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

There are currently two credentialing options to play therapists in BC: Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the (American) Association for Play Therapy (APT) or Certified Child Psychotherapist and Play Therapist (CPT) through the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT). Credentialing requires completing specific requirements for play therapy training, supervision and clinical experience. CACPT has recently changed its requirements to more closely match those for APT. Information regarding credentialing can be obtained by contacting the APT or CAPT:

APT

Phone: 559-294-2128

Fax: 559-294-2129

Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Web Site: www.a4pt.org

CACPT

Phone: 519-827-1506

Fax: 519-827-1825

Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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

You can obtain the names of Registered Play Therapist Supervisors (RPT-S) or Certified Child Psychotherapist and Play Therapist Supervisors (CPT-S) from their respective websites. On the APT website, go to Directories and then to Find Play Therapists. On the CACPT website, go to Education and Programs and then to Supervisors.  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 This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , 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.