Relational-Cultural Play Therapy Supervision: Integrating RCT Into the Supervision of Play Therapists

Relational-cultural theory, a counseling theory that centers the importance of relational connection and sociocultural influences, provides helpful guiding principles for a creative, interpersonally focused, and culturally attuned model for the supervision of play therapists-in-training. This article outlines the main concepts of a relational-cultural play therapy supervision approach and integrates it with the updated Association for Play Therapy (APT) phases of training and competencies to highlight how this approach can support the development of play therapists. Core concepts discussed include the importance and creation of connection in the supervisory relationship, navigating disconnection and fostering relational resilience, recognizing and working with sociocultural influences, and the intentional use of relational competence in skills and techniques. Additionally, a case study based on the first author's experience is included to offer an illustration of relational-cultural play therapy supervision in action.