The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) was set up in 1992 to draw up codes of practice and conduct for Play Therapists and employers, to establish a register of Play Therapists and to regulate Play Therapy training. The establishment and maintenance of the highest standards in these areas has remained a priority ever since, for the protection of the public. This was formalised in 2006 in BAPT's Charitable Object: "To relieve the needs of children, young people and adults suffering emotional and behavioural difficulties by promoting the art and science of Play Therapy and promoting high standards in the practice of Play Therapy for the public benefit"

This section provides information about:

• the Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy and the Play Therapy Core Competencies for Play Therapists and employers;

• the British Register of Play Therapists with details of who is registered and other important information;

• the Clinical Supervision requirements for the safe practice of Play Therapists;

• regulating the conduct of registered Play Therapists with details of practice guidelines, how to complain and the Complaints Procedure.

Regulating practice and conduct is a key element to the work of the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT).

Registered Play Therapists agree to abide by the Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy as a condition of their registration. The Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy is the benchmark of good practice for all registered Play Therapists. Play Therapists who breach the codes of practice could be removed from the register through the Complaints Procedure


- Click here to download the second edition of the document "An Ethical Basis for Good Practice in Play Therapy" which incorporates
the Ethical Principles,
the Core Professional and Personal Competencies,
the Code of Good Practice in Play Therapy
and the Complaints Procedure

(Revised October 2006)