How to Become a Play Therapist in the UK
Play therapists help children, usually aged 3 to 12, work through emotional and behavioural difficulties using play, art, sand and stories instead of talking alone. They work in schools, the NHS, charities, local authorities and private practice.
It is a postgraduate route. You train on a recognised play therapy programme, usually after experience working with children, and join a professional register such as the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) or Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (post-graduate)
- Degree required
- Required + post-grad
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
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What a Play Therapist does
Use play as the language of therapy with children working through trauma, loss or emotional issues.
- School-based Play Therapy - Therapy for children in primary and secondary schools.
- NHS / CAMHS Play Therapy - Therapy in CAMHS and paediatric services.
- Trauma-focused Play Therapy - Therapy for children with trauma backgrounds.
- Private Practice - Independent practice for self-referred families.
How to become a play therapist in the UK
Most play therapists already have a degree and experience working with children, for example in teaching, nursing, social work, psychology, youth work or early years. You then complete a postgraduate play therapy qualification: a BAPT-accredited MA in Play Therapy, or the PTUK route of a postgraduate certificate and diploma, with supervised clinical practice. After qualifying you register with the professional body and work under ongoing clinical supervision.
- Get substantial experience working with children, in schools, early years, care, health or youth work.
- If you do not already have one, complete a degree; psychology, education and social care are common.
- Apply for a recognised postgraduate play therapy course, accredited by BAPT or PTUK.
- Complete your supervised clinical placement hours while you study.
- Register with BAPT or PTUK and arrange ongoing clinical supervision.
- Work in schools, the NHS or charities, or set up a private practice.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAPT-accredited MA in Play Therapy | Usually 2 years part-time | Postgraduate fees | Graduates with experience with children |
| PTUK postgraduate certificate and diploma | About 2 years part-time | Course fees | Professionals training while working |
| Teacher, nurse or social worker first | Several years | Varies | People already working with children |
How long it takes
If you already have a degree and experience with children, the postgraduate training takes about two years part-time.
Play Therapist salary in the UK
Newly qualified play therapists in the UK typically earn £28,000-£35,000, experienced therapists £38,000-£50,000, and senior or clinical lead roles £55,000 or more. Much of the work is sessional or self-employed, with hourly rates set by schools, charities and private clients.
Key skills
- Child development
- Therapeutic skills
- Patience
- Reflection
- Boundary holding
Play Therapist FAQs
What qualifications do you need to be a play therapist?
A postgraduate play therapy qualification recognised by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK, usually after a degree and experience working with children.
How long does it take to become a play therapist?
About two years part-time for the postgraduate training, after you have a degree and relevant experience with children.
How much does a play therapist earn in the UK?
Around £28,000-£35,000 when newly qualified, £38,000-£50,000 with experience, and more in senior or clinical lead roles.
Where do play therapists work?
In primary schools, NHS child and adolescent mental health services, charities, local authority children's services and private practice.
Is Play Therapist right for you?
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