PTUK Firsts
Play Therapy UK has led the play therapy profession through
continuous innovation. Here are some of
our firsts:
2000
PTUK adopts a new style of Constitution to allow faster
decision making.
A better foundation for getting things done.
2001
Two new communication tools: a Spectrum of Needs and the
Therapeutic Play Continuum.
Recognises that each child is different and that
interventions and resources need to be matched to needs.
2001
Replaces a Code of Ethics with an Ethical Framework that is
designed for working with children.
Aids faster therapeutic decision taking by practitioners.
Takes into account the great variety of ethical issues.
2001
Introduces clinical governance procedures based on pre and
post therapy measures.
Improves the quality assurance of work and data for practice
based research.
2002
Develops a Profession Structure model and the first set of
Play Therapy competencies.
More focused learning objectives for training courses;
improved job descriptions; better employer understanding.
2003
SEPACTO system launched.
Addresses the objectives of the agency employing Play
Therapists and how much play therapy contributes to them.
2004
Play Therapy Demand Model developed.
Provides supporting evidence for obtaining funding for play
therapy in local areas.
2005
Programme evaluation chosen as the main research method to
show the effectiveness of Play Therapy.
Being based on real life conditions it includes all the
variables influencing the child and the therapist. Results shown to be reproducible.
2006
Filial Play Coaching competencies developed
Recognises that parents are an important agent of change,
but are not therapists, so need special coaching.
2009
Research started on the therapeutic activities of children.
Will be used to inform the updating of competencies and
training content.
2011
Publication of large scale research study based on over 8000
cases. Results less than one in a
thousand due to chance.
Between 74% and 83% of children receiving play therapy, delivered
to
PTUK/PTI standards, show a positive change.
Provides bench mark guidelines for clinical audits.
2012
Competencies for Clinical Supervisors of Play and Creative
Arts Therapists published
Improves the training for a key position in the quality
assurance of practitioners’ work.
April 2013
First Play Therapy Register to be accredited by the
Professional Standards Authority under the new AR programme.
Increased recognition and credibility of Play Therapy as a
distinct health profession with high quality standards of practice.
2013
Develops competencies and a grade for a Counsellor of
Children and Young People.
Integrates play and creative arts therapies with talking
therapy.
2014
Free of charge software launched for Registrants to manage
their annual revalidation process and information for their own clinical and
management reports. (Caerus project)
Releases time for clinical work; improves accuracy of
information; enables the Registrant to conduct a more thorough clinical audit
of their work.
