What Is a Play Therapist? (UK Guide)

Have you ever wondered what is a play therapist? It’s someone who helps children heal and express their feelings through play.

A play therapist works with children, usually aged three to twelve. Some children find it hard to talk about their feelings. So, they use toys, drawing, and stories to show what’s inside their hearts. Play makes it easier for them to open up and feel safe. During play therapy, children act out stories or create art. This helps them understand their feelings and grow more confident. It’s a warm and caring process that lets them heal in their own way.

In the UK, if you want to become a play therapist, you need to study at a postgraduate level. Courses like a PGDip or MA are offered by places approved by PTUK (Play Therapy UK) or BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists). But being a play therapist in the UK is not just about training. It’s also about being kind, patient, and understanding. If you love helping children and enjoy creative play, this could be the perfect job for you.

What Is a Play Therapist?

Ever wondered what does a play therapist do? Let’s break it down in a simple and friendly way. A play therapist uses play to help children understand and talk about their feelings. Through games, toys, art, or stories, children can show emotions they might not have words for. This helps reduce their anxiety and improve their behaviour and confidence.

Each session has a goal. The therapist watches how the child plays and gently guides them to express themselves. After every session, the therapist keeps clear notes about what happened and what progress was made. Play therapy isn’t just for children — it also supports parents and teachers. The therapist gives them tips on how to help the child feel calm and supported at home or school.

You’ll find child therapy through play in many places across the UK — in schools, NHS services, charities, and private clinics. School play therapy is very common. It helps children who struggle with worries, big changes, or difficult behaviour. Watching a child smile again or start to trust others can be the most rewarding part of the job.

So, a play therapist doesn’t just play — they help children heal, grow, and feel stronger, one game at a time.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

So, how does play therapy work? Let’s keep it simple.

In a play therapy session, children use toys, sand trays, puppets, art, or stories to show their feelings. Each session lasts about 30 to 50 minutes. The room feels safe and friendly, so children can relax and be themselves.

Sometimes the therapist lets the child lead the play. This is called non-directive play therapy. Other times, the therapist adds a few activities or games to help the child learn. This is directive play therapy. These play therapy techniques help children control their emotions and solve problems. They also help them feel safe and close to others.

Studies show the effectiveness of play therapy is very good, especially when parents take part. Many children make clear progress after about 30 sessions. Play therapy works because play is a child’s way of talking. Through play, they heal, grow, and feel stronger every day.

Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?

Many children can benefit from play therapy. It helps them feel safe, calm, and understood when words are hard to find.

Here are some children who may benefit the most:

• Those who feel anxious or worry a lot can relax through gentle child anxiety therapy.
• Those who faced trauma, loss, or grief can find comfort through trauma play therapy.
• Children with autism can learn and express feelings in ways that suit them.
• Young people with ADHD can improve focus, calmness, and emotional control.
• Those who find it hard to make friends can build better social skills.
• Those facing changes at home can share their feelings safely.
• Children with behaviour issues can express emotions in a healthy way.

Every play therapy session is different. The therapist chooses toys, games, or art based on each child’s age and needs. In simple words, play therapy helps children heal, grow, and find their confidence again — one small step at a time.

What Is a Play Therapist’s Role in This Process?

A play therapist helps children heal, grow, and feel confident again — one small step at a time.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Play Therapist?

If you’re thinking about becoming a play therapist, you might wonder what training you’ll need. Let’s make it easy to understand.

First, you’ll need a degree in a subject that involves working with people — like psychology, education, or health and social care. This helps you build a strong base for understanding children’s emotions and behaviour.

Next, you’ll need a play therapy qualification UK, such as a Master’s (MA) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip). These are advanced training programmes approved by BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists) or PTUK (Play Therapy UK). Choosing a PTUK-accredited or BAPT training course means your qualification will be fully recognised in the UK.

Here’s what these courses usually include:

• Supervised clinical placement – around 100 hours working directly with children.
• Personal therapy – about 60 hours to help you understand yourself and manage emotions.
• Clinical supervision – regular meetings with an experienced play therapist for support and guidance.

