How to Know Therapist Supervision is Working

Has this ever happened to you as a therapist?

You discuss a case, or conceptualization in supervision and in a follow up session with the client, they do the thing that your supervisor said they likely would?

A powerful moment as a therapist.

It can validate for you that your supervisor understands this type of client & that the supervision is working.

It can also validate for you that in following the path discussed with your supervisor, the client came to this place in their process.

It can verify for you that the method or approach you chose has a predictable patterned outcome that can signify to you that, it works!

And of course we need to be mindful that our projections don't inadvertently/on purpose, lead the client to the place they've arrived at.

As a supervisor, this type of experience can be reassuring that supervisees are taking in the guidance that they are receiving and applying it effectively; that the supervision is working from our side of the equation.

This can also act as confirmation that the supervisee's initial assessment and communication about the client's challenges by the therapist were accurate.

Overall, this type of alignment experience is beneficial for everyone in the therapeutic circle.

1. The client is understood, supported, and met where they are at.

   
   

2. The therapist is present, accurately understanding and supporting the client, and accurately communicating their understanding in supervision.

   
   

3. And the supervisor is supervising for therapists in modalities for which they are competent such that they can anticipate the client's response to the therapist's approach.

   
   

Could this be a key indicator that the system of therapeutic supervision is working well, when supervision is offered in a certain way?

For now I'm going with, "yes" and continuing to keep my eyes open for additional positive signs that our system for bringing new therapists into the field is effective, and that the approach I'm taking as a supervisor is increasing therapist alignment with themselves in the process.

I certainly hope to continue to be a transformational supervisor to my supervisees. To find out more about what that means, you might find this article helpful https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20190016

If you're interested in finding out if we might be a fit for supervision, book a consultation chat HERE and bring your questions . Looking forward to finding out if it's time for our paths to cross.

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Therapy, Supervision, Mentorship & Coaching for those who want to bridge ancient & inner wisdom with modern psychotherapy.