Clinical Supervision

What Is Clinical Supervision?

Therapy is typically a private undertaking. However, for therapists working towards licensure, supervision helps to sharpen their skills and gain additional insight. During supervision, the supervisee meets with a licensed supervisor to discuss treatment strategies, managing cases, and other challenging issues and important topics related to mental health.
A key aspect of supervision is helping the therapist practice better self-care. They are also offered a chance to express their feelings about active cases in a safe, confidential environment.

Why Is Clinical Supervision Important?

Supervision can take a year or more to complete. Therapy is both a science and an art, and in order to offer the best service to clients, it is important that trainees work under a licensed professional to learn and understand therapeutic practice in a hands-on setting.
Supervisee will gain valuable feedback from someone with reputable skills and experience. Your supervisor gives you insights, personal style, and guidance on how you can sharpen your skills and adapt to the complex needs of various clients.

Clinical Supervision Ethics

An excellent clinical supervisor should help their supervisee to become competent and ethical therapists. Confidentiality should not be bridged. Privacy laws and expectations allow therapists to share their treatment plans with respective supervisors. In some cases, supervisors are made liable for the supervisee’ conduct. Both parties need to share duties and be open to the client about the supervision role.

How to Find Clinical Supervision Opportunities

Requirements of licensure, particularly supervision, can be overwhelming. Here are some good options for getting started:

1. Ask your school to help you find a clinical supervisor.

2. Attend professional conferences and seminars. This builds your network with therapists who may be offering supervision.

3. Check with local professional therapists who can offer supervision.

4. Contact the state’s licensing board to refer you to therapists offering supervision.

5. Apply to internship programs to gain insight from a licensed supervisor.