Play Therapy Supervision
Defined
Play therapy supervision is a specialized form of clinical supervision facilitated by a play therapist who holds the Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor credential (RPT-S™).
The play therapist supervisor guides supervisees through the educational and experiential requirements needed to become Registered Play Therapists (RPT™) (APT, 2023).
Play therapy supervisors have advanced training in the clinical practice of play therapy (at least three years of play therapy experience post Registered Play Therapist credential), demonstrate expertise in conducting clinical supervision, and have knowledge of play therapy and the play therapy supervision process.
Role & Responsibility
Play therapist supervisors have two main roles. First, they ensure that all play therapists provide the highest quality care to the children and families they serve. Second, they help maintain the competency and credibility of both play therapists and the field of play therapy.
Foundations
The foundations of play therapy supervision are formed around the tasks and guidance the supervisor provides the play therapist in training, including gaining specialized knowledge and skills in play therapy (seminal play therapy theory, techniques, and child development), the development of nonverbal communication skills, learning about therapeutic dynamics with children and the art of the play therapy relationship, and personal development and self-reflection (countertransference, person of the play therapist).
The Inner Canvas Collective offers a variety of services related to play therapy supervision:
1. Become a Play Therapist Supervisor through our course:
Are you looking to master the basics of Play Therapy Supervision, build confidence, develop skills, and achieve competence as a Play Therapist Supervisor?
Check out The Inner Canvas Collective's Becoming a Play Therapist Supervisor Course (on-demand): https://www.innercanvascollective.com/playtherapysupervisor
Learn more about our Supervision training program here.
2. Individual or Group Play Therapy Supervision & Consultation:
Play Therapy Group & Individual Supervision (RPT/ RPT-S), if interested, please complete this form and send it here.
3. Play Therapy Training:
Find out more about our Play Therapy training program and our upcoming Winter 2026 live webinar series.
