8- Supervision and Play Therapy Training

Chapter 8: (pp. 135-144)

Key Answer: C) Supervised play therapy experiences with children

Explanation: While reading, observing, and role-playing are important, the text emphasizes that the most important learnings are derived from supervised play therapy experiences—where therapists actually engage with children and reflect on those sessions.

According to the text, the most important learning for becoming a play therapist comes from:

A) Reading research studies on play therapy
B) Observing experienced play therapists only
C) Supervised play therapy experiences with children
D) Practicing role-plays with peers

Key Answer: B) It minimizes the potential negative impact of their own needs and issues

Explanation: The text explains that the therapist’s personality, needs, and life experiences inevitably influence the play therapy process. Self-exploration builds insight, helping to minimize negative effects on the therapeutic relationship.

Why is self-exploration important for play therapists?

A) It ensures they remember all theoretical models correctly
B) It minimizes the potential negative impact of their own needs and issues
C) It helps them design better playrooms
D) It guarantees they will never feel emotional during sessions

Key Answer: B) The child’s awareness of Cheryl’s emotional state

Explanation: The child only used the medical kit and engaged in nurturing play during Cheryl’s session, likely sensing Cheryl’s grief despite Cheryl saying she was “emotionally okay.”

In the example of “Cheryl” in the mini practicum, what did the child’s play with the medical kit likely reflect?

A) The child’s interest in becoming a doctor
B) The child’s awareness of Cheryl’s emotional state
C) The child’s response to being in a new playroom
D) The child’s desire to follow session rules

Key Answer: C) To focus on the therapist’s verbal and nonverbal skills in child-centered play therapy

Explanation: The PTSC is a tool developed by the Center for Play Therapy to help supervise and self-assess therapists’ verbal and nonverbal skills during play therapy sessions.

What is the primary purpose of the Play Therapy Skills Checklist (PTSC)?

A) To grade students on their creativity
B) To track the number of toys used in each session
C) To focus on the therapist’s verbal and nonverbal skills in child-centered play therapy
D) To determine whether the child enjoyed the session

Key Answer: D) A doctoral dissertation on play therapy

Explanation: The recommended training program includes a master’s degree, 90 hours of specialized instruction, practicum, and internship. A doctoral dissertation is not required.

Which of the following is NOT listed as part of the recommended training program for play therapists?

A) A master’s degree in a helping profession
B) 90 clock hours of instruction in play therapy
C) Supervised practicum and internship
D) A doctoral dissertation on play therapy

Key Answer: B) Because the therapist’s personal qualities influence the relationship more than techniques do

Explanation: In child-centered play therapy, the therapist’s self-awareness, attitudes, and presence are more critical to the process than technical skills, which are secondary.

Why is supervision said to focus primarily on the person of the therapist rather than skill development?

A) Because skills are not important in play therapy
B) Because the therapist’s personal qualities influence the relationship more than techniques do
C) Because supervisors do not have time to teach skills
D) Because skills can be learned later from books

Key Answer: C) It may indicate defensiveness or insecurity

Explanation: The text notes that reluctance to record sessions might reveal defensiveness or insecurity, as open video review is essential for growth at any experience level.

According to the text, why might a play therapist resist video-recording sessions?

A) They believe it distracts the child
B) They lack the necessary equipment
C) It may indicate defensiveness or insecurity
D) They have already passed all supervision requirements

Key Answer: C) Role-play with the instructor acting as the child

Explanation: Students in the course role-play with the instructor as the child to improve responding skills and prepare for unexpected playroom situations.

Which sequence is part of the Introduction to Play Therapy course described?

A) Observe only videos of other therapists
B) Read about play therapy before meeting children
C) Role-play with the instructor acting as the child
D) Complete a 2-day workshop

Key Answer: B) Being impatient and unable to wait

Explanation: Keith realized he was too impatient and needed to learn to wait, which affected his ability to see situations from the child’s perspective.

What did Keith, the play therapist in training, identify as a key personal challenge?

A) Being too talkative
B) Being impatient and unable to wait
C) Difficulty setting limits
D) Overanalyzing children’s behavior

Key Answer: B) It forces intense attention to detail, promoting deeper self-insight

Explanation: Transcribing requires close review of each moment in the session, leading to depth discoveries about the therapist’s actions, responses, and self-awareness.

Why is transcribing a play therapy session considered valuable?

