How do I become a Play Therapist?
APPTA Registered Play Therapists have been educated or trained as a Play Therapist at a post graduate level and have fulfilled all criteria to work as a Play Therapist. This includes:
Undergraduate degree in a health or allied health profession or early childhood education
- Postgraduate qualification in Play Therapy (Minimum of 200 hours of theoretical training in Play Therapy specific modalities. Training should take place in minimum of 100 hrs continual course. Training should also include supervised practice and assessment.)
- A minimum of 200 supervised Play Therapy practice hours
- A minimum of 50 hours Play Therapy supervision by an APPTA approved Play Therapist Supervisor.
- A minimum of 50 personal therapy hours in any modality of choice.
What training is available in Play Therapy?
We are at an exciting time for Play Therapy is Australia with a number of universities and private colleges offering training at a post graduate level in Play Therapy. Post 2019, new members without prior training or experience in play therapy will be encouraged to complete an APPTA accredited play therapy course.
What are the benefits of APPTA memberships?
- Belonging to a professional association,
- Advertising for Members on the FIND A MEMBER website platform,
- Newsletters and emails to keep you aware of on-going training, professional development opportunities, social events, research updates and other developments in the play therapy field,
- Discounts on APPTA professional development training workshops, webinars and conferences,
- Networking opportunities with Play Therapists and individuals and organisations with an interest in Play Therapy,
- Opportunity to actively participate in APPTA and to further contribute to the advancement of the field of Play Therapy in the community,
- Political lobbying for recognition of the profession of Play Therapy,
- Voting rights for Members at APPTA meetings,
- Eligibility for membership on various APPTA committees.
How do I get work as a Play Therapist?
Play Therapists work in a variety of sectors in the Australia / Pacific region including schools, hospitals, charitable organisations, government departments and in private practice.
Do my overseas qualifications or registrations transfer to Australia?
APPTA has a process to assess overseas qualifications and registrations to allow those with Australian equivalent credentials to become registered members.
How do I find a Play Therapist or a Play Therapy supervisor?
APPTA maintains an up to date listing of its registered Play Therapists and Play Therapy Supervisors. Find a Play Therapist
Cannot find my membership details
Membership renewal payments are due the end of April and if you had not made payment by this date you are no longer seen as an “active member.” and will be no longer able to use your account. This means you will get no rights discounted PD training conferences or voting rights until you have reapplied membership. To re-apply for membership please login to https://appta.org.au and press apply for membership.
If you feel you are still an active member because you paid your membership by the due date, please email your enquiry to [email protected] and either the membership chair or register will get back to you.
BOD ratified 30th November 2020
Why am I being charged late fees?
Members and generally notified several times before 31 March each year. if you have not made payment before the 31st a fee of $25 will be charged in addition to your normal membership fee amount.
Ratified by BOD 30th Novembers 2020
If these frequently asked questions haven’t answered your question please contact APPTA.

Find a Play Therapist
Join our growing network of Play Therapists and enjoy benefits including the PD events we offer.
Become a Member
Join our growing network of Play Therapists and enjoy benefits including the PD events we offer.
See our latest Training Events
APPTA was established in 2007 and is the peak professional body for Play Therapists in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
"It is through play we reach the whole child" (V.Gowman)