Many students choose trusted providers like Roehampton University, known for its strong reputation in play therapy education. The journey may sound long, but it’s truly worth it. Every part of the training helps you grow — not just as a professional, but as a person. By the end, you’ll have the skills, warmth, and confidence to help children heal through play.

If you’re caring, creative, and ready to make a real difference, this career could be your perfect fit.

Where Do Play Therapists Work?

So, where can you find play therapist jobs UK? The good news is, there are many places where play therapists can make a real difference.

Many play therapists work in primary and secondary schools. In these roles, they help children manage worries, behaviour problems, or social challenges. It’s a caring space where children can feel safe, talk through play, and rebuild confidence.

Others work for the NHS, often in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) or hospital paediatric units. These therapists support children who are coping with illness, trauma, or emotional stress. It’s rewarding work that helps families feel supported through tough times. You’ll also find play therapists in charities, family centres, and local authorities. These roles often focus on children who’ve faced loss, neglect, or major life changes.

Some therapists choose to open their own private practice. This offers flexibility — they can set their own hours and work with families directly. Pay and job roles can vary depending on where you work. In the NHS, for example, salaries follow the Agenda for Change pay bands. Wherever they work, play therapists share one goal — helping children heal, grow, and find joy again through play.

How Much Do Play Therapists Earn in the UK?

If you want to know about the play therapist salary UK, here is an easy guide. In the NHS, play therapists are paid under the Agenda for Change pay scale. Most work at Band 6 or Band 7 levels.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• NHS Band 6 – Band 7: about £41,600 to £52,800 a year
• UK average pay: around £31,000 to £53,000, depending on experience and where you work
• Private practice rates: about £35 to £90 per hour

Those in private practice can set their own hours and prices. It offers more freedom but also more responsibility. The pay can be good, but most play therapists say the best part of the job is helping children smile and feel safe again. So, whether you work in the NHS or in private practice, play therapy can be both rewarding and meaningful.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Play Therapist?

If you want to be a play therapist, you might wonder — how long does it take? Let’s make it easy to understand. After you finish a relevant degree, you need to complete extra play therapy training. The play therapy training length depends on the type of course you choose.

Here’s a simple guide:

Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy (PGDip):

• Takes about 18 months to 2 years
• Includes around 100 hours of placement with children

Master’s (MA) in Play Therapy:

• Takes about 2 to 3 years, usually part-time
• Includes about 60 hours of personal therapy and practical work

Many students study part-time while working, so it may take a little longer.

The training takes time, but it’s worth it. You learn to understand children, support them, and help them feel safe and happy. So, whether you choose the postgraduate diploma play therapy route or the MA play therapy path, both lead to a rewarding and meaningful career.

What Skills Make a Good Play Therapist?

So, what makes someone a great play therapist? Let’s talk about the key play therapist skills in simple words. A good play therapist needs a warm heart and a calm mind. Working with children takes time, care, and lots of patience.

Here are the main skills that matter most:

• Empathy: You need to understand how a child feels, even when they can’t say it.
• Patience: Some children take time to trust and open up.
• Creativity: Use toys, art, and stories to help children share feelings.
• Good communication: Talk clearly with parents, teachers, and other staff.
• Observation: Watch closely and notice what a child’s play might mean.
• Child development knowledge: Know how children grow, learn, and behave at different ages.
• Safeguarding and record-keeping: Keep children safe and write clear session notes.

All these skills work together. They help play therapists build trust, understand emotions, and protect every child they support. In short, a great play therapist mixes care, skill, and creativity — turning play into a path for healing and hope.

If you want to strengthen your understanding of child protection and safety, you can explore the Safeguarding Children Training course at Wise Campus. It’s a great way to learn how to spot risks early, keep children safe, and support their wellbeing with confidence.

Bottom line, a great play therapist mixes care, skill, and creativity — turning play into a path for healing and hope.

What Is the Difference Between a Play Therapist and a Counsellor?

Many people mix up a play therapist and a counsellor. Both help people with their feelings, but they do it in different ways.