A) It is required for licensure
B) It forces intense attention to detail, promoting deeper self-insight
C) It allows therapists to correct grammatical errors in their speech
D) It makes sessions easier to share with parents

Key Answer: C) Supervised play therapy with children

Explanation: The text stresses that while academic preparation is important, the deepest learning comes from directly engaging with children in supervised sessions.

What is described as the most important learning experience for a play therapist?

A) Graduate-level coursework
B) Role-playing with peers
C) Supervised play therapy with children
D) Reading scholarly articles on play therapy

Key Answer: B) A therapist’s personality and needs will influence the process to some extent.

Explanation: The text notes the question is not whether the therapist affects the process, but to what degree.

Which statement reflects the inevitability of personal influence in play therapy?

A) A therapist can fully separate personal life from therapy sessions.
B) A therapist’s personality and needs will influence the process to some extent.
C) Play therapists should never share any emotions in sessions.
D) Supervision eliminates all personal biases.

Key Answer: B) Understanding the person of the therapist

Explanation: The approach prioritizes self-awareness, attitudes, and presence over technical skills.

In child-centered play therapy supervision, the main focus is:

A) Teaching therapists to use the largest variety of techniques
B) Understanding the person of the therapist
C) Evaluating the number of toys used per session
D) Measuring how many interventions the therapist attempts

Key Answer: A) It might indicate defensiveness or insecurity.

Explanation: The text states that openness to video review at any level of experience reflects willingness to learn.

Why is reluctance to video-record sessions seen as a potential concern?

A) It might indicate defensiveness or insecurity.
B) It prevents parents from reviewing the session.
C) It suggests the therapist is not tech-savvy.
D) It violates ethical guidelines.

Key Answer: B) The child sensed Cheryl’s emotional grief.

Explanation: The nurturing play was unique to Cheryl’s session, suggesting the child picked up on Cheryl’s underlying emotional state.

In the “Cheryl” example, why did the child engage in prolonged nurturing play with the medical kit?

A) The child wanted to pretend to be a nurse.
B) The child sensed Cheryl’s emotional grief.
C) The child was imitating previous sessions.
D) The medical kit was the only available toy.

Key Answer: A) Academic descriptions to personal experience with the child

Explanation: Maria emphasized experiencing herself in action with the child rather than relying only on textbook knowledge.

Maria reported that play therapy helped her move beyond:

A) Academic descriptions to personal experience with the child
B) Group counseling to individual counseling
C) Verbal responses to nonverbal cues
D) Practice sessions to real sessions

Key Answer: B) Impatience and inability to wait

Explanation: Keith discovered he needed to learn to wait, which allowed children to act on their own.

What did Keith identify as his personal challenge during sessions?

A) Difficulty setting limits
B) Impatience and inability to wait
C) Talking too much
D) Avoiding eye contact

Key Answer: C) Can prompt more approval-seeking questions

Explanation: Inconsistent responses increased the child’s approval-seeking, raising Ghalen’s anxiety.

Ghalen learned that inconsistent facilitative responses:

A) Encourage the child’s independence
B) Lead to fewer questions from the child
C) Can prompt more approval-seeking questions
D) Improve the therapist’s confidence

Key Answer: B) Increase responsiveness to reduce unfamiliarity

Explanation: Cultural and speech differences combined with her quiet style made the child uncomfortable, so she increased her response rate.

Ching realized she needed to:

A) Reduce her speaking to avoid overwhelming the child
B) Increase responsiveness to reduce unfamiliarity
C) Maintain the same quiet approach
D) Use fewer toys in the session

Key Answer: C) Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas

Explanation: It was created at UNT to evaluate therapist verbal and nonverbal skills in child-centered play therapy.

The PTSC was developed by:

A) American Counseling Association
B) Association for Play Therapy
C) Center for Play Therapy, University of North Texas
D) National Institute for Child Development

Key Answer: B) As a stimulus for discussion and feedback

Explanation: The scale is intended to prompt discussion between therapist and supervisor about observed skills.

How is the PTSC best utilized in supervision?

A) As a grading rubric for final exams
B) As a stimulus for discussion and feedback
C) To count the number of child behaviors observed
D) To select which toys should be removed

Key Answer: B) Promote insight and identify discrepancies

Explanation: Discrepancy discussions can deepen the therapist’s self-awareness.

