Frequently Asked Questions

British Columbia Play Therapy Association

1. How do I become registered as a play therapist?

To become a registered play therapist, there are a number of sequential steps for you to take. All formal registration is done through the Association for Play Therapy (APT. Inc.). Specific information regarding registration can be obtained by contacting the APT:

Telephone: (599) 252-2278
Fax: (599) 252-2297
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.a4pt.org

It requires at least a Master's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of 2000 clinical hours of counselling experience and 500 hours of direct play therapy experience. These 500 hours must be supervised at a ratio of 1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of clinical work. Some of these hours can be reduced by obtaining your supervision from a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor There are also 150 clock hours of continuing education in the area of play (RPT-S). therapy, some of which must cover specific topics required by APT. Further details on the complete registration requirements and procedure can be obtained directly from the Association for Play Therapy. The forms can be printed out directly from their website.

PLEASE NOTE: Effective January 1, 2003, individuals can NOT earn more than 135 of the 150 play therapy clock hours, required for registration, from a single approved continuing education provider (individual and/or university instructor in a university setting).

2. Where can I find a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor?

One of the benefits of becoming a member of BCPTA is that you will receive a membership directory, updated annually. Within the directory is a list of all the Registered Play Therapy Supervisors currently living in Vancouver and British Columbia. (The valuable resource is worth the membership fee alone!) Sorry, we are currently unable to post supervisors names on our webpage or give these out to non-members.

3. How do I find a play therapist for my child?

If you call the BCPTA voicemail (604) 682-8122 or leave us your request at our email address [email protected], one of our volunteers will get back to you with the names of several practitioners working in your requested area. Because the BCPTA is not specifically a registering body, we are not able to promote any of our individual members. We would, however, be more than glad to dialogue with you further around your needs.

The board and its various committees are continuing to explore ways to respond to this particular question.

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