Welcome to the British Association of Play Therapists
Enhancing emotional well-being of children and young people through Play Therapy
Who is BAPT?
The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) was the first governing body to represent and regulate Play Therapists in the UK. We train and supervise our BAPT Registered Play Therapists® to the highest clinical standards, ensuring they are well-equipped to support children’s emotional and psychological well-being.
BAPT Registered Play Therapists® complete rigorous, accredited post-graduate level qualification that includes extensive clinical practice, in-depth theoretical study, personal therapy and both individual and group clinical supervision throughout their training.
The BAPT Register of Play Therapists is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), an independent body accountable to Parliament. PSA accreditation ensures that BAPT Play Therapists® meet stringent professional standards, upholding competency, ethical practice and high-quality therapeutic work. This offers added protection for those seeking Play Therapy services, allowing them to choose practitioners from a vetted and approved register.
BAPT therapists work across health, social care, education, and charitable organisations, as well as in private practice.
If you would like to know more about Play Therapy, read our What is Play Therapy page.
Please use our Find A Play Therapist page to locate one of our amazing practitioners near you!
Find a Play Therapist
Are you looking for a BAPT Registered Play Therapist®? This page allows you to search for BAPT Registered Play Therapists, BAPT Approved Play Therapy Supervisors and Trainers, who are available in your local area.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is an effective therapy based on the belief that children have an innate tendency to engage in play and that play is a natural way for them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, experiences and trauma, process and master painful or fearful experiences through the safety and psychological distance of play. Read more about how Play Therapy can help children and young people.
Join BAPT
As a part of the UK’s leading voice for Play Therapy, and by choosing BAPT, you will be demonstrating to professionals and the general public that you practise responsibly and professionally to high standards. Learn more about the different membership categories BAPT offers.
Members
For BAPT Registered members to access information, resources and news.
Play Therapy Training
Find more information about BAPT Accredited training, taster days and short courses that will start you on your journey to becoming a BAPT Registered Play Therapist®.
Play Therapist Jobs
Find more information on Play Therapist job opportunities within our profession.