Membership Benefits, Certification, Resources, Grades and Fees

Play Therapy International (PTI), with its Affiliates is the largest fully international, most pro-active professional organisation supporting play therapy, filial play and therapeutic play. It raising standards and promotes the use of therapeutic play skills in a variety of professions and settings. The Society performs the role of a self governing body and professional play therapy association in countries where PTI does not have an affiliated organisation.

(see our About Us page).

There are Membership grades to suit all levels of skill, experience and interests.

Membership affords safety to the public through the International Register of Play Therapists and the PTI Professional Conduct procedures. It provides increased professional status and access to a world of international play therapy experience.

All membership fees for the 2026/2027 membership term of PTI are denominated in GBP, and each country’s fee level is calibrated based on that nation’s GDP per capita, ensuring fair benchmarking across economic contexts.

Members outside the UK should calculate the equivalent amount in their local currency at the prevailing exchange rate and submit payment in that currency. This policy ensures transparency and proportional equity—what each pays reflects their country’s economic capacity while maintaining consistency in GBP as the base denomination.

Why PTI Membership Rates Are Increasing

We recognise that any change in membership fees can feel significant, and we want to explain openly why Play Therapy International (PTI) has adjusted its rates.

1. Rising Costs of Services
   PTI provides professional registration, international recognition, governance, data systems, and support services that must meet global regulatory and ethical standards. Over recent years, the costs of maintaining secure digital systems, professional insurance frameworks, and international safeguarding requirements have increased. The new rates reflect the need to sustain these services at the quality and consistency our members expect.
2. Fairness Across Countries
   Instead of applying a flat fee worldwide, PTI has aligned membership fees with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of each country. This means fees are proportionate to the average income levels in different regions, ensuring affordability while still covering the costs of international professional standards.
3. How the Rates Were Worked Out
   • PTI reviewed World Bank/IMF GDP per capita data for each country where we have members.
   • Countries were grouped into bands (e.g., high-income, upper-middle income, lower-middle income).
   • A base UK membership fee was set as the reference point.
   • Multipliers or reductions were applied to that base, depending on each country’s GDP band. For example:
     • High GDP countries (e.g., UK, Ireland, USA, Australia) → full base rate.
     • Upper-middle GDP countries (e.g., South Africa, Brazil) → reduced rate.
     • Lower GDP countries (e.g., some in Asia or Africa) → further reduced rate.

This approach ensures that fees are equitable, transparent, and economically realistic, rather than expecting the same contribution from members in vastly different economies.

1. Commitment to Value
   Membership fees directly support:

• International accreditation and recognition of Play Therapy.
• Ongoing professional standards and ethical frameworks.
• Secure data systems such as Fortuna.
• Development of resources, CPD opportunities, and international networking.
• Administration of Fees
  To make the process smoother for members, PTUK administers the collection of fees on behalf of PTI.
• Currency of Invoices
  All invoices will be issued in GBP (Pounds Sterling). Members outside the UK can pay using international payment methods, and their banks or payment providers will convert the amount into their local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.