Comparing the therapist’s self-ratings with the supervisor’s ratings helps:

A) Eliminate disagreements
B) Promote insight and identify discrepancies
C) Replace the need for supervision
D) Reduce the number of recorded sessions

Key Answer: C) Gaining deeper self-insight through detailed review

Explanation: Transcription requires close observation, leading to discoveries about self and practice.

What is a major benefit of transcribing a play therapy session?

A) Learning new vocabulary
B) Producing a written record for legal purposes
C) Gaining deeper self-insight through detailed review
D) Saving time during supervision

Key Answer: B) Not relying enough on the child’s innate ability to heal

Explanation: She recognized she needed to trust the child’s inner resources more fully.

In the reflection example, the graduate student realized she was:

A) Over-relying on the child’s ability to heal
B) Not relying enough on the child’s innate ability to heal
C) Using too many reflective statements
D) Setting limits too often

Key Answer: A) Change at least 10 responses they made

Explanation: The method involves identifying and revising multiple responses to improve future interactions.

When critiquing videos for responding skills, the therapist should:

A) Change at least 10 responses they made
B) Remove all silence from sessions
C) Focus only on nonverbal behavior
D) Replicate responses from the supervisor

Key Answer: B) Master’s in a helping profession

Explanation: The recommendation is for at least a master’s in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields.

According to the suggested guidelines, play therapists should have a degree at what minimum level?

A) Bachelor’s in psychology
B) Master’s in a helping profession
C) Doctorate in counseling
D) Associate degree in child care

Key Answer: D) Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal

Explanation: Publication is not listed as a requirement.

Which is NOT part of the recommended training program?

A) 90 hours of play therapy instruction
B) Supervised practicum and internship
C) Observation of maladjusted and normal children
D) Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal

Key Answer: B) It provides direct application of skills and personal growth

Explanation: Supervised sessions help therapists integrate skills and develop self-awareness in real interactions.

Why is supervised experience considered crucial in training?

A) It builds a strong toy collection
B) It provides direct application of skills and personal growth
C) It guarantees employment
D) It shortens the learning period

Key Answer: B) Role-playing with the instructor as the child

Explanation: Role-playing with the instructor acting as the child builds confidence in handling unpredictable actions.

In the Introduction to Play Therapy course, which activity helps prepare for unexpected child behaviors?

A) Reviewing journal articles
B) Role-playing with the instructor as the child
C) Reading toy manuals
D) Conducting phone interviews with children

Key Answer: B) To gain real-world practice in non-clinical environments

Explanation: These sessions give experience outside the Center’s playrooms while still being critiqued.

What is the purpose of students conducting sessions with volunteer adjusted children at outside locations?

A) To test the safety of the toys
B) To gain real-world practice in non-clinical environments
C) To avoid supervision requirements
D) To provide therapy to the child’s family

Key Answer: B) Are placed in internships at schools, agencies, or clinics

Explanation: Graduates move into internships to continue supervised practice.

After the practicum, students:

A) Take a break before applying for jobs
B) Are placed in internships at schools, agencies, or clinics
C) Only work with adult clients
D) Supervise other students immediately

Key Answer: B) Allowing the child to lead and reducing directive interventions

Explanation: In child-centered play therapy, the therapist allows the child to lead. Reviewing and changing these directive responses aligns with the “select 10 responses you would change” guideline.

A play therapist-in-training is reviewing a video of her session and notices she interrupted the child’s play several times to suggest new activities. Based on the self-supervision guidelines, what should she focus on improving?

A) Offering more varied toys
B) Allowing the child to lead and reducing directive interventions
C) Speaking more quickly
D) Asking more questions to clarify the child’s behavior

Key Answer: B) The therapist was rescuing herself from feeling the child’s pain

Explanation: The reflection example showed that avoiding painful play themes often means the therapist is avoiding their own discomfort rather than supporting the child.

During supervision, a graduate student reports that she avoided exploring the child’s sad play themes because it made her feel uncomfortable. According to the text, what is the most likely underlying issue?

A) The child was resistant to therapy
B) The therapist was rescuing herself from feeling the child’s pain
C) The child lacked play skills
D) The therapist needed more advanced toys

Key Answer: B) Communicate trust in the child’s own judgment

Explanation: Demonstrating faith in the child’s ability builds self-confidence and reduces approval-seeking behavior.

