Supervision for Therapists: Finding a Supervisor and Maximizing the Experience
Ah, supervision – the part of being a therapist that can simultaneously be the most dreaded and the most beneficial. For those who are new to the field, supervision is a time for therapists to meet with a more experienced clinician to review cases, discuss ethical dilemmas, and receive support and guidance.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But I’m a therapist! I already know everything there is to know!” Well, hold your horses there, buckaroo. Even seasoned therapists can benefit from regular supervision. Here are some tips for finding a supervisor and making the most of your supervision experience:
1. Start by Asking Around
Your colleagues and professors can be a great resource for finding a supervisor. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. And if you’re part of any professional organizations or online communities, check to see if they have a list of supervisors available.
2. Do Your Research
Before committing to a supervisor, do some research. Check their credentials and experience, and make sure they specialize in the area you’re looking for support in. And if you can, try to talk to some of their current or former supervisees to get a sense of what it’s like working with them.
3. Set Goals
Before your first supervision session, take some time to reflect on what you hope to get out of the experience. Do you want to work on improving your clinical skills? Learn more about a specific population? Discuss ethical dilemmas? Having clear goals can help guide your supervision sessions and ensure you’re getting the most out of them.
4. Be Open and Honest
One of the biggest benefits of supervision is having a safe space to discuss difficult cases and ethical dilemmas. But in order to make the most of this space, you need to be open and honest with your supervisor. Don’t be afraid to share your struggles or ask for guidance. Remember, your supervisor is there to support you.
5. Take Notes
During your supervision sessions, take notes on the feedback and guidance you receive. This can help you remember important points and track your progress over time.
6. Follow Through
Finally, it’s important to follow through on the goals you set during supervision. This might mean practicing a new technique or making a change in your clinical approach. And don’t be afraid to circle back with your supervisor and discuss how things are going.
So, there you have it – some tips for finding a supervisor and maximizing your supervision experience. Remember, supervision can be a valuable tool for therapists at any stage of their career. Don’t be afraid to seek out support and guidance – your clients (and your sanity) will thank you.
