How To Get The Most Out of Supervision

1. Communicate Directly

   • Ask for what you need and want from your supervisor

   • Let your supervisor know when issues arise (especially legal and ethical issues)

2. Set & Manage Expectations 

   • One supervisor cannot and will not be able to provide you everything you might need and desire (though sometimes, this might exist)

   • If you work for an agency, you will be limited in choices of supervisor since it is paid for by the agency. This isn’t to say an agency supervisor is not a superb option, but there are just less options in choices.

3. Identify Your Learning Style 

   • How do you learn best?

   • Reading? Discussion? Role playing? Reviewing audio or video clips? Process recordings?

4. Record Your Sessions

   • If you can, I highly recommend recording your sessions (audio or video) because this is a wonderful way to grow as a clinician

   • Focus on areas of struggles, growth, challenges, discomfort, and overwhelm

   • Also focus on areas of strength and comfort

   • If you cannot record your session for whatever reason, the next best thing is to complete a process recording

5. Be Proactive & Take Responsibility For Your Learning

   • Keep a supervision journal and take notes

   • Prepare questions in advance

   • Come into session with something to discuss from the previous 1-2 weeks

6. Focus On Areas of Growth

   • No one is perfect because perfection doesn’t exist

   • Be honest about your limitations at this current moment and where you want to grow in

7. Find A Supervisor Who Specializes In Areas You Want Support & Growth In

   • This applies to supervises who are in private practice or group practice.

     • If you work for an agency, you’ll have to pay for a supervisor if they don’t provide you with one who specializes in areas you’re interested in.

   • Finding a supervisor with extensive experience, knowledge, and skills to help you grow is invaluable because it’s like having an encyclopiedia of knowledge and wisdom.

8. Find Someone You Feel Comfortable With

   • Just like therapeutic fit, supervisor fit is paramount.

   • Find someone you trust, get along with, and vibe with. Supervision will be so much more effective and feel so much more comfortable.

   • You’ll look forward to your supervision sessions!

9. Ask Yourself, “How Does A Person Become A Therapist?”   

   • This question will help you conceive of the process of how an individual becomes a therapist.

   • I think it takes:

     • Time

     • Practice

     • Support

     • Mistakes

     • Compassion

     • Awareness

     • Curiosity

     • Openness

     • Feedback

     • Reflection

Tips

• Every supervisor is different

• Discuss expectations at the beginning

• Document everything

• Have your supervisor regularly sign off on your hours

• Be prompt and on time

• Communicate assertively and directly

• Consider what you can learn from your supervisor and what you cannot