Pre-accredited Associate Membership is open to suitably qualified play therapists (Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy) who are continuing with MA level training in psychotherapy, or to those who have completed their Postgraduate Diploma plus the training components required as part of the post-course practicum. These requirements are:

50 – 70 hours of training to cover specific areas if not already covered:

• A minimum of 20 hours on working therapeutically, and creatively, with traumatized children;
• A minimum of 20 hours on working therapeutically, and creatively, with children with attachment issues;
• A minimum of 6 hours on legal issues for play therapists;
• A minimum of 4 hours on understanding dynamics of child abuse and Ireland’s child protection guidelines

Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of IAPTP approved training, up to date Garda Vetting, and compliance with professional practice, supervision (linked below) and CPD requirements (including all elements listed above).  Those who have not completed an IAPTP approved Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy, must show evidence of completing an alternative Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy plus evidence of having achieved the IAPTP Statement of Equivalence to IAPTP Approved Play Therapy Training’.

In the period between completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy training those who are not currently completing an assessed training course which covers all of the required training elements and provides supervision of clinical practice, will revert to Associate Membership  

To apply, complete and fill in the online Pre-Accredited Member Application Form above, attaching the relevant documents.  Once your application is approved by the Accreditation Committee you will receive an email invoice for your annual membership fee, which can be paid online. Pre-Accredited members may be listed in the 'Find a Therapist' section of the IAPTP website. 

IAPTP requires pre-accredited associates to receive regular supervision, in accordance with requirements detailed in the relevant Policy There are different criteria for supervision depending on whether the applicant has undertaken a Route 1 Course (meeting criteria detailed in Policy 8  which relates to those with a previous Mental Health Qualification who have undertaken an additional Play Therapy Specific Training course) or Route 2 Course (meeting criteria detailed in Policy 9, which relate to those who have undertaken a full Play Therapy Core Training and who have suitable undergraduate training and experience).  Links to these Policies are provided in the ‘Becoming an Accredited Member’ section.

PLEASE NOTE: PRE-ACCREDITED MEMBERSHIP WILL LAPSE AND THE MEMBER WILL REVERT TO ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP STATUS SHOULD THEY NOT ACHIEVE ACCREDITED MEMBERSHIP STATUS WITHIN A 5 YEAR PERIOD OF COMPLETING THIER PLAY THERAPY OR PSYCHOTHERAPY QUALIFICATION.