I am insanely passionate about learning and honing my skills as a professional as this translates to me being better as well as imparting my knowledge with others in a competent and respectful manner which has trust and emotional safety built in. In my 20 year career, I have always been privileged to have worked with excellent supervisors. I believe strongly in the value of mentorship thus have always made a priority to surround myself with other professionals who know more than me as that is one of the ways professional growth takes place. A highly intuitive and skilled clinical supervisor will always challenge you to continually allow the space for you to fine tune your knowledge and skills. There will be hard questions specifically in the area of professional ethics.
My training has been with Dr. Carol Falender who highlights the Competency based approach. The approach signifies the importance of a reflective and mindful approach to clinical supervision which is strength based and focused on maintaining the values and ethics of our profession. It is devoted to enhancing the professional development of the supervisee as well as monitoring for the protection of the client.
Clinical supervision is considered a “distinct professional activity”. Therefore, the competency based approach encompasses activities such as:
- Self- assessment
- Development of the supervisory relationship
- Monitoring
- Feedback which is both positive and corrective
- Evaluation Strategies
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Prevention and support for issues such as vicarious trauma and care management strategies
- The educational and training component focuses at developing science informed clinical practice
- The process is collaborative, respectful and transparent taking into consideration culture and diversity
- The aim is to build on the unique strengths and talents of the supervisee
One may seek Clinical Supervision for the following:
- Clinical skill and knowledge building
- Case consultation, including formulation/assessment and planning
- Incorporating fresh perspectives
- Integration and application of theory to clinical practice
- Reducing professional isolation, and increasing collegiality, specifically for clinical professionals in private practice settings or professional settings where limited support exists for clinical supervision
- Developing greater understanding in the areas of confidentiality and professional ethics.
- Enhancing self- awareness and learning to reflect on clinical practice
- Professional identity and role development