1. Understand What Play Therapy Entails

Before embarking on a career in Play Therapy, it’s essential to know what the role involves:

• Working with Children: The primary clientele of Child-Centered Play Therapy are children, usually between the ages of 3 and 12. Other forms of Play Therapy can address the needs of older children, teens, and even adults, so it's important to understand that there are a variety of different Play Therapy models.

• Using Play as a Tool: Play Therapists use toys, games, arts and crafts, and other activities as therapeutic tools to help children express and develop their emotions.

• Mental Health Assessment & Intervention: Play Therapists not only facilitate play but also assess a child's emotional and mental health needs and provide necessary interventions.

2. Acquire the Necessary Education

Play Therapists are typically educated in a mental health, psychology, or counseling discipline prior to undertaking further Play-Therapy specific training and experience. A background in mental health is essential, including higher education:

• Complete a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

• Pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. This graduate program should be accredited by a recognized body.

3. Obtain Professional Experience

Before specializing in Play Therapy, you often need to gain experience in the broader field of mental health:

• Obtain supervised clinical experience, which is typically required for licensure in counseling or psychology professions.

• Engage in child-focused placements or internships to understand children's developmental stages and social emotional concerns.

4. Complete Play Therapy-Specific Training

After securing a solid foundation in the mental health field:

• Enroll in an accredited Play Therapy training program. This program will provide specific coursework and supervised experience in Play Therapy techniques and approaches.

• Consider organizations like the Association for Play Therapy (APT) in the U.S., which offers educational training and resources for aspiring Play Therapists.

5. Obtain Licensure and Certification

Each region or country might have different requirements for practicing as a Play Therapist:

• Ensure you meet the licensure requirements to practice as a therapist or counselor in your jurisdiction.

• After meeting the mental health-related educational and clinical requirements, consider obtaining a Play Therapy-specific certification. For instance, in the U.S., the APT offers the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential.

• The APT has a pathway for associate level therapists to obtain the required hours of Play Therapy-specific educational training and clinical experience, as well as Play Therapy supervision toward the RPT application while they are working toward mental health licensure. However, an active mental health license is required to apply for the RPT.

• If you reside outside the U.S., contact the Play Therapy association specific to your region or country to determine their requirements for training and practice as a Play Therapist.

6. Engage in Continuing Education

The field of Play Therapy, like many areas of psychology and counseling, is continually evolving:

• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to keep abreast of the latest techniques, research, and trends in Play Therapy.

• Consider joining professional associations related to Play Therapy for networking, resources, and continuing education opportunities.

7. Begin Your Practice

With the required training, qualifications, and credentials, a mental health professional can begin practicing as a Play Therapist:

• Work in agencies, hospitals, schools, clinics, or private practice.

• Collaborate with other professionals, including teachers, social workers, pediatricians, and allied professionals, as well as parents and caregivers, to provide holistic care to children.