Clinical Supervision Handbook - CAMH Knowledge Exchange ...

Clinical Supervision Handbook
An example of group clinical supervision
We find that the clinicians’ experience is most helpful and safe when it is structured
in such a way that the expectations of all participants and what is expected of the
participants are clear. This allows them to come to the sessions prepared, understanding
their roles in the context of the person requesting assistance and giving
constructive feedback to others.
CASE EXAMPLE: GROUP CLINICIAN SUPERVISION
The clinician begins by presenting a clinical dilemma in the form
of a question so the group has a frame of reference before hearing
about the client. An example of this would be, “I would like
your help with the client I am going to present. I am feeling stuck
and would welcome your ideas about how to help the client consider
some other alternatives.” Another example might be, “This
client is feeling overwhelmed with many stressors in her life. She
isn’t working. Her kids are a handful for her. She does not feel
safe where she is living. She continues to have flashbacks and
nightmares. When I listen to her, I don’t know where to start.
I feel overwhelmed myself. I would welcome your ideas.” The purpose
of introducing this question is to keep the feedback focused,
diminishing the possibility of a “free-for-all.” Other clinicians
might ask several questions that do not address the needs of
the clinician and assume the clinician has not already covered or
considered what is being asked. After the question / dilemma
is put forward, the clinician presents some background on the
client (e.g., major concerns, history of her or his work with
the client, attempted solutions—material that directly relates to
the question).
As the clinician receives feedback from the group, he or she takes
notes and then shares what most stands out and what specifically
was gleaned from the consultation. The clinician then discusses
what she or he would like to try and how it might be helpful. The
clinician will then make a note of this recommendation in the
progress note or on the Interdisciplinary Plan of Client Care.
In a round table format, each person is invited to ask one question
of the clinician once he or she is finished providing the overview.
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