Clinical Supervision

Most professional organizations consider clinical supervision to be key aspect of any psychotherapist’s best practices. Working under supervision helps therapists provide the best possible care for their clients and aids in the practitioners’ professional growth and development, while also safeguarding clients and the public. The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, for example, deems that regular supervision is “essential for members in private practice.” 

The need for supervision evolves and changes throughout a therapist’s career, but it never disappears, with most practitioners choosing to meet with a supervisor monthly. Clinical supervisors meet with supervisees to review cases, guide them through blocks in their treatment of clients, and to help ensure the efficacy of their therapist/client relationships. In addition, psychotherapy with a client can sometimes bring up the therapist’s own issues and triggers. Working through this with a supervisor helps ensure the practitioner’s own wellbeing, in order to safeguard the therapy, and keep the client’s needs at the forefront.