A therapist notices that a child constantly asks for permission to try new activities during play sessions. According to Ghalen’s experience, the therapist’s best approach would be to:

A) Provide detailed instructions for each activity
B) Communicate trust in the child’s own judgment
C) Redirect the child to structured games
D) Limit the number of activities the child can do

Key Answer: B) Defensiveness or insecurity

Explanation: The text warns that resistance to video review may point to defensiveness or insecurity, even in experienced therapists.

A new play therapist says she prefers not to record her sessions because she “doesn’t like watching herself.” Based on the reading, what might this reluctance indicate?

A) Lack of technical skills
B) Defensiveness or insecurity
C) Ethical concerns
D) Preference for live supervision only

Key Answer: B) Whether the play may reflect the therapist’s emotional state

Explanation: In Cheryl’s example, nurturing play reflected the child’s possible awareness of the therapist’s grief.

In a mini practicum, a child spends nearly the entire session pretending to take care of a sick teddy bear. What should the supervisor consider first in interpreting this play?

A) The child’s medical knowledge
B) Whether the play may reflect the therapist’s emotional state
C) The availability of nurturing toys in the playroom
D) The child’s developmental stage

Key Answer: B) To prepare the therapist to handle unexpected behaviors in real sessions

Explanation: This exercise helps therapists respond flexibly to surprises in real playroom situations.

During role-play in the Introduction to Play Therapy course, the instructor acts unpredictably as “the child.” What is the main purpose of this exercise?

A) To test the therapist’s humor skills
B) To prepare the therapist to handle unexpected behaviors in real sessions
C) To increase speed in responding
D) To memorize child development milestones

Key Answer: B) Discuss the discrepancies to gain insight

Explanation: Comparing and discussing rating differences is a key part of using the PTSC for growth.

A therapist reviewing her PTSC notices that her nonverbal ratings from the supervisor are lower than her own. What should be the next step?

A) Disregard the supervisor’s ratings
B) Discuss the discrepancies to gain insight
C) Change her theoretical orientation
D) Stop using nonverbal communication altogether

Key Answer: B) What she learned about the child, play therapy, and herself

Explanation: The text specifies critiquing based on insights into the child, process, and self.

A student therapist’s practicum involves working with an adjusted child at a church classroom. She brings toys and records the session. What should her critique focus on?

A) How closely the child followed her suggestions
B) What she learned about the child, play therapy, and herself
C) How well she matched textbook examples
D) How long each toy was used

Key Answer: B) Increase responsiveness to help the child feel more comfortable

Explanation: Increasing her rate of response reduced the unfamiliarity for the child.

A therapist realizes that in her first sessions, the child seemed hesitant to engage, possibly because of her accent and quiet style. According to Ching’s insight, what is the most effective adjustment?

A) Maintain the same quiet approach for consistency
B) Increase responsiveness to help the child feel more comfortable
C) Eliminate verbal responses entirely
D) Change toys to match the child’s culture

Key Answer: B) Play therapy is something to be a part of, allowing the child to lead

Explanation: One therapist in the workshop concluded that play therapy is not something to “do” but to “be a part of,” trusting the child’s direction.

A supervisor notices a therapist tries to control the direction of the child’s play to “keep it productive.” According to the supervision workshop feedback, what mindset shift should the therapist adopt?

A) Play therapy is something to be controlled for efficiency
B) Play therapy is something to be a part of, allowing the child to lead
C) Productivity comes from structured play
D) The therapist’s role is to avoid all emotional involvement

Why Does It Matter?

• It’s like quality control for science—only the best, most trustworthy research gets published.

• Doctors, therapists, and scientists rely on peer-reviewed studies to make sure they’re using correct information.

Example:
If a play therapist writes a study on how toys help anxious kids, it won’t be taken seriously unless it passes peer review. A blog or regular magazine doesn’t have this strict checking system.

What is a Peer-Reviewed Journal?

A peer-reviewed journal is a type of academic magazine where experts (scientists, researchers, or professionals) publish their studies. But before an article is accepted, it goes through a strict checking process:

1. Submission → A researcher writes a paper and sends it to the journal.

2. Review by Experts → Other experts in the same field (the "peers") read it carefully. They check if:

   1. The study is original and important.

   2. The methods make sense.

   3. The conclusions are supported by evidence.

3. Decision → The reviewers can:

   1. Accept the paper (sometimes with small fixes).

   2. Reject it if it’s not good enough.

   3. Ask for big changes before accepting.