Professional Home of Play Therapy in the UK and all over the world
Our Vision is a world where all children enjoy a happy, safe and healthy childhood, that enables them to reach their full potential.
Professional Home of Play Therapy in the UK and all over the world
Our Vision is a world where all children enjoy a happy, safe and healthy childhood, that enables them to reach their full potential.
OUR LEGACY
Built on Decades of Dedication
In 1998, Monika Jephcott and Jeff Thomas founded APAC with the belief that children express themselves through play long before they can fully express themselves with words. That vision laid the foundation for what would become PTUK, an organisation dedicated to professional excellence, accredited training and evidence-based play therapy, supporting practitioners across the UK and internationally.
Post-Qualifying and CPD Courses for Members
Designed for qualified therapists and practitioners, PTUK’s accredited post-qualifying courses help you deepen your clinical expertise, strengthen your professional confidence and expand your scope of practice. Explore specialist training in Clinical Supervision, Play & Creative Arts Counselling, Filial Practice and more.
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View course details →
Endings and Goodbyes in the playroom
11 November 2026
7:00 pm
2 hours
Online
Endings and Goodbyes in the playroom
£45.00 -
View course details →
Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Therapeutic Group Work: Therapeutic Group Facilitation with Children and Young People
20, 21st Nov 2026 and 26, 27th Feb and 16th Apr 2027
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
5 days
Online
Advanced Practitioner Certificate in Therapeutic Group Work: Therapeutic Group Facilitation with Children and Young People
£300.00 Deposit | £800 Full Course Fee -
View course details →
Post Qualifying Certificate in Clinical Supervision (London)
28th-31st January, 12-14th February 2027
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
8 days (7 training days plus 1 follow-up assessment day)
Crowne Plaza Kings Cross, London
Post Qualifying Certificate in Clinical Supervision (London)
£300.00 Deposit | £1300 Full Course Fee
Evidence & Impact
Evidence, Research & Measurable Impact
Our commitment to evidence-based practice is reflected in decades of research, measurable clinical outcomes and internationally recognised professional standards.
100000
+
Clinical Cases
1,400,000
+
Clinical Sessions
63000
+
Outcome Measures Collected
72
%
Positive Clinical Outcomes, rising to
82
%
For those with higher need*
Crucially, the clinical outcome figures have remained consistent for over two decades of measurement with the integrative holistic model of play therapy.
*pre-therapy Goodman Strength & Difficultiy Questionnaire Total Difficulty Score of 20 or above.
WHY CHOOSE PTUK
Why Register With PTUK?
Join the professional body that has helped shape the standard for play therapy in the UK and across 21 countries worldwide.
Accreditation & Professional Standards
Practise under standards recognised across the UK and internationally.
Continuing Professional Development
Grow your practice with accredited CPD throughout your career.
Professional Registration & Regulation
Join a PSA-accredited register trusted by parents, schools and employers.
Post-Qualifying Training Opportunities
Deepen your expertise with advanced post-qualifying certificates.
MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY
A Community of Professionals
Our commitment to evidence-based practice is reflected in decades of research, measurable clinical outcomes and internationally recognised professional standards.
Annual Conference
Connect with industry experts, gain new insights, and stay up to date with the latest developments in Play Therapy.
Member Achievements
Celebrating the accomplishments, contributions, and professional milestones of our registered members.
ABOUT PLAY THERAPY
What Is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play and creative activities to help children express thoughts and emotions they may struggle to put into words. It provides a safe, supportive environment where children can explore feelings and process
difficult experiences.
Through play, children build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships and develop healthier ways to cope with challenges. Play Therapy is particularly beneficial for children experiencing emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
ABOUT PLAY THERAPY
What Is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play and creative activities to help children express thoughts and emotions they may struggle to put into words. It provides a safe, supportive environment where children can explore feelings and process
difficult experiences.
Through play, children build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships and develop healthier ways to cope with challenges. Play Therapy is particularly beneficial for children experiencing emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
WHY CHOOSE PTUK
Why Register With PTUK?
Join the professional body that has helped shape the standard for play therapy in the UK and across 21 countries worldwide.
Accreditation & Professional Standards
Practise under standards recognised across the UK and internationally.
Continuing Professional Development
Grow your practice with accredited CPD throughout your career.
Professional Registration & Regulation
Join a PSA-accredited register trusted by parents, schools and employers.
Post-Qualifying Training Opportunities
Deepen your expertise with advanced post-qualifying certificates.
Get started
How Can We Help You?
Select the option that best matches what you’re looking for.
Parents & Families
Find trusted information about Play Therapy, explore common childhood challenges, and connect with an accredited Play Therapist.
Professionals
Access accredited training, professional membership, clinical supervision and resources to support your practice.
Organisations
Discover services, partnerships and support for schools, healthcare providers and organisations working with children
OUR MISSION
Supporting Children Through Play
Play Therapy UK exists to advance safe, high-quality therapeutic practice for children. As the first Play Therapy register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and the largest register of Play Therapists in the UK, we continue to promote best practice, support accredited professionals, expand access to quality training, and strengthen the evidence base for children’s mental health and wellbeing.
OUR MISSION
Supporting Children Through Play
Play Therapy UK exists to advance safe, high-quality therapeutic practice for children. As the first Play Therapy register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and the largest register of Play Therapists in the UK, we continue to promote best practice, support accredited professionals, expand access to quality training, and strengthen the evidence base for children’s mental health and wellbeing.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Training & Professional Qualifications
From accredited training and certification to professional membership and continuing development, PTUK supports practitioners at every stage of their professional journey.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Training & Professional Qualifications
From accredited training and certification to professional membership and continuing development, PTUK supports practitioners at every stage of their professional journey.
