Trainee Filial Play Coach • Sand Play Skills Trainee • Master of Social Pedagogy • Master of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • Board Member of Croatian Chamber of Social Pedagogue Specialism/Area of Expertise: • Specialist for play therapy in hospitals • Specialist for working with children in crisis of earthquake and war
Jessica van Maanen, MA
Course Director, UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Course Director UK MA Practice-Based Play Therapy BA (Hons) Psychology and Health Studies BA (Hons) Research with Children and Young People Accredited Play Therapist Certified Clinical Supervisor Certified Creative Arts Counsellor for Children and Young People Certified Filial Play Coach Specialism/Area of Expertise: Intermediate Systemic Family Therapy Experience with mainstream and special needs education settings providing Play Therapy. Therapy services life story work for fostering and adoption agencies for looked after children and foster carers.
Lisa Mulheir, MA
Course Director & Clinical Supervisor Support, PTUKSpecialist Areas of Expertise • Course Director UK • Accredited Play Therapist • Certified Clinical Supervisor • BEd (Hons) Education and Primary Arts – English • MA Practice-Based Play Therapy Specialism/Area of Expertise: • Mainstream primary school teacher for over 10 years • Over 15 years’ experience of working as a local authority advisory teacher and play therapist with children who had been excluded or displayed complex and challenging behaviours. • Teacher In Charge’ of a behaviour resource for one year. • Experience of working as a local authority advisory teacher with children in the care system and adopted children. • Experience of working as an advisory teacher on a Travellers site • I set up and ran a play therapy provision for a multi academy trust for 3 years. • I have experience of setting up a play therapy room and working within a complex trauma children’s home • Currently self-employed and provide play therapy, supervision and training from my own play therapy room. • I am an approved provider for therapeutic services for the Adoption Support Fund (ASF) for three local authorities.
Oi Kwan Ng Pandora, PhD
Course Director, Hong KongSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Course Director Hong Kong Certified Play Therapist Certified Clinical Supervisor PhD MSocSc Behavioural Health BSocSc Psychology Honorary lecturer for HKU (play therapy & children assessments) Clinical supervisor for play therapists & expressive arts therapists Member of Hong Kong Psychological Society
Rochelle Rajan, MA
Learning and Development Manager, UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Learning & Development Manager Course director for UK / International Accredited Play Therapist Senior Certified Clinical Supervisor MA in Practice based Play Therapy Diploma in integrative Counselling (MBACP) Mental health First Aider Specialism/Area of Expertise: 15+ years of experience in working with SEN children Working with Attachment and Trauma Leading and Management of Community based Mental health and Wellbeing projects Experience in Leading children’s Mental Health services in school Setting up school-based Play Therapy provisions Equality and Diversity in Play Therapy setting MA work-based learning and research Mindfulness training
Sabrina Persiano
Course Director, UKSpecialist Areas of Expertise: Course Director UK and overseas Bachelor of Psychology and Communications Certified Play Therapist Certified Filial Play Coach Certified Clinical Supervisor Baby Bonding and Toddler Bonding Practitioner Trainee Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist (DDP) Specialism/Area of Expertise: MA in Practice based Play Therapy Over 20 years’ experience working with Autism and challenging behaviours Running an independent therapy practice in Malta and UK in the last 15 years Specialising in Attachment and Parenting Sandplay Member of the DDP Research Committee
Sam St Pierre
Assistant Course DirectorSpecialist Areas of Expertise Assistant Course Director Certified Play Therapist Certified Senior Clinical Supervisor. Specialism/Area of Expertise Play and Creative Arts Therapy / Supervision. Parent-Child Attachment Work Therapeutic Life Story Work Trauma informed Substance misuse Working with children and young people.
