Trauma-Informed Clinical Supervision
We use a trauma-informed approach to clinical supervision. A trauma lens informs our understanding of supervision in several ways. Supervision is structured in a way for staff to gain support, debrief about their work, and advance their skills and knowledge. When operating from a trauma lens, we support professional growth and encourage learning opportunities. We create safe spaces for meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations and mitigate the impacts of vicarious trauma and counselor burnout.
Trauma-Informed Supervision in Practice
Hold regular supervision at a time and place that works for both. Collaboratively create an agenda. Empower the supervisee and ask, “What would you like to discuss today?”
Outside of supervision sessions, transparently explain your availability and boundaries. “Thursdays, I focus on administrative tasks. But you can email me anytime, and if I’m not available, I’ll get back to you the next day.”
Listen non-judgmentally, openly, and empathetically. “I know Carla’s case would be tough for anyone. Would you like to start there?”
Use humility and self-disclosure to create an emotionally safe environment for supervisees to share.
Validate struggles and successes. “It sounds like that client made an inappropriate remark. But I’m impressed you respectfully set boundaries.”
Work with supervisee to arrive at solutions. “I’m wondering if you have any thoughts about how to move forward? What support do you need?”
Work together to create goals, and find the best ways to meet them. “I know last week you mentioned wanting to learn more about DBT… Have you identified any classes? How about we both look into it and prepare some options for next week?”
Are you ready to sign up for trauma-informed supervision?
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