The Crucial Role of Supervision of Supervision in Supervisor Development
By Chris Campassi
Hello everyone! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s very important for clinical supervisors like me: supervision of your supervision. It might sound a bit confusing, but don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you!
What is Supervision of Supervision?
Let’s start with the basics. Supervision of supervision, also known as meta-supervision, is all about overseeing the way therapists are trained and supported. Imagine it like a coach for coaches. Even leaders need support and oversight at times.
As a therapist when you work with clients, you often need guidance and feedback to help you improve. That’s where supervision comes in. But who supervises the supervisors? That’s the role of supervision of supervision.
Why Supervision of Supervision is Important
Now, you might wonder why this is such a big deal. Well, let me tell you—it’s crucial for a few key reasons:
By engaging in supervision of your supervision, you can make sure you are receiving top-notch guidance. By meeting your needs, this ensures that your supervisees and therapists are well-trained and equipped to help their clients effectively.
Therapists and clinical supervisors are always learning and growing. With supervision of supervision, you can stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and research in the field. This means better outcomes for the people you work with!
Supervision of supervision also helps uphold ethical standards in therapy. It ensures that supervisors adhere to professional guidelines and provide the best possible clinical supervision they can.
How It Works
Now, let’s talk about how supervision of supervision actually works in practice:
Meta-supervisors are usually highly experienced therapists themselves. They have years of practice and knowledge to share with other supervisors.
Just like therapists observe their clients, meta-supervisors observe and provide feedback to other supervisors, which helps maintain quality and consistency in supervision practices.
Meta-supervisors also focus on training and developing new supervisors. This ensures that there’s a new generation of skilled professionals ready to support therapists in their work, while also protecting you as the supervisor, ensuring that you have someone to talk through ethical issues and prevents you from making any judgments in isolation.
Impact on Therapists and Clients
When therapists receive good supervision, they become better at what they do. This means improved outcomes for clients and more effective therapy sessions.
Clients can feel more confident in their therapists knowing that they are well-supported and guided by experienced supervisors.
Supervision of supervision helps maintain ethical standards, ensuring that therapists provide safe and responsible care to their clients through effective supervision.
Find your own Supervisor
In conclusion, supervision of supervision plays a vital role in the development of clinical supervisors and the quality of therapy provided to clients. It’s like having a support system for our support system!
As a supervisor, I can say firsthand that supervision of supervision has been instrumental in my growth and ability to help others. By investing in this aspect of professional development, you can create a healthier and more supportive environment for the development of your clinical supervision skills.
How we can help
If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out. Remember, when supervisors receive good supervision, everyone benefits!
Author Bio
Chris Campassi is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and Program Coordinator of Firelight Supervision. He is a licensed psychotherapist in Colorado and North Carolina, blogger, and clinical supervisor for provisionally-licensed and independently licensed therapists. Chris enjoys helping men, medical professionals, and former athletes manage their anxiety and stress so they can live fulfilled and balanced lives. Follow Firelight Supervision on Instagram and Facebook.
