Choosing a Play Therapist for Your Child

Emma Nissen
Oct 11
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Finding the right therapy support for your child can feel confusing and, at times, overwhelming. There’s a sea of information online, and when you’re worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re exploring Play Therapy, you’re already taking an important step toward helping your child feel seen, understood and supported.

Understanding Child-Centred Play Therapy

Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach grounded in decades of research (Landreth, 2012; Ray, 2011; Cochran, Nordling & Cochran, 2010). It is based on the understanding that children express themselves and process their inner world through play, which is their natural language. In CCPT, the therapist provides a safe, consistent, and attuned space where children can explore feelings, build self-regulation skills, and develop confidence and resilience through play.

The therapist’s role is not to direct or “fix” the child but to build a trusting relationship that supports emotional healing and growth. When children feel accepted and understood, they begin to discover their own capacity for change, this is where transformation happens.

Qualifications and Professional Registration

Because Play Therapy is a specialised area of practice, it’s important to ask about a therapist’s training, experience, and professional registration. Most play therapists hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as psychology, education, social work, or counselling; giving them a strong foundation in child development and mental health.

To become a qualified play therapist, practitioners then complete postgraduate training such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master’s Degree in Play Therapy. At this stage, Play Therapy is not offered as a Bachelor’s Degree in Australia, so postgraduate qualifications are key indicators of advanced professional training.

In Australia, play therapists can register with one of the following peak professional associations:

Membership with these bodies ensures that therapists adhere to professional standards, commit to professional development, engage in ongoing supervision, and commit to ethical practice.

The Power of Connection

Research and clinical experience remind us that the therapeutic relationship, the connection between the child and therapist, is the key to effective therapy. Even with the most qualified therapist, progress depends on whether your child feels safe and comfortable enough to engage.

Parents often sense this instinctively. If you notice your child beginning to open up, play freely, or look forward to sessions, these are signs that a positive therapeutic relationship is forming. Trust your intuition, as you know your child best.

5 Tips for Selecting a Play Therapist

Check qualifications and registration. Ask about postgraduate training in Play Therapy and membership with a recognised association (APTA, APPTA, or PTPA).
Explore experience. Inquire about the therapist’s background with children of similar age or presenting needs.
Ask about their approach. Look for language that reflects a child-centred, non-directive, and relationship-based philosophy.
Notice the connection. Trust your instincts, does your child feel at ease? Do you feel heard and supported as a parent?
Prioritise collaboration. A quality play therapist will include you in the process, offering insights and strategies to support your child at home and school.

Selecting the right play therapist is as much about finding a professional fit as it is about finding a relational fit. You’re looking for someone who understands your child not just as a set of behaviours, but as a whole person; capable, resilient, and worthy of understanding.

At Inspiring Play: Child & Family Play Therapy Sunshine Coast, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, connected, and empowered to grow through play. If you’re unsure where to begin or would like to talk through what support might look like for your family, please reach out, you don’t have to navigate this alone.