Here’s the difference step by step:

1. How they work:

• A play therapist uses toys, games, art, and stories to help children share feelings.
• A counsellor uses talking and listening to help people understand emotions and problems.

2. Who they help:

• Play therapists mostly work with children who find it hard to talk.
• Counsellors often work with adults, teenagers, and sometimes older children.

3. What they learn:

• Play therapists study child development and play therapy techniques.
• Counsellors study talk-based methods and emotional support skills.

4. Where they work:

• Play therapists often work in schools, family centres, or child clinics.
• Counsellors may work in counselling centres, hospitals, or private practice.

5. Rules and checks:

• In the UK, both need to be trained and listed on a UK therapy regulation register.
• Always check their qualification and Child Counselling UK membership before starting sessions.

Put simply, a play therapist helps children heal through play, while a counsellor helps people heal through talk. Both care deeply — they just use different ways to reach the heart.

Is Play Therapy Effective?

Many parents ask, Does play therapy work? The answer is yes, it often helps children feel better.

Play therapy can help children understand their feelings and behave more calmly. It gives them a safe space to express what they cannot say with words.

Here is what research shows:

• Parents’ help matters: Children do better when parents take part or give support.
• It takes time: Good results often come after many sessions, not just a few.
• Training is key: A well-trained therapist helps children make real progress.
• Different styles work: Some use creative play, others use more guided play. It depends on the child.

At the end of the day, play therapy works well when everyone works together. With time, care, and trust, play can help children heal and grow.

How Can You Train as a Play Therapist in the UK?

If you want to train as a play therapist in the UK, you’ll follow a few clear steps. It takes time, effort, and care — but it’s a very rewarding path.

Here’s how the process usually goes:

Start  with the right degree

You first need a degree in a related subject, like psychology, education, or health. This helps you understand how children grow and learn.

Apply for a recognised course

Next, apply for a BAPT-approved or PTUK-accredited postgraduate course, such as a PGDip or MA in Play Therapy. These courses are trusted and meet national standards.

Get hands-on experience

During your training, you will:

• Complete around 100 hours of clinical placement with real children.
• Take part in about 60 hours of personal therapy.
• Receive regular supervision from a qualified professional.
• Study academic modules about play, child development, and therapy skills.
• Reflect on your own practice to keep improving.

Become registered

After you finish your course, you can:

• Join the PTUK register, which is recognised by the Professional Standards Authority.
• Or apply for BAPT membership if you trained under their approved route.

Once you’re registered, you’re ready to start helping children through play. It’s a journey filled with learning, care, and heart — and every step brings you closer to making a real difference in young lives.

Final Thoughts: Is a Career as a Play Therapist Right for You?

Choosing to become a play therapist is more than just picking a career — it’s choosing to help children heal, grow, and smile again. Every session you lead can change a child’s story. Through play, you help them feel safe, seen, and understood.

This job takes patience, care, and real dedication. But the rewards go far beyond money. You’ll watch children grow in confidence, find their voices, and face the world with new strength. That’s the real magic of play therapy.

If you love working with children, enjoy creative play, and want to make a lasting difference in families’ lives, this could be the perfect career for you.

If learning about play therapists touches your heart, take the next step with Wise Campus. Enrol today in our Play Therapy Course and learn how to help children heal, grow, and find their smiles again — all through the power of play.

FAQ: What Is a Play Therapist?

• Why do children have play therapy?
  Children have play therapy to help with worries or difficult feelings. Through play, they learn to understand emotions and feel calmer. It helps them build confidence and grow stronger inside.

• What does a play therapist do?
  A play therapist helps children share their feelings through play. They use toys, games, and stories to help children feel safe and understood. This helps children learn to cope, grow, and feel more confident.

• What is the difference between play therapy and counselling?
  Play therapy uses toys and games to help children express feelings and understand emotions. Counselling focuses more on talking about problems to find ways to cope and heal.

• How long is a play therapy session?
  A play therapy session usually lasts about 45 minutes and happens once a week. Most children need around 20 sessions to see good progress.

• What are the rules of play therapy?
  In play therapy, children play freely in a safe room with few rules. The therapist provides toys and space to help them express their feelings.