I’ve been reflecting a lot about my work since coming back to the office after 3 weeks off. When I take a chunk of time off, I often approach this as a decompression period where I get out of my routine, let thoughts of work go, and allow my nervous system to settle.

As my return to work draws closer, I start to prepare mentally for coming back: conscious thoughts about counselling start to re-emerge in a way where it almost seems that thoughts are choosing me, rather than the other way around.

And with this return, I’ve been thinking a lot about clinical supervision.

I admit that it’s a bit of a niche thing to be writing about, as it comprises only about 30 percent of my practice and as such, this article will be of little interest to those not looking for a clinical supervisor.

And I found myself reflecting on why I love clinical supervision while also being conscious that this writing is also self-focused, which is somewhat embarrassing! But there is another part of me that thinks that the ‘why’ could be valuable to potential supervisees: why did the therapist you’re considering to supervise your work choose this path?

It’s a under-explored question in the often-limited information about clinical supervision that is more likely to focus on the ‘what,’ the ‘how’ and the benefit to potential supervisees.

Purpose

One of the nicer things about accruing experience in the field is the cumulative desire to find meaning in that experience. Sometimes I chuckle as random concepts from my undergraduate degree in psychology come back to me—but are they random?

More lately I’ve been thinking of late psychologist Erik Erickson’s stages of psychosocial development, particularly the stage of ‘generativity vs. stagnation’, a concept that I feel deeply now, in contrast to my philosophical take on it in my 20s. Erikson stated that at this stage of development (ages 40 to 65)—we either find ourselves in a place of stuckness and confusion, or alternatively, we move towards bringing purpose to our lives by sharing knowledge and experience with others, often in the form of mentoring or meaningful work.

Community (and collaboration)

In reflecting on my 26-year career in social work, over half of it has now been in private practice, after a decade of working in team-based settings. While private practice is often considered the holy grail for many clinicians (and I agree, it’s fabulous), one of the things I have noticed is that the longer I go on as a solo practitioner, the less colleagues I know, as so many were part of my previous working life.

With clinical supervision, it’s been a breath of fresh air, meeting clinicians from a range of practice spheres and life experiences, people I would have never met if I had stayed solely in public practice (or became a private practice hermit). And the opportunity to collaborate on psychotherapy ideas has been golden. Together we are stronger!

A Joyful Pursuit

I consider it such an honour to meet with therapists who are doing such good work and are such kind people. I regularly reflect on the privilege of working with supervisees that I truly enjoy.

Values Alignment

I’ve noticed over the years that the therapists who reach out to me for clinical supervision are therapists who overwhelmingly share similar values and purpose. Just like with counselling, the fit has to be right, and when it is, the work together is so meaningful!

Learning and Interest

Clinical supervision work is engaging, interesting and never the same. Goals are unique to each supervisee and clinical questions change and evolve. All off this leads to very interesting work, with a ton of variety, promoting mental flexibility and engagement.

Experiences as a Supervisee

I’ve benefitted and continue to benefit so much from clinical supervision. My philosophy is that if I’m offering it, I should also be receiving it. It’s a very different experience being on the receiving end of it and it continues to affirm its value, both personally and professionally.

Keeps Me In The Loop

Without appropriate measures, the threat of becoming a private practice hermit is real, especially for neurodivergent introverts like me! There are all sorts of benefits here: exposure to new therapies, new information, new research and new ways of doing things.

Neurodivergence

As a neurodivergent therapist I am a lover of patterns, systems, solutions—all of which can come into play during clinical supervision. I love collaborating on both bigger picture ideas while also zooming in on the details, when relevant.

Motivating

It always motivates me to want to continue to learn and grow. I so appreciate the professional development that has helped to prepare me for this role and the ongoing professional development in my future.

Gratitude-Inducing

Thank you to every supervisee I have had the opportunity to work with, past and present. Your trust means so much to me!