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Play Therapy: What It Is and How to Become a Play Therapist

Play Therapy: What It Is and How to Become a Play Therapist

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express emotions, process experiences, and work through behavioral or mental health concerns. Because young children may not always have the words to explain what they are feeling, toys, games, art, storytelling, and other forms of play can become part of the therapeutic process.

Play therapy is more than simply playing with a child during a session. Trained mental health professionals use specific approaches and techniques based on the child’s age, needs, treatment goals, and developmental level. Play therapy may be used with children experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, family changes, behavioral concerns, or other challenges.

In this guide, we will cover:

  • What play therapy is

  • How play therapy works

  • Common play therapy techniques

  • What happens during a play therapy session

  • Who may benefit from play therapy

  • How to become a play therapist

  • Education, licensure, training, and credentialing options

We will also explain the difference between being a licensed mental health professional who uses play-based interventions and earning a specialized credential such as the Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

Whether you are a Social Worker, Counselor, or other Mental Health Professional interested in working with children, this guide can help you understand what play therapy involves and what steps may be required to build additional training in this area.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 200+ ASWB and NBCC-approved online CE courses and 20+ Live Events per year for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career.

We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 7.5 free CEUs.

1) What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that uses play as a medium to help children explore and express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It’s designed to meet kids at their developmental level, providing a safe, supportive space where they can work through challenges in their own unique way.

Let’s break down the core aspects of play therapy to better understand its purpose, methods, and benefits.

The Purpose of Play Therapy

Play therapy isn’t just about playing with toys, it’s a clinical intervention that helps children process emotions, improve behaviors, and develop coping skills. For kids who may not yet have the words to articulate their feelings, play offers an alternative form of communication.

Key Goals of Play Therapy:

  • Emotional Processing: Helping children express and regulate emotions.
  • Behavioral Adjustment: Addressing disruptive or harmful behaviors.
  • Trauma Healing: Providing a safe space to process difficult experiences.
  • Skill Building: Teaching problem-solving, resilience, and social skills.

How Play Therapy Works

A typical play therapy session lasts between 30 and 50 minutes and may occur weekly. During these sessions, the child engages in various activities, guided by a trained play therapist.

The therapist observes and interacts, using the child’s play choices to understand their emotional state and identify therapeutic goals.

Common Techniques Used in Play Therapy

  1. Directive Play Therapy: The therapist leads the session with specific activities or themes to address particular issues.
  2. Non-Directive Play Therapy: The child directs the play, allowing them to explore and express freely while the therapist observes and supports.
  3. Sand Tray Therapy: Kids use a sandbox and miniatures to create scenes that reflect their inner world and experiences.
  4. Art and Creative Expression: Drawing, painting, or storytelling provides an outlet for emotions that are difficult to verbalize.

When Is Play Therapy Used?

Play therapy is effective in a variety of situations, helping children navigate emotional, social, and developmental challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most common scenarios where play therapy makes a difference:

  • Emotional Issues:
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Grief and loss
  • Behavioral Challenges:
    • Aggression
    • Defiance
    • Hyperactivity
  • Trauma and Life Changes:
    • Abuse or neglect
    • Parental divorce
    • Relocation or major transitions
  • Developmental Needs:
    • Social skill deficits
    • Autism spectrum disorders
    • Learning difficulties

The Benefits of Play Therapy

The transformative power of play therapy lies in its ability to meet children on their level, making them feel safe and understood. By fostering self-expression and emotional healing, play therapy empowers kids to:

  • Build healthy relationships.
  • Develop problem-solving skills.
  • Gain confidence in navigating life’s challenges.

Play therapy isn’t limited to children—it can also be adapted for teens and even adults who benefit from non-verbal, creative therapeutic approaches. This adaptability makes it a versatile tool for mental health professionals.

Play therapy is a dynamic, evidence-based approach that taps into the natural language of play to address emotional and behavioral concerns. As we explore how to become a play therapist later in this guide, you’ll see how this impactful field blends creativity, clinical skills, and compassion to help kids thrive.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with their continuing education, and we want you to be next!

2) How Does Play Therapy Work?

Play therapy is more than just engaging in play; it’s a carefully structured process that creates a safe space for children to explore their emotions, work through challenges, and develop skills.

