Growing the Next Generation of Play Therapists: Now Offering Registered Play Therapist™ Supervision

By Bridget Meranda, MSW, LICSW, RPT-S™
Bridget's Empowerment Solutions

One of the greatest privileges of my career has been witnessing the incredible healing that happens through play.

Since becoming a play therapist in 2019, I have had the opportunity to work alongside children navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral challenges, life transitions, and difficult emotions. I have been reminded that children often communicate not through words—but through play.

Today, I am excited to share the next step in my professional journey.

I have recently earned my Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™ (RPT-S™) credential, allowing me to provide supervision to clinicians pursuing their Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential through the Association for Play Therapy.

Why Play Therapy?

Children do not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. Developmentally, many children communicate through their natural language—play.

While adults often process experiences through conversation, children process through imagination, creativity, movement, storytelling, art, and symbolic play. A carefully selected toy may represent a feeling that is too overwhelming to verbalize. A sand tray may tell the story of a child's trauma. A puppet may speak the words a child cannot yet say aloud.

Play therapy honors the way children naturally communicate.

The Role of the Association for Play Therapy

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is the leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of play therapy.

APT establishes nationally recognized standards for education, clinical experience, supervision, and ethical practice. Through continuing education, research, credentialing, and professional development, the organization helps ensure that children and families receive high-quality, evidence-informed play therapy services.

These standards help maintain excellence within the profession while supporting clinicians in providing developmentally appropriate and effective care for children.

Why Supervision Matters

Supervision is a collaborative relationship where clinicians have the opportunity to strengthen their clinical decision-making, deepen their understanding of play therapy theory, explore interventions, and reflect on their work with children and families.

Just as children thrive through safe, supportive relationships, clinicians also benefit from mentorship that encourages curiosity, reflection, and ongoing learning.

My Philosophy of Supervision

My approach to supervision is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and growth.

I believe supervision should be a place where clinicians feel supported as they explore their strengths, ask difficult questions, and continue developing their unique therapeutic style.

Drawing from my experience working with children affected by trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, and sibling sexual trauma and abuse, I strive to help supervisees integrate play therapy principles into thoughtful, trauma-informed clinical practice.

Interested in Play Therapy Supervision?

If you are a mental health professional working toward your Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential and are seeking supervision, I would be honored to support you in your professional journey.

Whether you are just beginning your play therapy training or are actively accumulating supervision hours, I welcome the opportunity to help you grow your skills and confidence while providing high-quality care to children and families.

To learn more about play therapy supervision or to discuss whether we would be a good fit, please contact Bridget's Empowerment Solutions. Together, we can continue advancing the field of play therapy—one clinician, one child, and one family at a time.

📍 Learn more at www.bridgetsempowermentsolutions.com
📧 Email: bridget@bridgetsempowermentsolutions.com
📱 Follow on social media: @BridgetMeranda