Clinical Supervision Handbook - CAMH Knowledge Exchange ..

Clinician Development
SUPERVISORY ACTIVITIES
Clinicians come to clinical supervision with a diverse array of learning styles, such
that the adage “one size fits all” doesn’t apply. Recognizing and then adapting
teaching to match the learning styles of clinicians is a critical supervisory skill
(see Learning styles, p. 33). Observation, discussion, feedback, role play, coaching,
demonstrating and questioning are examples of supervisory activities. Supervisors
need to master each of these so they can customize learning activities to meet the
needs of all the clinicians with whom they are working.
Conceptual frameworks that link theory to practice that’s relevant to camh clients
help clinicians’ work to progress in an intentional and planned manner. Reflection
encourages and provides the opportunity for clinicians to consider their experiences
in practice, explore feelings invoked through working with clients, and understand
the meanings they give to interactions. This process allows clinicians to arrive at
more mindful and deliberate subsequent interventions. Critical self-reflection and
self-inquiry helps clinicians recognize their strength and growth areas.
Clinician Development
Clinicians pass through stages in their careers. In the early stages of their careers, or
when they join a new organization, clinicians may benefit from increased support,
education and clinical supervision as they orient themselves to the organizational
environment and clientele. Later career professionals may require less clinical supervision
and more focused case consultation.
Most professionals are educated in their specific disciplines, and while in training
may have little opportunity to collaborate with other disciplines. However, in health
care organizations, they are expected to participate in teamwork and collaborative
practice. There is an increasing number of inter-professional education initiatives
that recognize the knowledge base required to practice collaboratively. The curricula
of the health care disciplines are evolving so that students will have the opportunity
for curriculum and practicum experiences in collaborative practice.
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