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Play therapists help children to make sense of difficult life experiences, or complex psychological issues through play.
You could work: evenings; attending events or appointments
In this role you could:
You could work at a client's home, at a children's care home, at a health centre or at a school.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK.
Relevant first degree subjects include:psychology; early childhood studies; mental health nursing; occupational therapy; drama, art or music
You'll also need experience of working with children in professions like teaching, nursing, counselling, therapy or social work.
You'll usually need:
You could do a play therapist degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 36 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
You'll usually need:
You'll need to:
If you have an interest in play therapy and work in a profession like teaching, nursing, counselling or social work you may be able to take an introductory course to find out more.
You can get more advice about careers in play therapy from the British Association of Play Therapists and Play Therapy UK.
With experience and further training, you could supervise less experienced therapists. You might also provide a consultation service to professionals in the community.
You could move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision.