Play therapist

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

You'll also need 2 years' paid or volunteering experience of working with children and families in a development role.

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

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.

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

You'll need to:

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

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

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.