🧠 Blog #2: What Even Is Supervision? (No, Seriously.)

Author: Dr. A, The Awkward Therapist™
Series: Supervisor Survival Series™

Supervision. Sounds fancy, right?

Maybe you're imagining a mahogany desk, a clipboard, and a supervisee earnestly saying things like, “I’d really like to unpack that.” But supervision in real life? It’s… not that polished.

It’s a 4PM Zoom call after you’ve just had a tough session, where your supervisee logs on looking like they’ve aged 3 years, says “Can I vent for a second?”, and proceeds to emotionally spiral while you’re trying to remember if they turned in their progress notes.

Let’s be clear:

Supervision isn’t therapy. It isn’t management. And it sure as hell isn’t mentorship brunch with matching mugs.

💡 So What Is It?

Supervision is…
✅ A protected space
✅ For growth, accountability, and clinical safety
✅ With someone who’s hopefully got a few more tools and a lot more curiosity

Your role as supervisor isn’t just to cheer them on or correct their SOAP notes. It’s to develop clinical judgment. To help them reflect, not just react. To build habits that make their work sustainable and ethical.

Supervision is where new therapists learn to hold the hard stuff without shutting down.

🧩 Wait — So It’s Not Therapy?

Nope. And here’s where a lot of new supervisors get tripped up.

Therapy says:

“Let’s explore your internal world and heal through the relationship.”

Supervision says:

“Let’s talk about what came up for you in session and how it impacted the clinical work. And also… let’s document that in a way that won’t get you audited.”

Supervision has a clinical goal. It’s about the work, not the person — though yes, the person shows up in the work.

👩🏾‍🏫 It’s Not Management Either

If you’re chasing supervisees for productivity numbers, canceling sessions last-minute, or only popping up when they mess up — that's management. Necessary? Maybe. Supervision? Not really.

True supervision:

• Happens consistently
• Prioritizes learning, not punishment
• Welcomes awkward questions
• Leaves space for reflection
• Has ethical weight

And no, supervision notes aren't just CYA paperwork. They’re snapshots of growth and risk — and both matter.

🧠 A Model That Doesn’t Suck (Promise)

There are dozens of supervision models out there, and I know the word “model” makes it sound like a dry PowerPoint about adult learning theory. But hear me out.

Let’s simplify:

1. Developmental Model

Start where they are. Newbies need more direction; seasoned folks need more reflection. Supervision evolves as they grow.

2. Integrative Model

This one combines what you’re teaching (skills + theory) with how you’re relating (the supervisory alliance).

3. Reflective Supervision

Common in trauma-informed and early childhood work. Less about giving answers, more about holding space for the process.

You don’t have to memorize them. You just need to know what kind of supervisor you are — and why.

Dr. A’s Checklist: How You Know You’re Supervising (Not Just Managing or Mentoring)

✅ You’re exploring countertransference and clinical decisions
✅ You’re documenting the growth of a clinician
✅ You’re offering feedback and reflection, not just praise
✅ You’re aware of power dynamics and protecting both client and clinician
✅ You’re consistent, accountable, and relational

Final Words: You’re Not Doing It Wrong

If you’ve ever left a supervision session wondering “Was that even helpful?” — welcome. You’re normal.

Supervision is weird. It’s sacred. It’s messy. And it’s a privilege.

So no, it’s not therapy. Or management. Or mentorship.
It’s supervision.
And when done well?

It’s where therapists become who they’re meant to be — one awkward, thoughtful, intentional session at a time.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.

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✨ Want the full breakdown of models, scripts, and checklists?
📘Look for more of the Supervision Series by The Awkward Therapist™