Play therapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Play therapists help children affected by difficult life experiences and psychological issues to express their thoughts and feelings through play.

Average salary (a year)

£31,000 Starter

to

£53,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 variable

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

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, such as:

• psychology
• early childhood studies
• mental health nursing
• social work
• education

You'll also need several years' 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

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

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Play Therapist Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship with the support of your employer.

This takes around 3 years to complete and combines work-based training with academic study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• experience in related work 

• a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships
• apprenticeship levels

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 you may be able to try a taster day or take an introductory course to find out more about it.

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• 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
• 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a play therapist, you could:

• observe and work with children to assess their needs
• encourage children to use toys, art materials and other resources to express themselves
• let children lead play sessions with items they choose
• communicate with children using the same resources
• help children learn how to cope with the issues they're experiencing
• understand safeguarding regulations and make sure children feel safe
• work closely with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals
• monitor and record children's progress

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

• supervise newly qualified therapists
• provide a consultation service to professionals in the community
• move into training, lecturing or research
• specialise in certain areas, such as grief, trauma, social skills or anger management

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

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

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Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Not what you're looking for?

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