Strengthen Supervision Practices
Supervision is a critical, yet often overlooked part of workforce retention and quality care. When done well, it supports professional growth, protects staff from burnout, and helps shape a healthy workplace culture.
In behavioral health settings, supervisors are not just task managers. They are cultural leaders and frontline supports. Strengthening supervision is one of the most effective ways to improve retention and wellbeing across your organization.
Tips for Effective Clinical Supervision
While supervision looks different in each setting, several evidence-based strategies consistently support success:
Let Supervisees Choose Their Supervisor
Whenever possible, offer a choice. This helps build trust and increases the perceived value of supervision.
Create a Supervision Agreement
Set clear expectations upfront:
- How often you’ll meet
- Session length
- Topics of discussion
- Confidentiality and documentation
Set an Agenda for Each Session
Supervisees should shape the agenda. Focus on real cases, skill development, and work challenges, not just logistics.
Build a Supportive Relationship
Supervision should feel safe, open, and non-judgmental. A strong relationship encourages honest dialogue and deeper learning.
Use Reflection, Not Just Direction
Ask thoughtful questions. Explore, don’t just instruct. Use reflective supervision to foster insight and growth.
Meet Regularly
Aim for at least 45 minutes monthly, adjusting as needed based on role, experience, and availability.
Invest in Supervisor Training
Supervisors should receive training in clinical supervision, leadership, and ethical practice. The Behavioral Health Workforce Center offers free, asynchronous training on building basic supervisory skills in behavioral health.
Check In on the Process
Periodically assess how supervision is going. Make space for feedback and adapt your approach.
Support Your Supervisors Too
Offer peer groups or reflective practice spaces for supervisors. Make sure their supervision time is protected and respected.
Supervision as a Justice Issue
Supervision is about more than monitoring performance. It’s about protecting staff, advancing equity, and fostering ethical care.
Recent research (Apgar & Parada, 2022; Barnett & Homany, 2022) reframes supervision as a tool for organizational justice. This means supervisors should:
- Advocate for fair workloads
- Push for safe working conditions
- Support equitable pay and recognition
- Help build systems that reduce burnout and vicarious trauma
Supervisors are uniquely positioned to challenge harmful norms and advocate for better conditions, especially in under-resourced settings.
Cultivating a Culture of Care
Healthy supervision isn’t only one-on-one, it’s embedded in team culture. Supervisors can:
- Model clear boundaries and self-care
- Encourage peer check-ins
- Normalize honest conversations about stress and ethical dilemmas
- Support shared accountability and learning from mistakes
This relational approach builds resilience across the team and creates a space where people feel safe to ask for help.
Sources
- Apgar, D., & Parada, H. (2022). Missing the Mark? Reframing NASW’s Ethical Mandate for Self-Care as a Social Justice Issue
- Barnett, M., & Homany, A. (2022). The New Self-Care: It’s Not All About You
- BHWC. Supervision Rationale Handout. (Link pending)