A trained play therapist facilitates the sessions, observing and guiding the child’s play to promote healing and growth. Let’s explore how play therapy works step by step.

The Role of the Play Therapist

The play therapist is a key figure in creating a safe, supportive environment where the child feels free to express themselves. This professional is trained to interpret the child’s play behaviors, identify underlying issues, and guide the therapeutic process.

Responsibilities of a Play Therapist:

  • Establishing trust and rapport with the child.
  • Providing a variety of play materials and activities suited to the child’s developmental level.
  • Observing the child’s interactions with the play materials.
  • Using therapeutic techniques to address emotional or behavioral concerns.

Setting the Stage: The Playroom

The playroom is designed to be a welcoming, non-judgmental space where kids feel comfortable exploring and expressing themselves. It’s equipped with carefully chosen toys, games, and creative tools that cater to a wide range of emotional and developmental needs.

Common Items in a Playroom:

  • Puppets and dolls for role-playing and emotional exploration.
  • Art supplies for drawing, painting, and crafting.
  • Sand trays with figurines for creating symbolic worlds.
  • Board games and puzzles for skill-building and collaboration.
  • Blocks and construction toys to encourage creativity and problem-solving.

Types of Play Therapy Techniques

Play therapy uses different approaches to meet the needs of each child. The choice of technique depends on the child’s age, issues, and preferences.

1. Directive Play Therapy

In directive play therapy, the therapist leads the session with structured activities designed to address specific goals. For example:

  • Using a board game to teach turn-taking and patience.
  • Guiding a child to draw a picture of their feelings after a stressful event.

2. Non-Directive Play Therapy

Non-directive play therapy gives the child full control over the session. The therapist observes and follows the child’s lead, offering support as needed. This approach fosters autonomy and self-expression, often leading to organic breakthroughs.

3. Sand Tray Therapy

In this technique, children use miniature figures and a sandbox to create scenes that represent their thoughts and emotions. The therapist observes and discusses these creations, helping the child process what’s on their mind.

4. Expressive Arts

Activities like drawing, sculpting, or storytelling allow children to express emotions they might struggle to verbalize. These creative outlets often help kids process difficult experiences in a safe and indirect way.

What Happens During a Play Therapy Session?

Each play therapy session is unique, but the general structure includes the following elements:

  1. Welcome and Check-In: The therapist greets the child and discusses any updates or concerns from the week.
  2. Play Activities: The child engages in play, either freely (non-directive) or guided by the therapist (directive).
  3. Observation and Interaction: The therapist observes the child’s behavior and may ask open-ended questions or make supportive comments.
  4. Closure: The therapist helps the child wrap up their play and discusses any takeaways or plans for the next session.

The Power of Play

Through the process of play therapy, children learn to:

  • Express feelings they may not yet understand or articulate.
  • Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Build healthy relationships and trust with others.
  • Gain confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Play therapy works by meeting children where they are, using their natural language of play to guide them toward healing and growth. With its structured yet flexible approach, play therapy creates a bridge between the child’s inner world and their outer experiences, offering tools for lasting emotional resilience.

We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 7.5 free CEUs!

3) Why Become a Play Therapist?

Becoming a play therapist is more than a career choice; it’s a calling to help children navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being. If you’re drawn to creative, impactful work and enjoy connecting with kids, this path offers a unique blend of personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Let’s explore the reasons why pursuing play therapy might be right for you.

The Rewarding Impact of Play Therapy

Play therapists make a profound difference in the lives of children and their families. By helping kids process emotions, build resilience, and heal from trauma, you’ll see the tangible effects of your work every day.

The Impact You’ll Make:

  • Guide children through grief, trauma, or anxiety.
  • Help families improve communication and understanding.
  • Empower kids to develop coping skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Foster long-term behavioral and emotional growth.

The changes you facilitate don’t just improve the lives of children—they can create ripple effects that strengthen entire families and communities.

High Demand for Play Therapists

The demand for skilled mental health professionals continues to grow, and play therapists are no exception. With increasing awareness of children’s mental health needs, schools, clinics, and private practices are seeking specialists who understand how to connect with kids through play.

Reasons for Growing Demand:

  • Rising mental health challenges among children and teens.
  • Greater emphasis on early intervention and trauma-informed care.
  • Increased advocacy for mental health support in schools and communities.

