A key part of many clinicians’ work is supervising psychologists in training, a task that requires its own set of unique skills to effectively guide practicum, internship and postdoc trainees and beginning therapists as they develop into successful practitioners.
Relationship
Supervisors should be warm and empathetic so supervisees can feel safe and comfortable asking for guidance. The best supervisors are often described by trainees as being knowledgeable, genuine, respectful and supportive.
However, many supervisees report they don’t receive adequate supervision and others express feeling undervalued or ridiculed as trainees, which may cause them to be reluctant to approach their supervisors to discuss shortfalls.
It is important for the supervisor and supervisee to talk about their relationship and their expectations for both the clinical and supervisory experience, including what they want out of it.
If you are interested in being supervised or are a psychology student who does not need internship hours but is looking to be mentored please reach out to me via email (link the word email maybe?) so we can meet and discuss your needs. Typically during a meeting we will discuss my model of supervision, philosophy, expectations, and where your skill level is.