How to become a Play Therapist

395

£25,000/y

avg. starting salary

Looking for a job that’s all work and all play? You should become a Play Therapist… Play Therapists use creative play to communicate with, understand, and help children (usually aged between three and eleven) who are struggling with a range of emotional issues. It could be that they’re the victim of abuse, neglect, or bereavement, or they have learning or psychological problems. By using anything from drawing, toys, and music to storytelling and clay, Play Therapists are able to help children express themselves in a safe environment. They then look for signs and symbols the child creates, and use their findings to suggest and implement positive changes. Typical tasks and duties for a Play Therapist include:

Organising regular therapy sessions (either one-on-one or in groups)
Observing children to understand their needs
Choosing the correct type of therapeutic play
Developing a trusting relationship with children
Reviewing and reporting on children’s progress
Communicating findings to parents, carers, teachers, or social workers

Aside from a high level of empathy and an ability to communicate well with children, you’ll also need creativity, motivation, and a broad knowledge of child development. Additionally, you’ll need to be emotionally resilient enough to deal with children who may not want to cooperate and are upset or angry. This involves providing unbiased support both professionally and confidentially. Other key skills for a Play Therapist include:

Sincerity
Strong observational skills
Excellent listening skills
Imagination
Self-awareness
A trustworthy nature

Trainee Play Therapist

Up to £25,000

Play Therapist

Up to £40,000

Play Therapy Director

Up to £60,000

"After studying psychology at university, I became fascinated with the different types of therapy, and as child development was something I specialised in – I knew I wanted to take it further. So I did a postgrad in play therapy, and became a fully qualified Play Therapist. My day-to-day is unpredictable – but it’s all about making the kids enjoy themselves through all kinds of therapeutic play. Not only is this a great way to help them relax and have fun, it also means they’re more likely to open up about their problems – even if it’s just through the way they play with a toy. Spotting subtle actions and movements is a key part of being a Play Therapist, so if you need to look twice to notice anything, you’re probably looking at the wrong job…"

Get qualified

A degree and a working background in a relevant field (e.g. social services, teaching, psychotherapy) is essential if you want to become a Play Therapist. Most employers will also look for candidates with a postgrad in play therapy, and a DBS check is considered a prerequisite. If you're brand new to the industry, taking a dedicated Play Therapy course or even Play Therapy Audio course could be the perfect place to start.

Recommended Play Therapist courses

Play Therapist Complete Guidance

LEARNING PATH LTD

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...favourite Play Therapist Complete Guidance topic? Stop scrolling and enrol in our comprehensive Play Therapist Complete Guidance bundle from Learning Paths to develop a deep insight into the subject that too with a value-for-money package! Our in-depth Play Therapist Complete Guidance …
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Therapy: Play Therapy Training - CPD Accredited

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...of Therapy: Play Therapy Training - CPD Accredited and explore the essential concepts Course Curriculum Play Therapy Module 01: What is Play Therapy Module 02: Advantages and Outcomes of Play Therapy Module 03: Models and Approaches of Play Therapy Module 04: The Play Settings: Therapist …
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