Pursuing play therapy can position you in a field with strong job stability and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the mental health landscape.

The Creative and Dynamic Nature of the Work

Play therapy isn’t your typical desk job! Every day brings new opportunities to think outside the box and tailor your approach to each child’s unique needs. The creative nature of play therapy keeps the work fresh, engaging, and deeply satisfying.

Why It’s So Creative:

  • Use a variety of tools like puppets, art, and sand trays.
  • Adapt your approach to suit each child’s personality and goals.
  • Incorporate games and activities to foster growth in a fun way.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy using creativity to solve problems, play therapy offers the perfect combination of structure and innovation.

Professional Growth and Development

Becoming a play therapist opens doors for continuous learning and career advancement. Whether you’re just starting in the mental health field or looking to specialize, this career provides numerous opportunities for professional growth.

Steps to Build Your Expertise

  • Education: Obtain a relevant degree, such as Social Work or Counseling.
  • Certification: Pursue a credential like Registered Play Therapist (RPT) to showcase your expertise.
  • Continuing Education: Stay current with new techniques and research through resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education, which offers more than 200 ASWB and NBCC-approved courses.

These steps enhance your skills and ensure you remain competitive in the job market.

Personal Fulfillment

Few careers offer the level of personal fulfillment that play therapy does. Watching a child overcome fears, express emotions, or build confidence through your guidance is incredibly rewarding. The gratitude of families and the joy of seeing kids thrive make this work deeply meaningful.

Why It’s Personally Fulfilling:

  • Witness tangible progress in the children you help.
  • Be a trusted source of support for families in need.
  • Create lasting change that impacts lives beyond the therapy room.

Play therapy is more than a job—it’s a chance to transform lives, one playful session at a time. If you’re passionate about helping children, eager to use creativity in your work, and committed to making a difference, becoming a play therapist could be the perfect path for you.

With resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education to guide your professional development, there’s no better time to start this journey.

4) How to Become a Play Therapist

Becoming a play therapist requires a combination of graduate education, professional licensure, specialized training, supervision, and clinical experience. The steps vary depending on your professional background and the credential you want to pursue.

Here is an overview of the typical path to becoming a play therapist.

1. Earn a Relevant Degree

The foundation for becoming a play therapist is earning a graduate degree in a mental health-related field. This education provides the theoretical knowledge and foundational skills you’ll build upon in your play therapy training.

Recommended Degrees

  • Social Work (MSW): Focuses on helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges.
  • Counseling (MA or MS): Prepares you to work directly with clients on mental health and personal development.
  • Psychology (MA, MS, or PsyD): Offers a deeper dive into human behavior and psychological assessment.
  • Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): Specializes in supporting relational dynamics and family systems.

Each of these degrees should be from an accredited program to ensure you’re eligible for licensure in your state.

2. Obtain Licensure as a Mental Health Professional

After earning your degree, the next step is becoming licensed in your chosen field. Licensing requirements vary by state and profession, but they typically include the following:

Common Licensing Steps

  1. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Most licenses require 2,000-4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice.
  2. Pass a Licensing Exam: Exams such as the ASWB Clinical Exam for Social Workers or the NCE for Counselors assess your competency.
  3. Meet State-Specific Requirements: Check with your state licensing board for additional criteria.

Licensure establishes your credibility and qualifies you to provide therapy independently or as part of a practice.

3. Gain Specialized Play Therapy Training

Once you’re a licensed mental health professional, the next step is to pursue specialized training in play therapy. This training deepens your understanding of how to use play as a therapeutic tool and prepares you to work effectively with children.

Key Components of Play Therapy Training

  • Educational Coursework: Accredited programs offer coursework covering the principles, techniques, and ethics of play therapy.
  • Hands-On Practice: Practical experience is crucial, often involving supervised sessions where you apply what you’ve learned.
  • Supervised Hours: Many certifications require a set number of hours practicing play therapy under the supervision of a certified play therapist.

Look for programs approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to ensure your training meets industry standards.

4. Earn a Play Therapy Credential

After completing your play therapy training, you can apply for a credential like the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) designation. This certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a trusted resource for families and employers.

