21/08/2026
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Why BAPT Registration Matters: Core Competencies
Play may look simple.
Therapeutic play is anything but.
Behind the playroom door, a Play Therapist is drawing upon specialist knowledge, clinical judgement, therapeutic skills and an understanding of child development to respond appropriately to each individual child.
Competent practice involves much more than providing toys and allowing a child to play. It requires therapists to integrate their understanding of areas such as child development, attachment and relationships, therapeutic processes, communication, assessment, safeguarding and the therapeutic use of play and creative media.
It also requires the ability to:
• Develop and maintain a therapeutic relationship
• Understand and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication
• Observe and reflect upon themes and processes within play
• Make thoughtful clinical decisions
• Adapt practice to the developmental needs of individual children
• Work effectively with parents, carers and wider professional networks
• Recognise the limits of professional competence and seek support when needed
• Reflect upon and continually develop professional practice
Core competencies provide an important benchmark for what specialist Play Therapy practice requires.
For parents, carers, schools and commissioners, BAPT registration offers reassurance that the person behind the title has demonstrated the professional capabilities expected within the profession.
Because therapeutic play is skilled work, and children deserve appropriately trained and competent practitioners.
