Play therapist

Level

Master's level

Length

3 yrs

typical

Sector

Care services

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Work to improve children’s mental health, emotional well-being, learning capabilities and social relationships.

Conduct therapeutic assessments of children referred for play therapy

Deliver individual play therapy sessions in a dedicated therapy room

Maintain clinical case notes and write progress reports for referrers

Liaise with schools, social workers, and parents about children's needs

Attend regular clinical supervision to reflect on casework

Manage a caseload of children with a range of emotional and behavioural needs

Engage in continuing professional development and research activity

Theoretical foundations of play therapy including non-directive and directive approaches

Child development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practice

Therapeutic use of play materials, sand tray, art, and creative media

Clinical assessment of children's emotional and psychological needs

Professional ethics, safeguarding, and child protection in therapeutic settings

Clinical supervision and reflective practice as a registered therapist

Research methods and evidence-based practice in play therapy

Ready to look for a place?

See live Play therapist apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.