Lessons Learned in Clinical Supervision Training

Clinical Supervision training, Recently, I offered my flagship Intro to Supervision course. As I reflect on this course offering, I am struck by a few learnings of my own: 1. Supervision is hard: After years in the field, I cannot take this fact for granted. Providing effective supervision is both an art and science, necessitating…

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Becoming a Supervisor?

EMDR Therapy. Professional in a session with a couple.

The role of the clinical supervisor is incredibly complex. It is also fundamentally impactful on therapist growth and development. “Good” supervision can reduce burnout, increase self-efficacy, and enhance practitioner confidence. As a result, becoming a supervisor can be both a rewarding and daunting task. Any organization providing mental health services should consider how they might…

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Clinical Supervision and Reflective Practice

EMDR Therapy. Professional in a session with a couple.

Reflective practices are fundamental for organizations committed to continued learning, navigating changing landscapes, and ultimately, growing. Being a reflective practitioner does not simply mean dedicating some time to reviewing the events of your day. Rather, this is a way of life and a state of mind that embodies the goal of self-illumination. A reflective practice,…

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What is Mindfulness?!

Lately, everywhere I look, I hear the term mindfulness.  It is becoming an important practice in therapy services as well!  However, Mindfulness is not a new practice … at all!  In fact, has roots in ancient Eastern philosophies and religious traditions, particularly Buddhism. It is closely associated with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical…

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The Internalized Mentor Part II

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then the best way to beat burnout is to keep it from happening in the first place. -Maslach, 2015, p. 216 Self-Care and Clinical Supervision Summary Points:  Self-care acts as an antidote to burnout, compassion fatigue, professional impairment and malpractice. The restorative function of…

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The Internalized Mentor

I am still learning. ― Michelangelo, age 87 There will always be a role for supervision in the life of the professional counsellor. Early on, supervision tends to be more involved, more specific, more intense. With time and experience, the counsellor gains independence and autonomy. It is hoped they also gain the reflective skills necessary…

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