Looking for a social work practicum focused on children and play therapy?
Become a Part of the Bud To Bloom Team
You already know you want to work with children and families.
Now you need a practicum experience that helps you move from learning about therapy to actually doing it.
At Bud to Bloom, our practicum program is designed for concentration-year social work students who are passionate about working with children. We offer meaningful hands-on experience with play therapy and intensive support from knowledgeable, caring supervisors.
This is more than observation hours. It’s a chance to grow your clinical skills, explore your professional identity, and build a strong foundation for a career working with kids and families.
If you’re looking for a social work internship in St. Louis that combines clinical training, mentorship, community work, and play therapy, you’re in the right place.
What makes our practicum different?
Our students gradually build skills with close support from experienced clinicians who specialize in children, families, trauma, attachment, and play therapy.
At Bud to Bloom, you will:
Learn from clinicians who specialize exclusively in children and families
Gain exposure to multiple play therapy approaches
Participate in individual, group, and community-based services
Receive support from an entire clinical team
Build confidence before carrying a larger caseload
Learn how a private practice operates behind the scenes
Many students spend their practicum observing from the sidelines.
At Bud to Bloom, we know learning happens through doing.
You’re a student first. We never expect you to function as an employee. Our role is to help you learn.
Application Process
Practicum students are encouraged to submit their application a few months before the semester they are seeking an opportunity for. Some applicants will then be invited to participate in a group interview.
Spring 2027 Practicum Interviews
Group interview dates:
Thursday, October 1, 2026| 9:00 AM -10:30 AM
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM -11:30 AM
Summer and Fall 2027 Practicum Interviews
Group interview dates:
Thursday, April 8, 2027 | 10:00 AM -11:30 AM
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 | 9:00 AM -10:30 AM
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You can read about play therapy in a textbook. You can watch videos. Neither compares to seeing it happen in real life.
Students observe and participate in a variety of play-based services while receiving ongoing support and feedback from supervisors.
You’ll have opportunities to:
Shadow individual play therapy sessions
Observe play therapy groups
Learn different play therapy modalities
Attend free pay therapy workshops that count toward RPT credential
Participate in treatment planning discussions
Attend staff consultations and process groups
Develop practical clinical skills with children and families
Because Bud to Bloom is an approved provider of play therapy training with the Association of Play Therapy, students are also encouraged to attend our professional trainings (for free!). -
Healing doesn't only happen in a therapy room. As a practice rooted in the St. Louis community, we provide services in a variety of settings.
Students gain exposure to both office-based and community-based work. This creates a broader understanding of how children, families, schools, and communities interact in the healing process.
You’ll have opportunities to shadow services both inside and outside of our office and see how collaboration strengthens outcomes for children.
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Starting clinical work can feel exciting and intimidating at the same time. We intentionally keep student caseloads small (around 10) so you can focus on learning rather than simply keeping up.
With guidance from your supervisor and support from the clinical team, you’ll gradually develop confidence and competence as a developing therapist.
Most students begin by observing and co-facilitating before taking on additional responsibilities. During your second semester, students may have the opportunity to develop and facilitate their own therapy group with supervision and support.
Who can apply?
At this time, we are accepting applications from:
Concentration-year Master of Social Work (MSW) students
Students with a strong interest in children and families
Students passionate about learning play therapy
What will I experience during my practicum?
Students receive a well-rounded experience that includes both observation and direct clinical work.
Can I begin working toward my Registered Play Therapist credential?
Yes!
One of the unique benefits of our practicum program is access to supervision from a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S), Jasmine Berger. Students receive monthly supervision with an RPT-S and can begin accumulating training hours that can apply toward Phase 1 requirements for the Registered Play Therapist credential.
For students interested in a career in play therapy, this experience can provide an early foundation while strengthening your resume and professional development.
What support will I receive?
Learning can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Practicum students are welcomed into our team and encouraged to participate in:
Team consultations
Case discussion
Clinical process groups
Staff meetings
Professional development opportunities
We believe growth happens through relationships. You’ll be surrounded by other therapists who want to help you succeed.
Meet our team and learn more about the people who make Bud to Bloom a collaborative learning environment.
Students choose Bud to Bloom because they hope to build a long-term career working with children and families.
While practicum placement doesn't guarantee employment post-graduation, we regularly invest in developing future child therapists and may consider form students for future opportunities when child and family therapist positions are available.
For students interested in private practice and play therapy, practicum can be an excellent first step toward a future career path.