A Study on the Subjectivity of Play Therapist's Supervision

Objectives This study applied Q methodology to type the subjectivity of play therapists' supervision and identify the characteristics of each type in order to identify the subjective perception and characteristics of each type of play therapist's supervision. Methods To this end, a total of 143 statements were derived through literature research and in-depth interviews for a total of 115 days from March 30 to July 22, 2023, and a total of 27 play therapists were selected as the P sample and Q classification was conducted. The collected data were analyzed using the PC-QUANL Program. Results As a result of the study, the play therapist's supervision experience was classified into four categories. Type 1 is a ‘play therapist who believes that he or she has experienced self-reflection and professional growth through play therapy supervision.’ This type recognizes that he or she has experienced positive growth in both personal and professional areas through supervision. Type 2 is a ‘play therapist with ambivalent feelings about play therapy supervision’ and perceives that he has received help as a play therapist through supervision, but perceives that he has experienced ambivalent feelings of sensitivity and concern about the relationship with the supervisor. This is the type of thing that does. Type 3 is ‘play therapists who think that the less experience they have, the more play therapy supervision they should receive.’ This includes play therapists who think that play therapy supervision should be carried out in qualitatively different ways and aspects depending on experience. Type 4 was identified as ‘play therapist seeking a better environment for receiving play therapy supervision.’ They think that the environment for receiving better supervision is a physical place to receive supervision, a quiet space, the supervision process, a trusting relationship with the supervisor, and additional training after supervision. Conclusions Through the results of this study, the subjective perception structure of play therapists' supervision was classified and confirmed, focusing on play therapists' perception of supervision, and it is expected to be used as basic data on the development and accessibility of play therapists' continuous supervision.