How To Become A Play Therapist (2025)

This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to becoming a play therapist in South Africa, covering educational requirements, necessary training, registration processes, and career opportunities.

1. Understanding Play Therapy

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used with children, though it can also benefit adolescents and adults. It uses play as a communication tool to help individuals express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

Types of Play Therapy

• Non-directive play therapy – Child-led, allowing children to express themselves freely.
• Directive play therapy – Therapist-led, using structured activities to guide emotional expression.
• Filial therapy – Involves parents or caregivers in the therapeutic process.
• Sand play therapy – Uses a sandbox and miniature figures to help clients express emotions.

Play therapy is used for children experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, developmental disorders, and behavioral issues. It is widely practiced in schools, hospitals, private practices, and community organizations.

2. Educational Requirements

To become a play therapist in South Africa, you need a strong foundation in psychology, social work, or education, followed by specialized training in play therapy.

Step 1: Obtain a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is essential. Common degrees include:

• Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych)
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd) – Special Needs or Early Childhood Development

Some universities offering relevant degrees in South Africa include:

• University of Pretoria
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Stellenbosch University
• North-West University

Step 2: Obtain a Postgraduate Qualification

A postgraduate qualification in psychology, social work, or counseling is often required to gain further expertise. Common options include:

• Honours in Psychology or Social Work (1-year program)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy
• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Educational Psychology, or Play Therapy

Universities and private institutions offering play therapy training in South Africa include:

• University of Pretoria – Educational Psychology (Master’s)
• University of Johannesburg – Play Therapy Modules
• Play Therapy Africa – Specialized Training

3. Specialized Play Therapy Training

After completing academic qualifications, aspiring play therapists need specialized training in play therapy. This training focuses on theoretical knowledge, techniques, and supervised practical experience.

Accredited Play Therapy Courses

Institutions offering play therapy training in South Africa include:

• Play Therapy International (PTI) South Africa – Offers diploma and certification programs.
• South African Association for Play Therapy (SAAPT) – Provides training workshops and certifications.
• University-based training programs – Some universities offer elective modules in play therapy within their psychology or education degrees.

These programs typically cover:

• Child development and psychology
• Play therapy techniques and interventions
• Ethics and professional practice
• Trauma-informed care in play therapy
• Practical application through case studies and supervision

4. Practical Experience and Supervision

Gaining hands-on experience is crucial for becoming a competent play therapist. This involves working under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Internship or Practical Hours

• Most programs require 100 to 200 hours of supervised play therapy practice.
• Internships can be completed at schools, NGOs, hospitals, or private therapy centers.
• Supervised sessions involve case studies, video recordings, and feedback from mentors.

Volunteer Work and Work Experience

Aspiring play therapists can gain additional experience by volunteering at:

• Children’s homes and orphanages
• Community mental health projects
• Crisis intervention centers
• Special needs schools

These experiences help develop skills in working with diverse children and understanding real-world challenges.

5. Registration and Licensing

To practice legally in South Africa, play therapists must register with a recognized professional body.

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

• If practicing as a psychologist or educational psychologist, registration with the HPCSA is mandatory.
• The HPCSA requires completion of a Master’s degree, internship, and board examination.

Association of Play Therapy South Africa (APTSA)

• APTSA is a professional organization supporting play therapists.
• Membership provides access to continued education, networking, and ethical guidelines.

South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)

• Social workers specializing in play therapy must be registered with SACSSP.
• Additional play therapy certification may be required.

Play therapists must adhere to ethical guidelines, continue professional development, and renew their licenses periodically.

6. Career Opportunities and Work Settings

Once fully qualified and registered, play therapists can work in various environments, including:

1. Private Practice

• Offer individual or group therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with schools and medical professionals.
• Work with children experiencing trauma, anxiety, or behavioral issues.

2. Schools and Educational Institutions

• Provide emotional support to students.
• Help children with learning difficulties and social challenges.
• Conduct assessments and interventions for at-risk youth.

3. Hospitals and Healthcare Centers

• Assist children undergoing medical treatment.
• Support families dealing with terminal illness or trauma.

4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Work in child protection services.
• Provide therapy to vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
• Support programs for abused or neglected children.

5. Community Mental Health Programs

• Offer therapy in rural and underserved areas.
• Conduct workshops and training for caregivers and educators.

7. Continuous Professional Development

Becoming a play therapist is not just about getting a degree; it requires ongoing learning and development.

Advanced Training and Certifications

• Trauma-focused play therapy
• Autism and special needs therapy
• Family therapy integration
• Art and music therapy

Attending Workshops and Conferences

• Join APTSA or international play therapy conferences.
• Participate in research and contribute to academic journals.

Supervision and Peer Support

• Engage in continuous supervision for skill refinement.
• Join peer support groups for case discussions and networking.

Play therapy is a rewarding career that allows professionals to make a profound impact on children’s lives. With the increasing demand for child mental health services, qualified play therapists have various career opportunities in private practice, schools, healthcare, and NGOs.

By continually improving skills and staying updated with new therapeutic approaches, play therapists can provide high-quality care to children in need. If you are passionate about working with children and helping them navigate emotional challenges, play therapy might be the perfect career for you

Play therapists use play as a way to help children express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Since children often struggle to communicate their feelings through words, play therapy allows them to use toys, art, storytelling, and role-playing to work through challenges.

What Play Therapists Do:

• Assess Emotional and Behavioral Issues – Observe a child’s play patterns to understand their emotional state, coping mechanisms, and challenges.
• Create a Safe, Supportive Space – Provide a nonjudgmental environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves.
• Use Therapeutic Play Techniques – Utilize dolls, sand trays, drawings, puppets, and games to help children explore their emotions.
• Help with Trauma and Emotional Regulation – Guide children in processing trauma, anxiety, grief, and other emotional struggles.
• Improve Communication and Social Skills – Assist children in learning how to express their needs, resolve conflicts, and build healthy relationships.
• Support Parents and Caregivers – Offer guidance and strategies to help parents understand and support their child’s emotional growth.

Play therapists often work in schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice. They help children dealing with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, family changes (like divorce), autism, and other challenges

Being a play therapist comes with numerous personal and professional benefits, including:

1. Making a Meaningful Impact

• Helps children express emotions, process trauma, and develop coping skills.
• Supports families by improving communication and relationships.
• Contributes to children’s emotional and psychological well-being.

2. Fulfilling and Rewarding Career

• Seeing positive changes in children’s behavior and emotions is deeply satisfying.
• Provides a sense of purpose by helping children overcome challenges.

3. Professional Growth and Development

• Expands knowledge in psychology, child development, and therapeutic techniques.
• Opportunities for specialization in areas like trauma, autism, and grief counseling.

4. Job Flexibility and Demand

• Play therapists are in demand in schools, private practices, hospitals, and community centers.
• Many therapists can set their own schedules, offering a good work-life balance.

5. Creative and Engaging Work

• Uses toys, storytelling, art, and role-play, making sessions dynamic and enjoyable.
• Encourages innovation in therapy approaches.

6. Strong Emotional and Interpersonal Skills

• Enhances patience, empathy, and active listening.
• Builds strong relationships with children and their families

South Africa is home to several notable play therapists who specialize in helping children navigate emotional and psychological challenges through play. Here are some practitioners recognized for their contributions in this field:

These professionals utilize play therapy to create safe environments where children can express themselves, aiding in emotional insight and skill development. Their diverse backgrounds and specialized training contribute significantly to the mental health and well-being of children in South Africa.