Play Therapy Supervision
Providing psychotherapy with children in a play room is more than play. It requires specialized training and supervision to ensure ethical and effective therapy happens. Play therapy supervision is important to ensure that play therapists are delivering high-quality services to their clients, while maintaining creative and playful interactions. The supervision process helps Play Therapists to identify any potential biases or limitations that may be impacting their work with clients and provides an opportunity for feedback and support to improve their skills and treatment outcomes. Supervision also helps Play Therapists not only to maintain ethical standards and adherence to evidence-based practices, and implementing the tenets of their theoretical orientation, but it also provides guidance on interpreting themes and symbols of the product of play, which is crucial for the safety and wellbeing of clients. Additionally, supervision allows Play Therapists to address any personal and professional challenges that may be affecting their work, such as burnout, stress, or client-related issues. Ultimately, play therapy supervision is essential for promoting a safe and effective therapeutic environment, enhancing therapist competence and self-awareness, and ensuring positive outcomes for clients.
As a board approved clinical supervisor in Kansas and Missouri, Teresa can combine clinical supervision and Play Therapy supervision in the states of Missouri and Kansas.
What Does Play Therapy Supervision Look Like?
Best practice for therapists working with children, teen and families is to obtain specialized post-graduate training and supervision, specifically since children and teens do not use talk therapy the way adults do. They typically play, which is the natural language for younger people, including teens and some adults! Therapists who undergo this specialized training exhibit evidence-based expertise, and have learned how to utilize the Therapeutic Powers of Play in their work with children, teens and families. Ongoing research is also implemented, as well as evaluated through video observation, discussion and case conceptualization presentation. Supervision can happen individually, as well as within a group of other therapists.
In order to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), one must meet a number of competency standards developed by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), the international professional organization for play therapy. These standards include completing a graduate degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, obtaining licensure as a mental health counselor, and accumulating significant training and clinical experience in play therapy.
Therapists interested in becoming a Registered Play Therapist™ must complete 150 hours of play therapy specific workshops and trainings, along with a minimum of 350 hours of supervised play therapy experience, learning to put all of the pieces of the magical world of play therapy together. This process is divided into three phases, and takes approximately 2 years to complete. In order to qualify for the RPT™ credential, therapists must complete 35 hours of Play Therapy Supervision, where all 35 hours can only be completed with a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™. Some people who are still under clinical supervision try to find a clinical supervisor who is also a RPT-S™. To find out more about Teresa’s supervision style and availability, fill out the form below!
Group Play Therapy Supervision
Advanced Play Therapy Group Supervision
This group meets monthly, on the 4th Friday of each month at 10:30 am – 11:30 am Central Time. The Advanced Play Therapy group is intended for those in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of the credentialing process. This is an open group, where therapists may “drop in” at their convenience. However, attendance is important in the success for all members of the group. However, if therettendees, the option To RSVP, please respond to the google meet link when it is provided to you. Limited to 8 members.
Introductory Play Therapy Group Supervision
This group meets monthly, on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central Time (Beginning June 2024). The Introductory Play Therapy group is intended for those in Phase 1 of the credentialing process, or are learning how to use play in their work. This is an open group, and therapists may drop in, as needed. Limited to 10 members.