How to Choose a Play Therapy Supervisor

Choosing a play therapy supervisor is a meaningful professional decision. Supervision is not simply a requirement to complete hours—it is a space where clinical judgment, professional identity, and therapeutic presence are shaped over time. The quality of supervision you receive can significantly influence how you practice with children and families long after supervision ends.

If you are considering play therapy supervision, the following questions can help guide a thoughtful and informed choice.

Look Beyond Credentials Alone

Credentials matter. A supervisor should meet the requirements for play therapy supervision and be qualified to provide supervision that counts toward credentialing or professional goals. However, credentials alone do not tell you how supervision will feel or how it will support your development as a clinician.

Consider how the supervisor understands the role of supervision. Do they view supervision as relational and reflective, or primarily evaluative and directive? Do they attend to the therapist’s experience in the room, not just technique or outcomes? Do they adapt supervision based on developmental stage and clinical context?

Effective supervision integrates credentials with clinical depth and responsiveness.

Clarify the Supervisor’s Approach to Play Therapy

Play therapy supervision should reflect a clear clinical orientation. Ask how the supervisor conceptualizes play therapy and how that framework informs supervision.

Important considerations include how play sessions are discussed and reflected upon, whether supervision attends to the play process and not just presenting concerns, how clinical decision-making is explored and supported, and the balance between skill development and reflective exploration.

A supervisor’s approach should align with how you want to practice and grow as a play therapist.

Consider Developmental Fit

Supervision needs change across stages of training and professional growth. A strong supervisor recognizes that graduate students, pre-licensed clinicians, and experienced therapists require different forms of support.

When choosing a supervisor, consider whether supervision is tailored to experience level, whether there is room for questions and uncertainty without judgment, and whether supervision evolves as competence and confidence increase.

Developmentally responsive supervision supports growth without rushing or stagnation.

Understand the Structure of Supervision

Supervision can look different depending on setting and format. It is important to understand how supervision is structured and whether that structure fits your needs.

Questions to consider include whether supervision is offered individually, in groups, or both; how cases are typically discussed; whether there is space for reflection on the therapist’s experience and not just case review; and how feedback is offered.

Clarity about structure helps reduce anxiety and supports meaningful engagement in supervision.

Reflect on the Supervisory Relationship

The supervisory relationship itself matters. Supervision should feel safe enough to allow honesty, curiosity, and reflection, while still maintaining professional boundaries and accountability.

Pay attention to whether you feel heard and respected, how the supervisor responds to questions or uncertainty, and whether supervision encourages thoughtful reflection rather than performance.

A strong supervisory relationship supports clinical integrity and professional confidence.

Ask About Virtual Supervision Thoughtfully

If supervision is offered virtually, consider how the supervisor maintains connection, structure, and ethical standards in an online format.

Virtual supervision can be effective when it includes clear expectations and boundaries, attention to confidentiality and professional standards, and consistent structure and intentional engagement.

The format should support, not dilute, the supervision process.

Trust the Fit

Ultimately, choosing a play therapy supervisor is about fit. Credentials, orientation, structure, and philosophy all matter, but so does how supervision aligns with your values and goals as a clinician.

If possible, reach out with questions or request an initial conversation. Thoughtful supervisors welcome these discussions and view them as part of ethical practice.

Final Thoughts

Play therapy supervision is a formative professional experience. Choosing a supervisor who approaches supervision with intention, reflection, and respect for the developmental process can support not only your current training needs, but your long-term clinical growth.

Taking time to choose well is an investment in your work with children, families, and yourself as a therapist.