Accredited membership is only open to members who meet the very stringent standards required by IAPTP. These include requirements in relation to training, extensive clinical practice experience, clinical supervision to required ratios with suitably qualified and experienced supervisors and engagement in ongoing continuing professional development activities.  Some play therapists are psychotherapists, other are not. Therefore, there are 2 routes to training depending on whether the applicant is or is not already as a qualified psychotherapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist when beginning their play therapy training. Criteria for each of these routes is detailed in the relevant Bye Laws: see links below.

• Route 1 for those with a previous Mental Health Qualification who have undertaken an additional Play Therapy Specific Training course. Policy 8
• Route 2 for those who have undertaken a full Play Therapy Core Training and who have suitable undergraduate training and experience. Such undergraduate training and experience tends to be in areas such as (but not exhaustively) psychology, social science, social studies, education, early childhood care & education, nursing, youth work etc. Policy 9

To apply, complete the appropriate online application form attaching the relevant documents. When your application is received you will be emailed an invoice which you can pay online to initiate the application process.

The documents you will need to upload with your accreditation application are:

• A copy of your Play Therapy Qualification
• The IAPTP Statement of Equivalence (available on successful completion of an IAPTP conversion course for those who did not complete an IAPTP Approved Play Therapy Course)
• Professional Accreditation Certificate (Policy 8 only)
• Curriculum Vitae
• A CPD Statement demonstrating compliance with the relevant accreditation policy (i.e. Policy 8 or Policy 9) criteria, and Policy 13. 
• Completed statement regarding each group and individual supervisor you attended during training
• Completed statement regarding each group and individual supervisor you attended since training
• Supervisor Report Form from current supervisor/s
• Statement of Practice Guidelines
• Copy of current Garda Vetting

The Accreditation Committee process applications twice each year: April and October.

Applications must be received well in advance of each meeting. Accreditation is granted for a five year period and may be renewed by demonstrating that reaccreditation criteria have been met.

Word versions are available by emailing [email protected]  and stating which files you require.