Visionary Supervisor Spotlight: Ashley Charbonneau
We are all about celebrating amazing mental health leaders and clinical supervisors, with plans to highlight one visionary supervisor each month!
This month’s spotlight is: Ashley Charbonneau, LCSW, LAC, ACS, SOMB Full Operating Evaluator and Treatment Provider, SOMB Clinical Supervisor
What types of supervision do you offer and to whom?
I offer individual supervision to SWCs, LSWs, LPCCs, SOMB providers and evaluators, and those pursuing the ACS credential. I am also an off-site field instructor at Metro State University, so I supervise BSW and MSW students at their internship sites. In 2023, I offered a low-cost supervision group, and this is on my radar to offer in the future.
What makes you a visionary in supervision?
Given my background working with both offenders and victims, I offer a unique perspective into systems, the cycle of abuse, and trauma work. This has been particularly useful for supervisees who work with survivors of sexual assault, within the legal system, or with Department of Human Services clients. What makes me stand out is the ability to provide answers from the offender’s perspective when supervisees are working with clients who want answers as to why they were victimized. I have worked in 24/7 facilities, I conduct comprehensive level of care assessments, and I have extensive experience with differential diagnoses, so I am also able to hold space for crisis work, provide guidance when clients present as a danger to themselves or others, and talk through diagnoses and recommendations for mental health treatment. Supervisees want to work with me because of this range of experience, my willingness to consult with other supervisors if I do not have the answers, and my direct approach. Something I have realized lately is the importance of telling supervisees what I have done that has led to burnout, such as prioritizing work too much, lack of ability to process countertransference with trusted colleagues, and the consequences of not saying “no” when new opportunities present themselves. Hopefully they learn from my experiences and are able to prevent burnout more successfully than I was able to do earlier in my career.
What is your favorite thing about providing clinical supervision?
My favorite things about providing clinical supervision are watching supervisees implement a new modality and gain confidence. A lot of supervisees struggle with imposter system or countertransference, and it is an honor to support them as they overcome challenges that come with being new to the field or reactions to clients. I also love to learn, and supervisees teach me something knew all the time about clients presentations, therapeutic styles, language, challenging systemic oppression, reading opportunities, and ways to further my own education. Finally, I enjoy connecting supervisees to other therapists and professionals, allowing them to build their network and expand their sphere of influence.
Where can people find you to learn more?
Feel free to email me or look me up! My email is ashley@ensopllc.com and my website is ensopllc.com.