Play Therapist

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

Typical Salary

£25,000 To £41,000

Typical Hours

35 to 37 variable
evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Play Therapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

College / University

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

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • Apprenticeship

    Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

    Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    Other Routes

    Other Routes are not listed for this job.

    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

    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 & 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.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

    Tips & Information

    Registration

    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.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    You'll need to:

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