Target audience and instructional level of this voice: intermediate
Course Description
The core objectives of clinical supervision are to ensure quality of care and professional development of clinical staff. It is a primary means of ensuring that these objectives are met. Supervision provides the bridge from the classroom to the actual practice of clinical skills by helping therapists acquire the knowledge and skills they need in order to make that transition. Supervision is necessary to enhance treatment, professionalism, and ethics. Supervision is defined as interaction between a supervisee (MFT/SW trainee/intern) and a supervisor.
The main purpose of supervision is to have a more experienced individual (supervisor) guide and educate less experienced individuals (supervisees). Supervision is an environment in which the supervisee feels comfortable sharing their doubts, problems and issues surrounding their role as therapist/social worker. Let us not forget, however, that supervision is also part of the gate keeping process of the profession. If it is too heavy-handed, it poses an obstacle to good potential clinicians, and serves a guild mentality. If it is too relaxed, it may result in incompetent care by trainees who should have been screened out.