Stellar Supervision Series: Empowered Group Supervision
Photo by The Climate Reality Project on Unsplash
Stellar Supervision Series is a video series featuring clinical supervisors who provide empowered leadership ideas that shape the field of mental health. Morgen’s video interview on Empowered Group Supervision can be found here.
I’m so excited to have you as a guest Morgen! Tell our viewers who you are and what you do! Why do you offer Supervision?
At the beginning of the pandemic, I experienced professional burnout after working for nearly 5 years as a behavioral health professional in integrated primary care. I stepped away from agency work and started a private practice to support clients dealing with high demand jobs or toxic work stress. This pivot allowed me to find a sense of grounding and joy in my work again. I attribute the success of my private practice to having good clinical/professional consultation.
Because of this experience, I sought my Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential and started providing supervision and consultation for mental health providers who are either working toward licensure or wanting to strengthen clinical skills post-licensure. I have found my “niche” is working with clinicians who see adults in a private or small-group practice capacity and interested in utilizing a social justice/trauma informed lens.
My other areas of supervision/consultation expertise include: professionals working in high demand jobs, concerns related to chronic health conditions, substance use disorder(s) and history of trauma (I am awaiting final approval for my EMDR Certification).
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2015), Licensed Addictions Counselor (2020), Acudetox Specialist (2018) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (2021).
Supervision is a powerful tool to build confidence, strength and the ability to ethically provide care for clients. Supervision serves as an important space in which to consistently examine how power, privilege and oppression shape our role within this field.
You speak about the structure of empowered group supervision. Why is this important to you?
Empowered group supervision is important because it allows for discussion and collaboration for both the supervisor and the supervisees. Group participants can build off each other’s strengths and also figure out ways to support each other in handling difficult clinical situations. Another key part of Empowered Supervision is scaffolding. This approach is exactly what it sounds like– supervision allows for supportive/scaffolded conversation around what supervisees already know. When using this framework, you can help supervisees tap into their inner brilliance, help them to increase confidence and therefore be able to learn or implement something new!
What does this challenge look like in supervision?
There are challenges that come up in supervision, primarily around supervisee confidence. That’s why the Empowerment Model is so effective and helpful. When we can build on the strengths of our supervisees, they can attach to what feels familiar and form a foundation. As they continue to progress, they can get closer to their growth edge and have deepening insight into how to support a client or the self of the therapist. The supervisory role then becomes more collaborative and avoids promulgating the less beneficial authoritative approach. In the context of group supervision, there may be signs of low confidence when a supervisee doesn’t participate. To address this, I have designed a group that embodies all learning styles. Some examples include: individual case presentations, brief presentations from local therapists, grounding, check in/check out activities, and I also keep the groups small. I request post-group feedback to constantly make improvements to the group supervision experience.
What ideas do you have for supervisors when offering group supervision? Skills or questions to ask?
Ideas for offering group supervision:
Prior to commencing work with a potential supervisee, conduct a general interview to ensure it will be a good fit. Be sure to thoroughly explain your supervision style.
Use an agenda for the group and send it out at least a week prior so that everyone can be prepared for the meeting.
Consider reading/implementing the Empowerment Model of Clinical Supervision for group or individual supervision. It is strengths based, collaborative and allows for the new clinician to tap into their own wisdom and knowledge.
Utilize a framework for case consultation. I ask supervisees to use the Hays ADDRESSING model when presenting about clients because it honors the intersectionality of client identities and helps supervisees conceptualize many complexities without over-pathologizing.
Send a post-group evaluation for feedback and ideas for future groups. To monitor progress, also consider utilizing a supervision evaluation (found in the Empowerment Model of Clinical Supervision book!).
Seek consultation or “sup of sup” for yourself. It is invaluable to have access to other professionals who can support you as a supervisor.
Where can people find you to work with you? (social, website etc)
I may have spots opening up in my monthly group supervision. We meet virtually on the first Wednesdays of each month from 9:30-11am. Reach out to me directly if you are interested in learning more!
https://vida-idilica.com/group-supervision-opening/
Email address: morgen@vida-idilica.com