Clinical supervision is both a vital and ongoing practice for therapists. Supervision gives both aspiring and experienced therapists space to work through clinical and ethical situations, receive guidance and feedback, and connect with someone with a shared vision. The collaborative process of supervision benefits both the therapist and the client, ensuring the latter is receiving both safe and effective care. When we enter the field of counselling and therapy, we commit to a process of continuous learning. This learning occurs within sessions with our clients, as well as within supervision where discussions on ethical dilemmas or difficult cases occur, through reflection, and exploring new strategies.
Choosing the Right Supervisor
Whether you are a recent counselling graduate, a Registered Psychotherapist in the Qualifying category, or an Independent Psychotherapist, finding the right clinical supervisor is imperative to your growth. Below are some tips in making this choice:
- Experience: If you are just entering the field, looking for a supervisor who can provide a nurturing environment may be of interest. Building confidence within your sessions, processing and case conceptualizing, and goal setting for your future as a therapist can be helpful. If you have begun working as a therapist, likely in the Qualifying stage, you may want to find a clinical supervisor who can assist you in collaboratively conceptualizing client cases, furthering your therapeutic skills, developing new perspectives, and honing in on a speciality. If you are a seasoned therapist, there may be times in your career where receiving one-on-one supervision may still be beneficial. This may be required when establishing new skills, theoretical orientations, or modalities, or as on-going support.
- Expertise: Search for a clinical supervisor with expertise in areas you are, or wish to, specialize in. Consider what theory and knowledge you wish to deepen.
- Supervision style: Within your search, identify their supervision style and how they provide support and feedback. Receiving constructive criticism in a safe and non-judgemental environment is pivotal to the supervision process. Collaboratively discuss with potential supervisors how you’d like supervision meetings structured.
- Code of Ethics: Ensure your potential supervisor practices the same Ethical Standards that you do so that they can assist you in discussing and maintaining ethical considerations with clients.
- Expectations around Frequency: Ensure your potential supervisor has the availability to meet at the frequency of your choice. Do you want to meet regularly? Sporadically? This will ensure you are receiving the support required to meet both your needs and regulatory requirements.
Clinical supervision is a necessary component of our commitment as therapists, while also having infinite benefits. It encourages the enhancement of skills, provides an opportunity to work as a collaborative team, promotes the development of professional goals, and ensures clients are receiving the best care possible. Wherever you are on your search for a clinical supervisor, Mindset First can assist you in determining the type of supervision you are looking for. Reach out to us today to continue your path of becoming the therapist you wish to be.
