Claire Willett is a class of 2022 School of Health graduate. Here, she reflects on her time at Leeds Beckett University.

Course: PG Cert Therapeutic Play Skills

What course did you study and what year did you graduate?

My name is Claire Willett and I graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills in 2022.

What made you choose Leeds Beckett as a place to study?

Play therapy is my interest and there were two choices of accreditation to choose. My preference was Play Therapy UK and Leeds Beckett was the university that offered that accredited course. 

What has the support been like from Leeds Beckett?

The course was delivered in partnership with the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC), so I wasn’t in direct contact with Leeds Beckett day-to-day. However, when I have needed the university for the library and things like that, they’ve been great. 

What’s been your favourite part of your course?

The practice was a fun element of the course. I’ve also really enjoyed writing some of my assignments. One assignment in particular looked at artwork children had produced. We were trying to find the metaphors behind it and think about the process that the child had gone through. It was really eye-opening. 

What are your plans going forward?

I’m a teacher – I teach four days a week and then I do play therapy on my placement one day a week. The plan is to start my own play therapy business within the next 12 months.

What advice would you give to others about to start the course?

Be kind to yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on your studying and you will be fine.