LETTER : Acceptable face of therapy

"HOP, skip and jump to happiness" (Real Life, 27 August) purported to describe creative arts therapists in action. However, none of the "therapists" interviewed is on the practitioners' register of the relevant professional association.

Unlike a great many alternative therapies, art, drama, music, and dance movement therapies have registers for practitioners. Qualified, registered arts therapists undertake training, clinical experience, supervision and personal therapy before practising. The same criteria apply to play therapy. Qualified practitioners follow codes of ethics to safeguard clients. Confidentiality and safe boundaries are essential. Most arts and play therapists work for public bodies providing a free service for many who would otherwise not receive it.

Mike Barham, British Association of Dramatherapists; Penelope A Best, Association for Dance Movement Therapy; Ann Cattanach, Executive Council for Play Therapists; Val Huet, British Association of Art Therapists; John Strange, Association of Professional Music Therapists