What is an RPT-S?

An RPT-S, or Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, is a mental health professional who has not only obtained the credentials of a Registered Play Therapist but has also met additional training and experience requirements to supervise and train other professionals in the field of play therapy.

Steps to Becoming an RPT-S

The exact requirements are outlined by the Association for Play Therapy in the United States, but generally, to become an RPT-S, an individual must:

1. Have an active mental health license from a recognized state or national authority.
2. Currently hold the RPT credential in good standing for the three most recent consecutive years at the time of application.
3. Complete additional 30 hours of coursework in supervision practices and theory.
4. Accumulate an additional 500 hours of play therapy experience hours, working with the guidance of an existing RPT-S.

Roles and Responsibilities

An RPT-S typically undertakes the following roles:

1. Mentoring and Supervising: They provide direct supervision to therapists seeking their RPT credentials or those looking to enhance their skills in play therapy. This involves observing sessions, providing feedback, and ensuring adherence to best practices.

2. Training: They might conduct workshops, seminars, or courses to introduce and train therapists in play therapy techniques, theories, and applications.

3. Promoting Ethical Practice: RPT-Ss ensure that those they supervise understand and follow the ethical guidelines of play therapy, promoting the best interests of the child clients.

4. Research and Development: Many RPT-Ss are involved in advancing the field through research, creating new techniques, or refining existing ones.

Why is the RPT-S Credential Important?

• Quality Assurance: The credential ensures that play therapists receive supervision from professionals who have a deep understanding of play therapy.

• Promotion of Best Practices: An RPT-S is equipped to ensure that play therapists maintain high standards and follow the best and most current practices.

• Encouragement of Continuous Learning: Play therapy, like all therapy modalities, evolves over time. An RPT-S encourages therapists to engage in ongoing learning and development.

• Support for Therapists: Play therapy can be emotionally challenging. Supervision provides therapists with a supportive environment to discuss cases, share experiences, and manage any personal impacts.