The three-year Level 7 Play Therapy apprenticeship will prepare each apprentice to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a Certified Play Therapist. This course will introduce the apprentice the fundamental requirements to work therapeutically with children.
Play Therapy Apprenticeship
Overview
Disclaimer: this photo (right) was used with consent from the parent and was NOT taken during a Play Therapy session.
Over the course of 36 months, apprentices complete six modules
Module 1 – Orientation to and Setting Up Play Therapy Practice using Non-Directive Play Therapy.
Module 2 – Using Symbolic Play Therapy Tools and Metaphor Safely.
Module 3 – Using Expressive Arts Therapies to Reach the Unconscious.
Module 4 – Working Therapeutically with Groups of Children – developing metaphorical play skills at an advanced level.
Module 5 – Therapeutic decision taking, based on deepening skills for working with more severe problems.
Module 6 – Integrating the therapeutic toolkit with practice and research.

Face to face training is an important part of the programme. This takes place in ten 3-day blocks. Blocks one to five take place during the first nine months of the course with blocks six to ten taking place from month 18. The face-to-face training includes a robust mixture of experimental (70%) and theoretical learning (30%).
Within the first three modules, an apprentice will begin to learn about the profession beginning with the principles of non-directive play. Apprentices will be introduced to the Integrative Holistic Model of Play Therapy, theories, and concepts. Each module will explore therapeutic working, deepening and developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for safe and ethical practice. During modules four to six, apprentices are introduced to directive play therapy methods alongside how to work with groups in therapy.

The Integrative Holistic model of play therapy, as taught on this apprenticeship, is validated by a substantial practice evidence base proving that it is highly effective for helping children to overcome their problems.
Alongside the face-to-face teaching blocks, apprentices will be expected to complete academic assignments and meet the clinical requirements (200 hours of clinical sessions with children over the 36-month course). Apprentices will attend fortnightly sessions with a clinical supervisor and fours time per year progress review sessions with an assigned coach.
Apprentices are supported by the APAC team, including an assigned course director, clinical supervisor, and coach.
Employers play a vital role in supporting the apprentice to succeed. This includes the employer being involved in the interview and induction stage, supporting the developing of the individual training plan, adjusting workload to ensure the apprentice has the time required to meet the needs of this demanding course and attending progress reviews.
The play therapy apprenticeship, for most apprentices, takes 36 months followed by approximately three months to undertake an end-point assessment.
The entry requirements are:
- Level 6 qualification plus a minimum of two years’ experience working with children or Level 5 qualification plus a minimum of five years’ experience working with children and a record of prior learning (which can be discussed at the interview stage).
- Level Two Functional Skills in English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade A* – C or levels 9-4) or a willingness to achieve these during the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.
How to Become a Play Therapy Apprentice
Consider if the play therapy apprenticeship is for you
This is an intense, rigorous, and demanding Level 7 course. You will be expected to meet academic and clinical deadlines and attend all the face-to-face training blocks.
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Check that you meet the entry requirements detailed above
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Discuss the course with your employer
They must agree and be fully supportive of you becoming a play therapy apprentice. This often requires a reduction of your current workload to meet the demands of the course. This will be explored with apprentices and employers during the interview and induction process.
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Have a look at the locations and dates of our planned future cohorts
You may need to travel and/or book accommodation to attend the face-to-face training.
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Still interested?
Complete an application form and we will be in touch.