Post Certification Stream: Play Therapy Supervision Certification Program

The Supervision training program is designed to formally prepare participants to supervise child and play therapists. Participants will have the opportunity to explore various models of supervision and receive specialized training in the Play Therapy Dimensions Model. During the program, trainees will have the opportunity to work in small groups, debrief supervisory experiences, learn about practical playful supervision strategies, and review supervision videos. The program is 40 hours in length and will provide the minimum hours necessary to meet the “consultation on supervision skills criteria” required as part of the total hours to become a Certified Supervisor.

For full criteria for becoming a Certified Supervisor with Play Therapy International visit play therapy standards

Who Should Attend?

The Play Therapy Supervision Certification Program (blue stream) is intended for Certified Play Therapists who wish to become Certified Play Therapy Supervisors. Program entrance requirements include a Master’s level of academic training and a minimum of 1500 clinical hours of working with children and a total of 2500 hours of direct clinical practice (face-to face therapeutic client contact). Participants must have access to supervisees.

Location of Training

Supervision training is held at the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Alternatively, arrangements can be made to provide supervision training off -site. For dates, check the training calendar

Duration: 5 one-day modules over a 7-9 month period or modules can be taken in a one-week intensive.

Module Descriptions

Module 1:

• Definition of supervision
• Introduction to models of supervision
• Elements of supervision including clinical, educational and administrative functions

Module 2:

• The supervision process
• Playful approaches/strategies to supervision
• Utilizing the PTDM Decision-Making Guide and assessment tools in supervision

Module 3:

• Legal and ethical issues; using an ethical framework
• Identifying supervisee stage of development
• Assessing competencies and matching supervision interventions

Module 4:

• Characteristics of effective supervision
• Multicultural issues and considerations in supervision
• Training presentation

Module 5:

• Supervisor group consultation model
• Assessing Supervisor stage of development
• Utilizing video tapes in supervision
• Review of supervisor video tapes

Upon successful completion of the program, each participant will have gained:

• A working definition of supervision

• The ability to describe the purpose, goals and role of the supervisor

• An overview of the models of supervision

• An understanding and use of a specific play therapy model for supervision (Play Therapy Dimensions Model)

• The ability to identify the stage of development of the supervisee and supervisor

• A repertoire of creative supervision strategies

• An awareness of legal and ethical issues specifically related to work with children

• Exposure to a variety of process and assessment tools for supervisors and supervisees

• An awareness of multicultural issues related to supervision

• The necessary skills to make use of video review in supervision

• The ability to identify a model to use in future supervision

Methods

• Experiential activities
• Video presentations
• Case examples/case presentations
• Slides
• Role plays and video taping
• Session seminars
• Reading assignments
• Written exercises

Awards

Participants will receive a 40-hour Certificate from the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute. This program constitutes one part of the total requirements for Certified Supervisor status. Canadian participants will forward their full applications to Play Therapy Canada for review. Applications are then forwarded to Play Therapy International for final award or Certified Play Therapy Supervisor credential.

For International requirements to be certified as a Play Therapy Supervisor visit play therapy standards

The certificates are awarded on the basis of:

• The successful completion of one transcribed supervision tape. Participants will be expected to choose one supervision session out of at least 40 sessions.

• Satisfactory completion of a process journal.

• Continuous evaluation of course work contributions and ability to work with group dynamics.

• The satisfactory completion of a 5-page supervision case review utilizing a model of supervision.

How can I apply these skills?

Participants will be able to utilize a model of supervision to more effectively support and guide supervisees. The supervision skills although focused on child and play therapists, can be generalized to supervision of those working with adults and families. You will be able to identify your own development as a supervisor as well as the development of your supervise. You will be able to provide specialized supervision to staff and defend your clinical work and the work of others to various systems. Acquiring specialized supervision skills will enhance your professional credibility in the field of child and play therapy.

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