How do I become a Play Therapist?

Am I eligible to do the training?

What do I do after the training?

You have come to the right place – let us help you!

How do I get a qualificiation with your training?

In order to receive a Certificate in Play Therapy Studies participants must complete four workshops.
Workshop One – Introduction to Play Therapy
Workshop Two – Considering the structure and components of CCPT
Workshop Three – Issues in CCPT
Workshop Four – Competency in skill development and other types of CCPT

Check out our course guide for further details on each workshop – PTTA Course Guide

Introduction to Play Therapy

Clinical Training Program

What qualifications do I need to apply for this course?

We accept qualifications in Human Services, Education or similar. Completed undergraduate/ postgraduate degrees in the following areas are welcome:

  • Psychology
  • Counselling
  • Social Work
  • Early Childhood Education

Don’t see your qualification above? Contact us to confirm if your qualification is recognised!

I have an education background, can I do the course?

Yes! We accept a minimum of an undergraduate degree in Education studies.

My highest qualification is a Diploma, can I enrol?

Unfortunately our current enrolment requirements state a minimum completion of a Bachelor’s degree to enrol. We encourage all interested students with a Diploma qualification to learn more about our training program via our Introduction to Play Therapy course, open to anyone interested in learning about CCPT.

Is this course recognised in Australia?

Yes! Our clinical program has been delivered across Australia since 2018, making us the longest running private provider of clinical training services in Australia. We are proud of the many students who have graduated our program and progressed to working as a Play Therapist in Australia. Our proven track record provides peace of mind to our students that our training covers all aspects of clinical work required to practice upon completion. We encourage students interested in studying with us to reach out to our graduates to hear more about our training- you won’t be disappointed!

I am an International student, can I enrol in your course?

Our organisation requires all International students to provide assessment of their qualifications alongside the current AQF national qualification standards in Australia. This is at the responsibility of the student to provide these details at time of enrolment, and must meet the minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree or higher to enrol.

When I finish your course, can I be a Play Therapist?

Yes!

You will need to register with one of the three play therapy associations below:

Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA) – Currently recognises the full program equal to 200 hours of clinical studies. For more information please check out their website: www.playtherapypractitionersassociation.com.au

Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA) – Current recognises part of the course, with 50 hours of non- contact time, and 65 hours of face to face training (115 hours total recognised). For more information please check out their website: www.apta.asn.net.au

Australasia Pacific Play Therapists Association (APPTA) – APPTA does not currently recognise our training program, no information has been provided to PTTA to evidence this decision. For more information please check out their website: www.appta.org.au

What is the difference between the Associations?

A great question! Many beginning practitioners in play therapy find it difficult to obtain clear information in relation to the difference between Associations. In essence, each Association determines the qualifications and training providers recognised to become a play therapist. Each Association individually determines what this criteria looks like, and who they will recognise.

For peace of mind, please be assured that our training is formally recognised by Play Therapy Practitioners Association, along with partial recognition of training hours by Australian Play Therapists Association.

Do I have to work under a play therapist while I am studying?

Our course requires attendance at our clinical program workshops, completion of supervision hours, completion of a recorded demonstration, attendance at a feedback session and completion of ongoing readings and workbook assignments. During the course, options for practice once completed including private practice are discussed, and students are encouraged to reach out to our team for guidance during the course if required.

Are there different training pathways to become a play therapist in Australia?

Yes! Australia is fortunate to offer several pathways to registration as a Play Therapist. These pathways include postgraduate studies via university courses, or recognition of a suitable undergraduate degree followed by further clinical studies from accredited and non- accredited providers. We encourage anyone interested in completing play therapy studies to enquire with the training provider as to the professional body they are registered with, as this will often determine which training course you select. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!

If I have more questions, and want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the play therapy field, who can I speak to?

We are here to help! We understand there can be a lot of information out in the community about play therapy- and it can feel very confusing to obtain a clear answer. Please feel free to reach out to our CEO Kylie Ellison- Kylie has been practicing as a Play Therapist in Australia for the last 10 years, worked in private practice as a Play Therapist for the last 10 years, and has worked alongside both Boards of APTA and PTPA. She welcomes the opportunity to provide a holistic, balanced viewpoint of the available training options for students, as our organisation works to provide a supportive and respectful community of graduates in Australia. Or you can check out our testimonial page from past students and supervisees here.

Keen to chat to Kylie? Feel free to reach out directly at kylie@kylieellison.com.au

We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Our Training Programs

We offer industry leading training programs for those wishing to become play therapists

Introduction to Play Therapy

Clinical Training Program

Advanced Clinical Workshop

Filial Faciliator

Workshop

Masterclasses

Testimonials

Comprehensive, Efficient, and Fun

My team participated in Kylie’s Child Parent Relationship Training over 3 days last year. The training was comprehensive, efficient, and fun! Since then, each of my staff and I have been able to work with parents to make meaningful and impactful changes in their relationship with their children and positive improvements in family dynamics. We’re heading back from more advanced Play Therapy training later in the year, and we can’t wait!

Katrina B

Engaging & Experiential

I really look forward to supervision with Kylie – she leans on a unique psychodynamic approach to understanding children’s play and I’ve gained so much valuable insight from this. Her training is impressive – her delivery style is engaging and experiential, which leaves you walking away with confidence. I would absolutely do further training with Kylie.

Eva

Engaging & Passionate

Kylie’s engaging and passionate approach to training enabled me to gain the knowledge and confidence to integrate non-directive CCPT therapeutic processes seamlessly into my sessions. Despite my usual aversion to Zoom meetings, Kylie kept me fully engaged, and her exceptional training not only enhanced my skills but also ignited a passion that led me to start my own small Play Therapy business. I finally feel truly fulfilled in my career, and my clients continue to grow and thrive, even after completing their therapeutic process.

Alicia L

Game Changer

If you’re considering Play Therapy training, I can’t recommend Kylie’s course enough! Her depth of knowledge and extensive lived experience in the field make this training truly exceptional. She doesn’t just teach the theory, she brings it to life with everyday examples, practical insights, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a play therapist.
The course provides everything you need to feel confident, from a strong knowledge foundation to endless resources that support you well beyond the training. Thanks to Kylie’s training and the comprehensive skills I gained, I have been able to successfully open my own private practice, an opportunity that wouldn’t have been possible without her expert training.
Kylie’s passion for play therapy shines through in every training session, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that each participant feels supported, capable, and inspired. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this training is truly a game changer for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of play therapy.

Cassie O

Highly Recommend

I highly recommend Kylie Ellison’s training to anyone looking to upskill, gain a solid understanding of therapeutic practices, and engage in child-centred work. Kylie gently challenges with understanding and curiosity and makes each person she interacts with feel important and validated. The training provides valuable tools to meet children where they are developmentally and emotionally as a play therapist and as a practitioner. Kylie leads with heart, is hilarious, and generous in all she does. Her professionalism is matched by her compassion, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed a few years ago. I’m excited to see what future courses she offers!

Millie E

Insightful & Knowledgable

Kylie is an insightful, knowledgeable and highly experienced supervisor. I always feel heard, understood, and armed with new information and perspectives on my work. Couldn’t rate her more highly.

Katrina B

Safe Space

I really look forward to my therapy with Kylie. She is empathetic and creates a safe space for me to discuss all the areas that I find challenging. I feel very empowered after my sessions with her!

Anoushka

So Empowering

In all my years of attending training, the first to really fill my whole body with excitement, passion and motivation. The training that made me say, “I can do this”. So empowering.

Sarah W

Read all testimonials here

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