Play therapist

Play therapists help children to make sense of difficult life experiences, or complex psychological issues through play.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£41,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 37 variable

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become a play therapist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

University

You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 years' experience of working with children and families in a development role (paid or voluntary)
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• finance for postgraduate courses
• university courses and entry requirements

More information

Registration

• You'll need to register with the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK

Career tips

It'll help when looking for work to make as many contacts as you can while you're training. Job vacancies are not always advertised.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in play therapy from the British Association of Play Therapists and Play Therapy UK.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• 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
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• assessing the child's needs
• running therapy sessions at a regular time and place
• making use of creative arts, like drawing, clay, sand, movement, music and therapeutic storytelling
• communicating with children and making a connection between the signs, symbols and actions the child creates through play
• promoting positive change in the child by helping them to help themselves

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. You might also provide a consultation service to professionals in the community.

You could move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a play therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a play therapist?

Search for training courses near you.

JobsIn the United Kingdom

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Related careers

• Children's nurse
• Psychotherapist
• Primary school teacher
• Special educational needs (SEN) teacher

Skills assessment

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