Play therapist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

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

Your undergraduate degree should be in a related subject like:

• psychology
• early childhood studies
• mental health nursing
• social work
• education

You'll also need experience of working with children in professions like teaching, nursing, counselling, therapy or social work.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Play Therapist Level 7 Higher Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• experience in related work
• a degree in a relevant subject

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of psychology
• 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
• customer service skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of English language
• a good memory
• administration skills

What you'll do:

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

In this role you could:

• work closely with parents, carers and other professionals
• assess a child's needs and decide on a suitable course of action
• run sessions for individuals or groups, using creative arts and storytelling
• monitor and record children's progress
• take part in regular supervision sessions with a more experienced therapist

Location : You could work at a client's home, at a children's care home, at a health centre or at a school.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 37 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could:

• supervise less experienced therapists
• provide a consultation service to professionals in the community
• move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision