Clinical Supervision: Beyond Checking the Box
By Nikka Alma
As a therapist navigating my journey toward licensure, I vividly recall my initial perceptions of clinical supervision. Like many of my peers, I viewed it as a requirement checkpoint, a box to tick off on the path to becoming a licensed practitioner. However, it wasn’t until I began actively engaging in supervision that I realized its profound impact on my professional growth and development.
In this article, I will share personal experiences and delve into why showing up, both physically and mentally, in clinical supervision is essential for therapists like you seeking licensure. As you delve into this, you might find yourself nodding along, thinking, “That’s exactly what I do.” And you know what? That’s amazing. It’s a testament to your commitment to showing up authentically in your clinical supervision journey.
How Do You Show Up in Supervision?
However, even if the principles discussed here resonate with your current practices, there’s always room for further exploration and growth. I love asking myself a question, “How did/do I show up to my supervision?” I think it’s a valuable question worth asking yourself, even if you feel confident in your approach.
Reflecting on your mindset, your level of engagement, and your willingness to embrace feedback can deepen your understanding of your own journey. This can also bring some profound insights not only into your professional but also your personal life.
So, while it’s wonderful that you’re already embodying the principles of active engagement in supervision, there’s still more to learn, right? Perhaps there are areas where you can challenge yourself further, or new perspectives you can explore. By remaining curious and open-minded, you’ll continue to evolve as a therapist and as a person.
Early in my career, I approached supervision with a passive mindset, attending sessions and not remembering what we discussed, often disengaged and clock-watching. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a challenging case forced me to seek guidance from my supervisor as I was out of my depth. As I presented the case and shared my uncertainties, I was met with empathy, insight, and invaluable feedback.
This transformative experience ignited a shift in my approach to supervision. I began actively participating in discussions, seeking feedback, and embracing the opportunity for growth.
The Importance of Active Engagement
Embracing Vulnerability
Even after years of experience, I still find myself captivated by the idea of vulnerability in supervision. It’s that raw honesty, being okay with not knowing, the willingness to openly discuss our struggles and doubts, that truly fosters growth. For a long time, I’ve sought supervisors who could create a safe space for these conversations. Without doubt, it’s important to work with the ‘right’ supervisor as well as your willingness to step into that vulnerable space.
Maximizing Learning Opportunities
There’s no surprise that supervision offers a wealth of learning opportunities beyond fulfilling licensing requirements, if we stay present and open to learn and active participation allows therapists to thrive on these opportunities fully.
By actively seeking feedback, exploring different perspectives, and engaging in discussions on theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices, therapists can broaden their knowledge base and expand their repertoire of therapeutic skills. That’s why in my early supervisee years, I decided to have two supervisors, one for group and one for individual, who offered different modalities and had different backgrounds because there was so much to learn, and still is.
Cultivating Accountability
Showing up consistently in supervision cultivates a sense of accountability and commitment to professional growth. In the face of busy schedules and personal challenges, there may be times when the temptation to cancel or not show up for supervision is strong.
However, it is precisely during these moments that the decision to prioritize attendance and use that space to explore my resistance to showing up, would bring a shift or reveal some useful insights about my situation. By having this accountability and overcoming the urge to cancel, showing up fully to supervision sessions allowed me to foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
Nurturing Reflective Practice:
I’m sure we all know that through our reflections on therapeutic approaches, interventions, and interactions with clients, therapists gain a deeper understanding of their clients’ needs, their own reactions, and the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. This reflective process enhances self-awareness, promotes critical thinking, and empowers therapists to make informed clinical decisions. What is your reflective practice? What works for you best?
In my personal experience, I found that journaling alone wasn’t sufficient for me. One day, it struck me that I often had insightful reflections and observations about my cases while walking around and discussing them, either with my supervisor or during solitary reflection. This realization occurred during my time working at a special school in England, where the intensity and urgency of my cases necessitated daily meetings with my supervisor.
Given the rarity of sunny days in England, one particularly fine day, my supervisor suggested we take our discussion outdoors. As we walked and talked, I noticed how the natural surroundings sparked deeper reflections and discussions, fostering interesting insights on my cases and the therapeutic process. From that point on, I began incorporating walks into my routine more frequently, even if it was indoors and only 5min.
Building Resilience
Therapy can be/is emotionally demanding, requiring therapists to navigate complex client issues and manage their own emotional responses. Being in supervision and actively engaging in it can provide a supportive framework for processing these challenges, building resilience, and preventing burnout. By sharing experiences, seeking support, and receiving feedback, therapists develop coping strategies and strengthen their capacity to thrive in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, clinical supervision is not merely a checkbox on the path to licensure; it’s a transformative journey that shapes therapists’ professional identities and clinical competencies. By truly showing up and actively engaging in supervision, therapists can deepen their clinical competence, foster reflective practice, maximize learning opportunities, nurture supportive relationships, integrate theory into practice, and cultivate ethical awareness. I encourage my fellow therapists to embrace this opportunity for growth and discovery on their path toward licensure.
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Author Bio
Nikka Alma is a trained therapist and the primary admin assistant for Firelight Supervision. She responds to our email and phone inquiries and answers any questions you may have. She also can recommend a clinical supervisor who will be a good fit for you! Follow Firelight Supervision on Instagram and Facebook.
