Play Therapist
Use play as the language of therapy with children working through trauma, loss or emotional issues.
This UK play therapist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £70,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (post-graduate)
- Degree required
- Required + post-grad
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Play Therapist does
Use play as the language of therapy with children working through trauma, loss or emotional issues.
- School-based Play Therapy - Therapy for children in primary and secondary schools.
- NHS / CAMHS Play Therapy - Therapy in CAMHS and paediatric services.
- Trauma-focused Play Therapy - Therapy for children with trauma backgrounds.
- Private Practice - Independent practice for self-referred families.
How to become a Play Therapist
- Look up Play Therapist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Play Therapist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Child development
- Therapeutic skills
- Patience
- Reflection
- Boundary holding