Play therapist
Play therapists help children to make sense of difficult life experiences, or complex psychological issues through play.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could:
- work closely with parents, carers and other professionals
- assess a child's needs and decide on a suitable course of action
- run sessions for individuals or groups, using creative arts and storytelling
- monitor and record children's progress
- take part in regular supervision sessions with a more experienced therapist
Working environment
You could work at a client's home, at a children's care home, at a health centre or at a school.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could:
- supervise less experienced therapists
- provide a consultation service to professionals in the community
- move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- knowledge of psychology
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
You'll need to complete a degree followed by a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK.
Your undergraduate degree should be in a related subject like:
- psychology
- early childhood studies
- mental health nursing
- social work
- education
You'll also need experience of working with children in professions like teaching, nursing, counselling, therapy or social work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You could do a Play Therapist Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship.
This typically takes 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- experience in related work
- a degree in a relevant subject
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK
Career tips
If you have an interest in play therapy and work in a profession like teaching, nursing, counselling or social work you may be able to take an introductory course to find out more about it.
Further information
You can get more advice about careers in play therapy from the British Association of Play Therapists and Play Therapy UK.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.