How to Become a Play Therapist: A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered how to become a play therapist? If so, this is a unique and fulfilling career path that allows you to help children express their emotions and overcome challenges through play. Moreover, play therapy is a specialised form of counselling that utilises play to communicate with and treat children. 

But what does it take to become a play therapist, and what steps should you follow to kick-start this rewarding journey? Well, this blog will cover all these aspects of play therapy.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a form of counselling or psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help people, especially children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges. As a result, it can assist them in achieving optimal growth and development. Play therapists work primarily with children aged 3-11, using play as a medium to help them express their feelings and deal with emotional distress and trauma.

Why Choose a Career in Play Therapy?

Choosing a career in play therapy can be incredibly rewarding. Play therapists have the opportunity to significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Moreover, the skills acquired in this profession are not only applicable in therapeutic settings but also in various educational and social care roles. Thus, play therapy offers a versatile career path with numerous personal and professional growth opportunities.

How to Become a Play Therapist?

Becoming a play therapist requires formal education, practical experience, professional training and certification, and important skills. So, here’s a detailed explanation of these:

Educational Requirements

To become a play therapist, you typically need a relevant undergraduate degree. Common fields of study include psychology, social work, teaching, nursing, or occupational therapy. Moreover, this foundational education provides you with an understanding of human behaviour and development, which is crucial for effective therapy.

After obtaining your undergraduate degree, the next step is to pursue a postgraduate qualification in play therapy. Accredited courses by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) or Play Therapy UK (PTUK) are highly recommended. In addition, these courses provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the profession.

Gaining Practical Experience

Practical experience is a cornerstone of becoming a successful play therapist. Most certification bodies require candidates to complete many supervised clinical hours. As a result, this experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Moreover, you will need between 350 to 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. This hands-on experience is invaluable, as it helps you develop the necessary skills to interact effectively with children and understand their unique needs.

Professional Training and Certification

In addition to your degree and practical experience, specialised training in play therapy is essential. This training covers various techniques and modalities, from selecting appropriate toys to conducting therapy sessions with children who have experienced trauma.

Furthermore, certification is the final step in becoming a play therapist. It involves passing an examination that tests your knowledge and skills in play therapy. Maintaining certification requires ongoing education to stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field.

Essential Skills for Play Therapists

Being a play therapist requires more than just academic qualifications. Therefore, certain personal qualities and skills are crucial for success in this field:

• Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and relating to children’s emotions is vital.
• Creativity: Developing imaginative ways to engage children in therapy is essential.
• Patience: Building trust with children, especially those who have experienced trauma, takes time.
• Organisational Skills: Managing multiple cases and maintaining detailed records is part of the job.

Career Opportunities and Challenges

Play therapists work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices. Thus, the demand for play therapists is growing, and the career offers a range of opportunities to specialise in different areas, such as working with children with specific emotional or behavioural issues.

However, the job also comes with challenges. Working with children who have experienced trauma can be emotionally demanding. It requires resilience and a commitment to self-care to prevent burnout.

Steps to Becoming a Play Therapist

1. Obtain a Relevant Undergraduate Degree: Start with a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
2. Gain Experience Working with Children: Work in roles that involve child development, such as teaching or social work.
3. Pursue Postgraduate Qualifications: Enrol in an accredited play therapy course to gain specialised knowledge and skills.
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced therapists.
5. Obtain Certification: Pass the required examinations and maintain your certification through ongoing education.

Conclusion

Becoming a play therapist is a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about helping children. By meeting the educational and experiential requirements and developing the necessary skills, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Therefore, if you are committed to this path, becoming a play therapist can be rewarding and impactful.