Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool: Level 1 - Self-paced, Online Course

Are you interested in using Minecraft in a safe, ethical, and meaningful way with the children, young people and adults you support?

This self-paced online course is designed for counsellors, therapists, social workers and other professionals who want to integrate Minecraft into their therapeutic work. Whether you're already comfortable in the game or completely new to it, you’ll find everything you need to begin. You don’t need to be a Minecraft expert to start – just someone who holds space for clients with curiosity and care.

What You'll Learn

This foundational training equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and ethical framework to begin using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand and explain the potential benefits of using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool

• Gain confidence in integrating Minecraft into therapy sessions

• Understand the differences between the different Minecraft editions (Bedrock, Java and Education)

• Learn how to create worlds for your clients and use key controls and commands

• Identify and address how to safeguard your clients and protect their data in Minecraft

• Discover a range of activities that can be integrated in to sessions

• Be aware of common problems and their solutions

• Demonstrate your learning in a fun and immersive final assessment

• Connect with other practitioners using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool and share your learning journey

What’s Included

• A blend of video content, downloadable resources, and reflective prompts

• Guided examples of therapeutic world-building, symbolism, and client-led play

• Practical tools for session planning, debriefing, and ethical decision-making

• Access to course materials for 6 months, with the option to purchase a membership after that for continued access and community benefits

• Completion of this course gives you access to the Level 2 live training, where you'll learn how to design your own therapeutic Minecraft worlds and build on your skills with personalised guidance and peer connection

What Others Are Saying

"I am so glad I enrolled in this course. Ellie’s course clearly outlined step by step everything needed to understand the different ways to use Minecraft therapeutically, how to manage the technology side of things, and helped build confidence as the course went along. I would highly recommend this course."
– Kellie Hansen

"Absolutely amazing course. I had watched my sons playing Minecraft for ages before I took this course, and I always thought I would never grasp it, but this course has enabled me to really get the basics, which in turn has made me feel more confident about using it with clients."
– Dan Higgs

"The best CPD I have completed this year. Fantastic and valuable training. The training is thoughtful, well laid out and easy to access. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a supportive and encouraging way, and I cannot wait to use Minecraft in practice."
– Danielle Harris

This training has been delivered to practitioners across the UK and internationally. It has supported professionals working in schools, hospices, charities, and mental health services to connect with children and young people in more accessible and creative ways.

You can read more about the wider social impact of this work – including case studies, feedback, and how the training is being applied in practice – on our Impact page.

Details at a Glance

• Format: Online, self-paced

• Start: Enrol any time

• Duration: Go at your own pace. Most learners complete in approx. 6 hours

• Cost: £180

• Who it’s for: Helping professionals working with children, young people, adults or families in mental health, health care, social care, or community settings