Getting The Most Out Of Clinical Supervision
Maximizing the Benefits of Clinical Supervision
In various professional circles, discussions about clinical supervision often revolve around a common question: "How can I derive the most value from clinical supervision?" Today, Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney tackles this very question. As mental health professionals, supervision remains a consistent element in our routines. While I hesitate to label it a "requirement," acknowledging the valuable learning opportunities offered through case consultation with colleagues and supervisors is crucial. This, of course, should be clearly outlined in informed consent documentation, emphasizing the importance of compatibility between supervisee and supervisor.
For the purposes of this blog post, the focus is on required, formal, clinical supervision, where a formal contract or agreement is in place. Depending on educational or licensing mandates, clinical supervision inevitably assumes a pivotal role at various stages.
Reflect on your past supervision experiences. What stands out? Responses to this question span from supervision being viewed merely as a "requirement" to a "wonderful experience filled with valuable lessons."
Now, consider this: What factors contributed to a positive experience, or what could have made it better? Preparation, whether by the supervisor or the supervisee, emerges as a common thread in enhancing the overall supervision experience.
For the Supervisee:
Maintain notes throughout the week to remember discussion points for the next meeting.
Be flexible with time allocation for concepts during the session.
Reflect on both strengths and areas for improvement; positive occurrences can often lead to new insights.
Discuss not only client-related matters but also broader professional interactions or relevant news items.
Understand that supervision aims for improvement, not necessarily correction; it's about exploring alternatives.
For the Clinical Supervisor:
Acknowledge the supervisee's stage in professional development.
Strike a balance in pacing supervision sessions to suit both parties.
Incorporate non-client-care-related concepts in discussions to diversify session content.
Emphasize counselor self-care, recognizing its importance in managing challenging sessions.
Additional Considerations:
These reflective questions can be beneficial when time permits:
Recall a memorable statement or event from a session.
Identify lessons learned from clients that influenced your approach in subsequent sessions.
Reflect on sessions that evoked happiness, nervousness, rattled feelings, or surprise.
Consider how you would handle specific situations in session and whether subsequent supervision would be sought.
Explore personal preferences and challenges in counseling.
Share insights into preparation methods as a supervisee or supervisor.
Approaching clinical supervision with a focus on preparation and reflection enriches the learning experience for both supervisees and supervisors. These considerations contribute to a dynamic and fruitful professional growth journey.
Text Dr. Liz to ask about Internship Supervision Opportunities: 813-240-3237