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.

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.

• 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.

Play Therapists work in a variety of sectors in the Australia / Pacific region including schools, hospitals, charitable organisations, government departments and in private practice.

APPTA has a process to assess overseas qualifications and registrations to allow those with Australian equivalent credentials to become registered members.

APPTA maintains an up to date listing of its registered Play Therapists and Play Therapy Supervisors. Find a Play Therapist