Stella Antoniou M.A.


Co-Founder of The Play Therapy Centre (PTC)

Accredited Play Therapist

Stella Antoniou is a UK-accredited Play Therapist with over 9 years of experience working with children in the UAE. Originally from Greece, Stella has built a diverse career in educational settings, serving as both a Play Therapist and Counselor in various international primary schools across the region.


Her journey began in the field of special needs and early years education, where she discovered her passion for Play Therapy. For the past 8 years, Stella has specialized in this area, bringing therapeutic support to children through creative and child-centered methods. In 2023, she joined the Bedayat program for divorced families, an initiative organized by the Early Years Authority of Abu Dhabi, further expanding her impact in family support services.


Stella recently completed her MA in Practice-Based Play Therapy, with her research focusing on the integration of Play Therapy within Islamic teachings and values. This work proposes an innovative framework for Play Therapists in the Gulf region.

Stella is currently completing her first children's storybook, aimed at helping young readers understand and cope with difficult emotions and how past traumas affect the way we behave. Additionally, Stella is a licensed therapist with the Community Development Authority (CDA).


Qualifications

  • MA in Practice based Play therapy (2024)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, Leeds Beckett University, UK. (2019)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play, Leeds Beckett University, UK. (2017)
  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. (2015)​


    Other trainings

  • Trauma Play Foundational Training, Trauma Play Institute, USA. (2024)
  • Outdoor Play therapy, Collaboration of outdoor therapists. (2024).
  • Child Parent Relationship Training, Heartland Play Therapy Institute, USA. (2022)


Memberships 

  • Licensed Member with Play Therapy United Kingdom (PTUK)
  • Licenced Member with Play Therapy International (PTI).
  • Member of Association for Play Therapy (APT) USA.
  • Member of the International consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA)


 

Board Register

  • Registered with the Professional Standards Authority United Kingdom (PSA).