A Play Therapist is a qualified mental health professional who has had intensive training accredited by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT).
Most Play Therapists are graduates who have already trained to work with children. For example, they may also have been social workers, teachers, nursery nurses, teaching assistants and psychologists.
A Play Therapist must have a clear knowledge of the following:
- Child-centred Play Therapy
- Child development
- The developmental process and functions of play
- Developmental psycho-pathology, including attachment theory, mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, disability and trauma
- Ecological, systems and social constructionist theories of society
- Integrative Play Therapy methods
- Working with parents and carers
- Relevant legislation and policy
- Anti-discriminatory practice
- Contemporary research and practice
As a Play Therapist, Dandelion Play Therapy is bound by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) code of ethical practice.
To be a full member of BAPT a Play Therapist will have:
- Completed Masters level Play Therapy training (accredited by BAPT)
- A current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
- Public liability indemnity insurance
- On-going personal therapy and clinical supervision of their Play Therapy practice
- Commitment to the BAPT Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy
