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.

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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.

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Quick answer: play therapy and the RPT

What it is: a developmentally appropriate therapy that uses play as children’s natural language, typically for ages 3 to 12.
Main approaches: non-directive (child-centered) and directive play therapy, plus sand tray and expressive arts.
Evidence: meta-analyses show moderate to large positive effects, with stronger results when parents are involved.
To earn the RPT: a mental health graduate degree, a state license, 150 hours of play therapy instruction, supervised play therapy experience, and 35 hours of supervision from an RPT-S.

Jump to: What It Is · How It Works · Why Become One · How to Become a Play Therapist · FAQs

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 about 30 to 50 minutes and often occurs weekly. Play therapy is most often used with children ages 3 to 12, and parents or caregivers are usually involved in some sessions or in parallel parent consultation. 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.

Play therapists use both directive and non-directive approaches, along with techniques like sand tray work and expressive arts. We describe each in How Does Play Therapy Work?

When Is Play Therapy Used?

Play therapy is used 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, and grief and loss
Behavioral challenges: aggression, defiance, and disruptive behavior
Trauma and life changes: abuse or neglect, parental divorce, relocation, and other major transitions
Developmental and social needs: social skill difficulties, and support for autistic children and children with learning differences

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.

Research supports play therapy’s effectiveness. A widely cited 2005 meta-analysis of 93 studies by Bratton and colleagues found a large overall treatment effect, with stronger results when parents were involved. A 2015 meta-analysis of child-centered play therapy by Lin and Bratton found a moderate positive effect across 52 studies.

Play therapy 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.

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, which includes child-centered play therapy developed from the work of Virginia Axline and Garry Landreth, builds autonomy and self-expression. Therapists reflect the child’s feelings and set limits only when needed for safety.

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:

Welcome and Check-In: The therapist greets the child and discusses any updates or concerns from the week.
Play Activities: The child engages in play, either freely (non-directive) or guided by the therapist (directive).
Observation and Interaction: The therapist observes the child’s behavior and may ask open-ended questions or make supportive comments.
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.

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.

Child and family mental health skills are in demand across schools, clinics, and private practice, which can open doors for clinicians with play therapy training.

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 ongoing CE.

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

Personal Fulfillment

Play therapy can be deeply fulfilling work. 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.

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 (master’s, PhD, 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

Complete Supervised Clinical Hours: Most licenses require about 2,000 to 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice.
Pass a Licensing Exam: Exams such as the ASWB Clinical exam for Social Workers or the NCE or NCMHCE for Counselors assess your competency.
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

Many clinicians begin specialized play therapy training during graduate school or while working toward licensure. 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: Graduate courses and APT-approved providers 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: The RPT requires supervised play therapy experience under a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S).

Look for programs approved by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) to make sure your training counts toward the credential.

4. Earn a Play Therapy Credential

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

Requirements for the RPT Credential

Education: a mental health graduate or higher degree.
Licensure: a current state license as a mental health professional.
Play therapy instruction: 150 hours, with at least 75 hours of in-person (contact) training.
Supervised play therapy experience: at least 350 hours of play therapy practice under an RPT-S.
Play therapy supervision: 35 hours from an RPT-S, with up to 15 in a group format.
General clinical experience: supervised clinical experience as required by APT.

School counselors, school psychologists, and school Social Workers licensed by a state department of education can pursue the School Based-Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) credential instead. APT updates its standards periodically, so always check the current requirements before you start.

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.

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers 200+ ASWB and NBCC-approved courses and 25+ live events each year for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals, so you can meet your license renewal requirements while building skills for work with children and families. Note that APT has its own rules for which training counts toward the RPT, so check that separately.

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

What qualifications do I need to become a play therapist?

To become a Registered 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 150 hours of play therapy instruction, and gain supervised play therapy experience with 35 hours of supervision from an RPT-S.

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

How long does it take to become a play therapist?

The timeline depends on your starting point, but it often takes about four to seven years after starting graduate school. That includes earning your graduate degree (usually two to three years), completing supervised hours for licensure (often two to three years), and finishing play therapy training and supervised practice, which can overlap with your licensure hours. APT requires all coursework and experience to be completed within a 2 to 10 year window.

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

What continuing education opportunities are available for play therapists?

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 200+ ASWB and NBCC-approved courses for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals. They also host 25+ live events each year, 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.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped more than 100,000 Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with exam prep and Continuing Education and want to help you next!

► Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/continuing-education/

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.

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.