Is a Play Therapist using psychological therapies the same as a child psychotherapist or clinical psychologist?
No – not usually. A Play Therapist is not trained to deal with severe mental health or personality problems. A child psychotherapist will normally form a longer therapeutic relationship with the client/patient and may use many elements of play therapy. In some countries – but not the UK – a Play Therapist may only be licenced to practice if they are also an accredited Child Psychotherapist. A clinical psychologist has completely different training, normally cognitively based. Some clinical psychologists subsequently acquire play therapy skills.
