What Skills Are Needed to be a Play Therapist?

What Does It Take to Be a Play Therapist?

Play therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that goes beyond simply incorporating play into therapy sessions. It requires a deep understanding of theoretical models, developmental psychology, and clinical decision-making. In this post, we’ll explore the essential skills and competencies that define a play therapist and how they build upon each other to create a strong foundation for effective therapy.

The Key Distinction: Play Therapist vs. Therapist Who Uses Play

A crucial distinction exists between a play therapist and a therapist who incorporates play into sessions. Play therapists systematically use theoretical models to guide the therapeutic process, ensuring that play is more than just a means of engagement—it’s a structured and intentional tool for healing.

If you are using play in your therapy practice, it’s essential to ask:

What theoretical models are you trained in?
How are you applying these models?
Do you have the necessary skills and supervision to ensure ethical and effective use of play therapy techniques?

Let’s dive into the three core competency areas that define play therapy.

Competency Area 1: Foundational Knowledge and Understanding

The first competency focuses on understanding the roots of play therapy, which include:

History and Evolution of Play Therapy – Knowing the origins and theoretical foundations of play therapy provides a strong base for practice.
Theoretical Models – Play therapy is driven by theories such as Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, and others. These theories dictate how play therapists apply interventions.
Child Development and Systems Theory – A strong grasp of developmental psychology and how children function within family systems is crucial.
Ethical and Cultural Competency – Understanding the ethical guidelines and cultural considerations that shape play therapy practice ensures that therapists provide inclusive and effective care.

By mastering these foundational elements, therapists can begin to build their professional identity as play therapists rather than just integrating play into sessions.

Competency Area 2: Clinical Application and Advanced Skills

Once a play therapist has a strong foundation, they must develop practical, hands-on skills to implement play therapy effectively.

Key Skills to Develop:

✅ Tracking & Observation – Play therapists must closely observe and track a child’s play behaviors to identify themes and therapeutic opportunities.
✅ Recognizing Play Themes – Children communicate their emotions through play, and therapists must learn to interpret symbolic meanings.
✅ Clinical Decision-Making – Therapists need to make evidence-based decisions about which interventions to use and when to use them.
✅ Addressing Bias in Play Therapy – Understanding personal biases and how they impact clinical decisions ensures that therapy is free from unconscious prejudices.
✅ Understanding Transference & Countertransference – Therapists must be aware of their emotional reactions and how they impact the therapeutic relationship.

Why This Matters:

By strengthening these competencies, play therapists become more effective at guiding children through the healing process. They can also adjust their approach to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring personalized and impactful therapy.

Competency Area 3: Professional Engagement and Growth

The final competency focuses on building a sustainable and ethical career in play therapy.

Key Aspects of Professional Growth:

✔ Avoiding Burnout – Play therapists must prioritize self-care and recognize signs of burnout to continue providing high-quality care.
✔ Ongoing Training & Consultation – Lifelong learning is essential. Engaging in continuing education, supervision, and case consultations strengthens a therapist’s skills.
✔ Advancing the Field – Being an active member of professional play therapy communities, such as the Association for Play Therapy (APT), helps therapists stay updated with best practices.

Why It Matters:
A strong professional identity helps play therapists maintain ethical standards, improve client outcomes, and contribute to the field’s advancement.

Becoming a Competent Play Therapist: Next Steps

Becoming a skilled play therapist takes dedication, training, and hands-on experience. To build competency:

Take foundational courses in play therapy.
Work with a registered play therapist supervisor for consultation and guidance.
Continue professional development through advanced play therapy training.

Learn More: Play Therapy Academy & Training Opportunities

If you're looking to deepen your knowledge and enhance your skills, check out Play Therapy Academy, an online supervision and training program designed to help therapists build confidence in their play therapy practice.

You can also check out all the Getting Grounded Excellence Series courses here.

Categories: : Case Conceptualization, Play Therapy, Podcast, Supervision, treatmet plan