Supervision

Within field experience (and MSW education in general), some of the most valuable resources I’ve encountered have been my field supervisors. These men and women, primarily LCSWs and clinical psychologists, have been critical to increasing my understanding of the ins and outs of various treatment modalities as well as the ever-changing mental health landscape in North Carolina. They have imparted their far-reaching knowledge and wisdom to help provide guidance, skills, and insight that would otherwise be near impossible to attain without many, many years of professional experience.

Furthermore, the varied supervision styles and therapeutic presentations of these supervisors have provided excellent models of how to collaborate with clients and colleagues alike. Also, unlike some supervisors of yesteryear, modern-day supervision may allow for a substantial level of give and take, with supervisees having the opportunity to critically explore and discuss approaches to clinical issues that may not have been previously considered.

Carl Jung said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” Great supervision can be much the same way.