Thoughts on Supervision
Are you interested in honing your skills working with children and families? Interested in becoming a Registered Play Therapist? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you’ll want to seek out a play therapy supervisor for consultation. Places to look for a play therapy supervisor may include the Association for Play Therapy directory (APT), Psychology Today, or Therapy Den—or simply asking colleagues. Once you have some names, you’ll need to consider the best fit. Here are three questions to guide your search:
One: Where are you in your journey?
Are you a licensed mental health professional in your state? Or are you pre-licensed, working as an associate or intern? If you are pre-licensed, you’ll likely want to find someone who can supervise your clinical work toward licensure. In that case, you need someone who holds the correct license and is credentialed to provide supervision in your state. This can save you money by “double-counting” supervision hours, both for state licensure and toward Registered Play Therapist status.
If you’re already fully licensed, the exact license and location of your supervisor are less important. With video conferencing, your supervisor can be anywhere in the world. And if you don’t need to count hours toward licensure, the supervisor’s exact license is less relevant (Psy.D vs. LCSW vs. AMFT, etc.). However, if your goal is to become a Registered Play Therapist, make sure the supervisor you choose holds an RPT-S (Registered Play Therapist Supervisor) designation from APT.
License aside, where you are in your play therapy journey can shape who you want to work with. It can impact how close of a theoretical match you are seeking and selecting a style that best suits your needs.
Two: What theoretical orientation are you drawn to?
Early in your journey, you may wish to work with someone who has broad experience and training across multiple theories. This can help you explore a range of theoretical orientations. Later, as you hone in on a specific theory, you may prefer to work with someone who has deeper expertise in that area.
Working with a close theoretical match can help you refine your skills and build confidence in a particular method. Similarly, working with someone who serves a population similar to yours—whether defined by age, ethnicity, or presenting issues—can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
Three: What supervision style best meets your needs?
Supervisors, like play therapists, vary in how directive they are, which is based on their orientation and personal style. Some therapists thrive on reflective supervision, preferring a supervisor who asks open-ended questions and helps you reflect on your playroom experiences. Others—especially early in their journey—may prefer a more directive supervisor who shares how they might have handled a situation or offers concrete suggestions within a particular theoretical framework. Good supervisors adapt to your needs, being more directive when you’re learning the basics and more reflective as you gain experience. But each supervisor has a foundational style, which may or may not fit your preferred way of learning.
Could I be your ‘right fit’ supervisor?
One — I live in California and am licensed here, but I’m not currently accepting associates seeking BBS hours. If you’re not yet licensed and want supervision hours to count toward both goals, I’m not the right fit at this time. If you are already licensed or an associate receiving supervision through your employer, I may be a good match for your needs.
Two — I am an integrative play therapist. I draw from multiple theoretical orientations to provide the right tool for the needs of each child I treat. I have a strong background in child-centered play therapy, and I believe all play therapists benefit from understanding and applying its fundamental principles. I am certified in Filial Therapy through NIAD and frequently use it in my work with children and parents. I also draw from Theraplay™, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family systems in my work. In addition, my strong foundation in child development shapes how I conceptualize cases, design treatment plans, and communicate with parents.
If you want to explore a range of theories as you discover your strengths as a play therapist, I may be a good fit early on. If you lean toward non-directive play therapy, are interested in involving parents in the playroom, and/or have an interest in working with young children, I may be a good fit for you at any stage.
Three — Is My Style a Good Fit for Your Needs?
The best way to find out is to give it a try.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation to anyone who asks. We can discuss a specific case or issue you’d like support with. Reach out by phone or email to schedule.
Whether you’re looking for occasional consultation or working toward your Registered Play Therapist credential, I hope you found these pointers helpful. Best of luck on your play therapy journey!