Clinical Supervision Handbook - CAMH Knowledge Exchange ..

Beginning Clinical Supervision
Diverger style (feel and watch): combination of concrete
experience and reflective observation
Divergers are often able to look at a situation from different perspectives. Such
learners are sensitive, and prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information
and use imagination to solve problems. They prefer to work with groups, to
listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback.
Learning activities include shadowing, role modelling and reviewing teaching tapes.
Converger style (think and do): abstract conceptualization
and active experimentation
Convergers are problem solvers. They prefer to focus on technical tasks, and are less
concerned with relying on others to learn. They are best at finding practical uses for
ideas and theories. They are good researchers and often have technological abilities.
They like to experiment with new ideas, to simulate and to work with practical
applications.
Learning activities include reading various theoretical perspectives, getting feedback
from clinical supervisor reviewing their clinical work, developing treatment plans
and role plays.
Assimilator style (think and watch): combination of abstract
conceptualization and active experimentation
Assimilators are logical and concise. They tend to focus on ideas and concepts. They
look for a clear explanation rather than a practical response. They excel at understanding
wide-ranging, often theoretical information and organizing it in a clear and
logical format. They are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and
abstract concepts. Like the converger, the assimilator likes a scientific approach.
They prefer to read, attend lectures, explore analytical models and have time to think
things through.
Learning activities include reading various theoretical perspectives, viewing learning
tapes, developing treatment plans and watching other clinicians.
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