Play therapist

In this role you could:

• work closely with parents, carers and other professionals
•  assess a child's needs and decide on a suitable course of action
•  run sessions for individuals or groups, using creative arts and storytelling
•  monitor and record children's progress
•  take part in regular supervision sessions with a more experienced therapist

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of psychology
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

With experience and further training, you could:

• supervise less experienced therapists
•  provide a consultation service to professionals in the community
•  move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision