clinical supervisor

A Beginner’s Guide To Becoming A Clinical Supervisor

Mental health professionals are naturally drawn to the service and betterment of others. So, it’s no surprise when a therapist begins considering a role as a clinical supervisor. 

In addition to helping peers new to the profession and aiding in the improvement of the mental health space overall, being a clinical supervisor can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. By guiding others, a practitioner improves their own knowledge by way of the protégé effect, or the phenomenon where teaching a topic or concept to others enhances one’s own learning and understanding of the subject matter. More rewarding still is knowing that they are supporting their peers and, by proxy, their clients. 

While you might be passionate about supporting and guiding the growth of mental health professionals, before you embark on this journey, it’s important to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective and competent clinical supervisor.

So, we’re here to inform you about all things clinical supervision including training, mentor models and topics, processes and best practices: 

  • Clinical supervision training
  • Clinical supervision models
  • Processes involved in clinical supervision
  • Clinical supervision topics

Clinical Supervision Training

As a therapist interested in clinical supervision training, you have numerous options available. In addition to paid training, some online platforms offer free training programs, allowing you to enhance your knowledge and skills at your own pace. These resources cover topics such as the fundamentals and best practices of clinical supervision, different models, and practical applications. 

Free Online Clinical Supervision Training

There are several platforms that offer training that will allow you to kickstart your journey as a clinical supervisor for free. Some of the most popular options include:

  • The Centre for Clinical Supervision and Professional Development: They offer a range of free online courses and resources for clinical supervision. Their website provides access to training modules, case studies, and downloadable materials.
  • National Council for Behavioral Health: They offer free webinars and online training courses on various topics related to clinical supervision. These courses cover areas such as best practices, ethical considerations, and practical skills for effective supervision.
  • OnlineMasters.com: They provide a list of free online courses and resources for clinical supervision. These resources cover topics such as models of supervision, ethical guidelines, and developing supervisory skills.
  • Open University: They offer a free online course called “The Practice of Clinical Supervision” that explores the theories and practices of clinical supervision. The course covers topics such as reflective practice, feedback, and evaluation.
  • SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions: They provide free webinars and training resources on integrated health care and clinical supervision. These resources focus on topics such as trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and building effective supervisory relationships.

Some of these resources may require registration or enrollment to access the materials. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to verify the credibility and relevance of the training for yourself before enrolling or investing significant time in the courses.

Clinical Supervision Course

Clinical supervision courses are a powerful tool to refine your skills, broaden your knowledge, and achieve a highly successful mentorship experience for yourself and your mentees. These courses can be found via many different outlets, including: 

  • Professional Associations: Professional organizations often offer clinical supervision courses, workshops, conferences, or webinars as part of their continuing education programs, including: 
  • Universities and Training Institutes: Many universities and training institutes that offer counseling, psychology, or social work programs provide clinical supervision courses as part of their curriculum. These courses are typically offered at the graduate level or as professional development options for practicing clinicians.
  • Online Learning Platforms: Various online platforms specialize in providing professional development courses. These platforms offer a wide range of courses on topics related to clinical supervision, often allowing participants to complete the courses at their own pace. Examples include: 
  • Supervisory Training Programs: Some organizations and institutes specifically focus on providing training programs for clinical supervisors. Programs like the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) include a series of courses or a comprehensive training curriculum that cover different aspects of clinical supervision.

Clinical Supervision Models

Clinical supervision models are frameworks or approaches used to guide the supervisory relationship and process. 

Keep in mind, these models are not mutually exclusive, and supervisors often integrate elements from different models based on the needs of the supervisee and the therapeutic approach being utilized. Additionally, some supervisors may use a more eclectic or personalized approach that does not strictly adhere to a specific model.

The Developmental Model: This model focuses on the professional and personal development of the supervisee. It recognizes different stages of development and aims to facilitate growth and skill acquisition over time. Read more about the developmental model. 

The Psychodynamic Model: Rooted in psychoanalytic theory, this model emphasizes the exploration of unconscious processes, transference, and countertransference within the supervisory relationship. It seeks to deepen the supervisee’s understanding of the client and their own dynamics.

The Cognitive-Behavioral Model: Based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, this model focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. The supervisor helps the supervisee develop and implement effective interventions.

The Integrated Model: This model combines elements from multiple theoretical orientations, allowing supervisors and supervisees to draw from various approaches based on the needs of the supervisee and the client.

The Reflective Model: This model emphasizes reflective practice, encouraging supervisees to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and reactions to better understand their work with clients. It promotes self-awareness and critical thinking.

The Systems Model: This model considers the broader context in which therapy occurs, such as family, community, and cultural factors. The supervisor helps the supervisee examine the systemic influences on the client’s well-being and treatment.

The Solution-Focused Model: This model focuses on identifying and building upon the client’s strengths and resources. Supervision using this model encourages supervisees to use solution-focused techniques in their work.

The Competency-Based Model: This model emphasizes the acquisition and assessment of specific clinical competencies. Supervision focuses on developing and evaluating the supervisee’s skills and knowledge to ensure effective practice.

Though specifically for substance abuse counselors, the Clinical Supervision and Professional Development of the Substance Abuse Counselor offers further in-depth information on clinical supervision models.

Additionally, you can find even more resources about clinical supervision methods, procedures and best practices in publications and guidelines from the following professional organizations:

What Are The Processes Involved In Clinical Supervision? 

While the specific processes for clinical supervision can vary, there is a common progression that is typically followed by most:

  1. Initial Assessment: The supervisor and supervisee begin by conducting an initial assessment to understand each other’s backgrounds, goals, and expectations for supervision to establish a foundation for the relationship. 
  2. Establishing Goals and Objectives: Together, the pair collaboratively set goals and objectives for the supervision process. These goals may include skill development, knowledge acquisition, personal growth, or meeting specific professional requirements.
  3. Supervisory Relationship: A professional relationship begins to form based on trust, respect, and confidentiality by establishing clear communication channels, boundaries, and guidelines for the supervision process.
  4. Observation and Feedback: The supervisor observes the supervisee’s clinical work through various methods, such as direct observation, case reviews, or reviewing recordings. They provide constructive feedback on the supervisee’s performance, strengths, areas for improvement, and adherence to ethical guidelines.
  5. Reflective Practice: The mentee is encouraged to engage in reflective practice, where they critically evaluate their own clinical work, thoughts, and emotions. This process helps enhance self-awareness, identify biases, and promote professional growth.
  6. Educational Support: Supervisors provide educational resources, such as articles, books, or training opportunities, to support the supervisee’s knowledge and skill development which can be supplemented by discussions on relevant topics and guidance on evidence-based practices.
  7. Case Consultation: Arguably the most valuable component of clinical supervision, the supervisee presents their cases to the supervisor for consultation and guidance. They discuss assessment strategies, treatment planning, intervention techniques, and ethical considerations related to specific cases. In addition, the supervisor provides their feedback, advice, and personal experiences to help shape the supervisee’s own practices. 
  8. Professional Development Planning: A professional development plan identifies areas for growth, outlines learning objectives, and establishes strategies for ongoing development.
  9. Evaluation and Assessment: Periodically, supervisors conduct formal evaluations of the supervisee’s progress, assessing their competency, and providing feedback. This assessment helps identify strengths, areas needing improvement, and potential professional development opportunities.
  10. Closure and Transition: The supervision process concludes with a formal closure, where supervisors and supervisees reflect on their progress, achievements, and lessons learned. This stage may also involve discussing future supervision needs or transitioning to independent practice.

Clinical Supervision Topics

As a clinical supervisor, there are various topics you may cover with your supervisee to facilitate their professional growth and development. The specific topics can vary based on the supervisee’s needs, experience level, and the therapeutic approach they employ. 

But some common clinical supervision topics include:

  • Case Conceptualization: Discussing the supervisee’s assessment and formulation skills, treatment planning, and interventions for specific cases by exploring different theoretical perspectives and evidence-based practices.
  • Ethics and Professional Conduct: Addressing ethical dilemmas, boundaries, confidentiality, informed consent, and legal obligations. It’s important to review ethical guidelines specific to the supervisee’s profession and jurisdiction.
  • Clinical Skills Development: Providing feedback and guidance on core clinical skills, such as building rapport, establishing therapeutic alliance, conducting assessments, formulating diagnoses, and implementing effective interventions.
  • Cultural Competence: Exploring issues of diversity, cultural sensitivity, and ensuring the supervisee’s practice is inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
  • Self-Reflection and Self-Care: Encouraging supervisees to engage in self-reflection, exploring personal biases, countertransference, and self-care strategies to prevent burnout and enhance well-being.
  • Therapeutic Relationship: Focusing on the supervisee’s ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with clients, including aspects like empathy, active listening, and managing challenging dynamics.
  • Professional Development and Continuing Education: Assisting the supervisee in identifying areas for professional growth and supporting their ongoing learning through conferences, workshops, reading assignments, or training opportunities.
  • Supervisory Relationship and Process: Regularly discussing the supervisory relationship itself, addressing any issues or concerns, and maintaining clear communication channels. This is why the nature of the supervisory relationship is so important; it provides a safe and supportive space to discuss challenges or seek guidance.
  • Reflective Practice: Promoting reflection on the supervisee’s clinical work, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering a deeper understanding of their interventions, decision-making, and impact on clients.
  • Documentation and Record-Keeping: Though less exhilarating, documentation and record-keeping is a necessary component of behavioral health practice. Providing guidance on maintaining accurate and comprehensive client records, including progress notes, treatment plans, and other required documentation can be a quick but essential topic discussion.

Alternatively, you can always use the eight core counseling domains as a framework to create a topic list . These can be found in the 2016 CACREP Standards, and are as follows:

  1. Professional orientation and ethical practice
  2. Social and cultural diversity
  3. Human growth and development
  4. Career development
  5. Counseling and helping relationships
  6. Group counseling and group work
  7. Assessment and testing
  8. Research and program evaluation

Each clinical supervisory experience will be different. So, it’s important to stress a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring the topics covered to specific needs and goals. Regular check-ins and ongoing communication with your supervisee ensure that the supervision process is effective and aligned with their professional development journey.

Preparing For Practice Logistics And Operations

Practicing as a behavioral health professional requires more than clinical knowledge, application, and ethics. It also involves administrative tasks required to run and operate a practice. So, clinical supervision should also include guidance on the logistics of and tools to operate a practice, including: 

  • Client Check-In Software: Whether it’s because you have back-to-back appointments or a waiting area down the hall, you won’t always be available to welcome your clients as soon as they walk in the door. Client check-in software solves this issue by providing your clients with a personalized, receptionist-style experience each time they arrive for a session.  
  • Practice Management Software: Though not a comprehensive solution, these platforms manage various aspects of practice operations, including scheduling, billing, client records, and documentation. 
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: When it comes to behavioral health, confidentiality is key. EHR systems facilitate the electronic storage and management of client health records, treatment plans, progress notes, and assessments. They offer secure and centralized access to client information, improving efficiency and compliance with data privacy regulations. 
  • Teletherapy Platforms: With the growing popularity of remote therapy sessions, teletherapy platforms conduct secure and confidential virtual sessions with their clients. These platforms often offer features like video conferencing, chat, and document sharing. 
  • Secure Messaging and Communication Tools: Like EHR systems, secure communication tools allow you to communicate securely with clients, whether for appointment scheduling, sharing session reminders, or discussing treatment-related information. 
  • Assessment and Outcome Measurement Tools: Therapists often use specialized software to administer assessments, track client progress, and measure treatment outcomes via standardized assessments, scoring, and data analysis.
  • Accounting and Invoicing Software: Invoicing clients, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports is likely not the reason you chose a career in behavioral health. But it has to be done and this is where these software tools are so necessary. 

Deciding On Topics

The sheer number of supervisory hours required for your supervisee’s licensure may seem like a lot. But, after delegating time to direct client contact and given the enormous range and depth of topics, you as a clinical supervisor may end up with less time to cover all the information than you may think. 

Often, as a clinical supervisor, you’ll find that a topic you’ve chosen to discuss with your supervisee turns into many topics. For example, when discussing self-care, your supervisee could bring up a range of ‘sub-topics’ such as professional development, confidence, ethics, and the list can go on. There simply isn’t enough time to cover all of those topics in depth. So, in addition to deciding on topics to cover during supervision, how do you handle ‘sub-topics’ that come up? Do you focus on the topic with the highest risk need? Or the one in which you have the most experience? 

To confront this challenge of addressing limited topics, Tiffany Warner, a licensed professional counselor and board-approved supervisor, has developed a three-step process:

  1. Identifying a topic list
  2. Collaborating with supervisees on the schedule 
  3. Developing processes to incorporate topics naturally into supervision

Identify a topic list

Creating a topic list for clinical supervision can help maintain structure and accountability. We’ve listed an extensive, though not comprehensive, list of clinical topics above in addition to the core counseling domains outlined in the 2016 CACREP standards. The chosen topic list should align with the supervision model and setting, with case conceptualization being a practical and versatile option.

Collaborating in setting the schedule

Collaborating with the supervisee to set the schedule for supervision sessions is an important step. It allows for assessing the supervisee’s developmental level, identifying their strengths and areas for growth, and incorporating their interests. This step also models the collaborative goal-setting process used in counseling sessions, which creates a familiar pattern for the supervisee. The schedule can be structured to address one topic per session within a specific time frame, such as three, four, or six months. The resulting schedule combines the topic list from step 1 with the supervisee’s input, creating a tailored plan for supervision.

Incorporating topics into supervision

The final step of incorporating the schedule of topics into supervision offers flexibility by weaving the topics into existing cases or discussions. This organic approach capitalizes on what is already brought into supervision, using time efficiently and enhancing the supervisee’s understanding of how the topics relate to their clients. The supervisor can pose questions or explore the scheduled topic within the context of the case being discussed, creating a parallel process. Supervisors can allocate dedicated time for activities like role-plays, reviewing content, using vignettes, or providing short trainings, depending on the supervisee’s developmental level and background knowledge. The chosen process should align with the supervisor’s style, the supervisee’s needs, and the setting of supervision.

Making The Most Of Clinical Supervision

Service professions appeal to a particular type of individual: those who have a knack and a desire for helping others. By becoming a clinical supervisor, you not only help those new to your profession and their clients, but you are also furthering your own personal growth and professional development. 

The resources you have at your disposal are vast, but the most important part is the genuine and authentic relationship you cultivate with your mentees. With a solid foundation, you can build a supervisory experience that benefits the both of you. Ultimately, you become the greatest version of your professional self to best serve your clients.

Share this Post