Career Development in Therapeutic Play & Play Therapy
Introduction – The Need for Practitioners of Therapeutic
Play
PTUK estimates that there is a latent need in the UK for at
least 15000 practitioners using therapeutic play, creative arts and play
therapy skills. There are probably less than 1000 therapists at present with
the level of expertise that is required so there are plenty of potential career
opportunities.
We encourage new entrants to the profession and
professionals with existing experience of working therapeutically with adults
or others who have experience of working with children.
PTUK has developed a Career Development Map (in 2 parts) and
a four stage training model as a part of the Profession Structure Model. These
provide considerable flexibility in terms of previous career background and
aspirations to cater for as many people as possible. More recently (2006) a
Systemic View of Play Therapy Practice has been developed. This may also be
used as a guide to career planning.