The main purpose of this research was to explore those play therapists' perceptions about the types and frequencies of critical incidents, and the effects of their professional development during group supervision experience. In order to achieve the study, 4 play therapists were selected to join the group for 10 sessions, each 2 hours. The Analysis was based on data obtained from transcripts of in-depth interview within 24 hours after the end of every group session over 10 weeks. The participants were also asked to fill in the Critical Incident Form immediately after every session. All the data were analyzed by using content analysis. The significant findings of this study were as follows:
1. Regarding the types and frequencies of critical incidents, the study result indicates:
a. There were 82 critical incidents for 4 play therapists, including 72 helpful events and 10 hindering events.
b. In this study, critical incidents were classified as five types. They were client play behavior, counseling process and skill, the dynamic of supervisory group, the issue of supervisory group, and personal awareness and insight. It was found that "counseling process and skill" occurred most frequently and "personal awareness and insight" occurred rarely.
c. It was also observed that "the dynamic of supervisory group" occurred most frequently at the initial stage and "counseling process and skill" occurred most frequently at final stage. It showed that supervisees concerned different issues along with different stages.
2. During participated in group supervision, play therapists improved a lot on aspects and contents of professional development.
a. Regarding the cognition of play therapy, supervisee
experienced its efficacy in practice, understood children's play theme and psychological issue, learned to observe and predicate the progress of the children's play, changed the focus of interaction, and integrated individual counseling theory.
b. In the aspect of counseling skill and strategy, supervisee modified those skills and adopted active strategies to prevent or resolve their counseling difficulties.
c. For self-understanding, supervisee promoted personal awareness and growth, adopted active strategies, and achieved better self-efficacy.
d. In the aspect of attitude to children, supervisees enhanced their interest, increased the tolerance, and confided in child client' ability.
Based on these findings, discussions and recommendations were proposed for the researchers and practical workers.