Requirements for RPT Certification

  1. Educational Qualifications: A graduate degree in a mental health-related field.
  2. Play Therapy Coursework: 150+ hours of play therapy-specific training.
  3. Clinical Experience: 500 hours of play therapy practice and 50 hours of supervision.
  4. Licensure: Proof of licensure as a mental health professional.

These rigorous standards ensure you’re fully equipped to provide high-quality care.

5. Stay Current with Continuing Education

Mental health is a rapidly evolving field, and staying informed about new research and techniques is vital. Continuing education keeps your skills sharp and ensures you meet licensure renewal requirements.

Recommended Continuing Education Options

  • Agents of Change Continuing Education: Offers over 200 ASWB and NBCC-approved courses and 20+ live events each year for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals. These courses help you stay up-to-date while earning Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) required to keep your license active.
  • Live Events and Workshops: Agents of Change also hosts periodic live events that allow for interactive learning and networking opportunities.

Investing in ongoing education ensures your practice remains effective and ethical.

6. Explore Career Opportunities

With your credentials and training in hand, you’re ready to begin your career as a play therapist. Play therapists work in a variety of settings, allowing you to choose the environment that best aligns with your skills and interests.

Common Work Settings

  • Private Practice: Work independently or join a group practice specializing in child and family therapy.
  • Schools: Support students dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges.
  • Hospitals and Clinics: Provide therapeutic care in medical or community health settings.
  • Nonprofits: Work with organizations focused on child welfare or trauma recovery.

The versatility of play therapy means you can tailor your career to suit your personal and professional goals.

7. Cultivate Essential Skills

Beyond training and certification, successful play therapists possess certain personal qualities and skills. These attributes enable you to connect with children and guide them through the therapeutic process.

Essential Skills for Play Therapists

  • Empathy: Understanding a child’s perspective and emotions is crucial.
  • Creativity: Every child is unique, and creative approaches help meet their needs.
  • Patience: Progress can take time, requiring persistence and calm.
  • Strong Communication: Effectively interacting with children, parents, and other professionals is key.

Becoming a play therapist is a journey that requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience. By following these steps—earning a degree, obtaining licensure, completing specialized training, and staying committed to ongoing learning—you’ll be prepared to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

5) FAQs – Play Therapy: What It Is and How to Become a Play Therapist

Q: What qualifications do I need to become a play therapist?

A: To become a play therapist, you’ll need a master’s or higher degree in a mental health-related field, such as Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy. After earning your degree, you must obtain licensure as a mental health professional in your state, complete specialized play therapy training, and accrue supervised clinical hours specific to play therapy.

Finally, pursuing a credential like the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification demonstrates your expertise and qualifies you to work as a play therapy specialist.

Q: How long does it take to become a play therapist?

A: The timeline varies depending on your starting point and prior qualifications, but generally, it can take 6–8 years to become a fully credentialed play therapist. This includes time spent earning your graduate degree (2–3 years), completing post-graduate supervised clinical hours for licensure (2–3 years), and fulfilling play therapy training and supervised practice requirements.

While this may seem lengthy, the journey equips you with the knowledge and skills to profoundly impact children’s mental health.

Q: What continuing education opportunities are available for play therapists?

A: Play therapists must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure and stay informed about advancements in the field. Agents of Change Continuing Education is a good resource, offering over 200 ASWB and NBCC-approved courses for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals. They also host live events every 2 weeks, providing opportunities to learn new techniques, network with peers, and fulfill your Continuing Education Credit (CEU) requirements. These resources ensure your practice remains effective, ethical, and up-to-date.

6) Conclusion

Play therapy gives children a developmentally appropriate way to communicate, explore emotions, and work through difficult experiences. For mental health professionals who enjoy working with children and families, additional training in play therapy can provide practical tools for assessment and treatment.

Becoming a play therapist takes more than learning a few play-based activities. It typically involves graduate education, professional licensure, specialized training, supervision, and clinical experience. Requirements vary depending on your profession and whether you are pursuing a credential such as the Registered Play Therapist (RPT), so it is important to review the current requirements before choosing a training path.

You do not need to decide on every step at once. Start by learning more about the major approaches to play therapy, exploring reputable training opportunities, and considering how this work fits with the clients you serve and your long-term career goals. With the right education and experience, play therapy can become a meaningful part of your work with children and families.

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Lead Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

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