Colleague Consultation
One of the most commonly cited challenges for therapists in private practice is the risk of feeling like we’re in some way operating on a professional island. Without the active presence and comradery of peer colleagues, we, like all professionals, can fall into patterns and habits that don’t always reflect the highest professional standards.
In addition to ensuring that all aspects of our business model reflect both ethical and legal standards that govern this field, ensuring that we are engaged in clinical consultation about the various themes and topics for which we are charged to deliver treatment also assumes that we exercise professional judgement when our scope of competence is challenged or exceeded. The dangers of this isolation can put our own personal wellbeing, our practice and even our clients at risk.
The way to reduce this risk is by establishing both formal and informal consultation avenues with other trained therapists who can impart objective feedback to include in your case conceptualizations. It’s all of our professional mandate to seek out this support and receive credible consultation as we aim to provide excellent care to our clients.
Clinical Supervision
Another of my true passions as a Social Worker is working with post-graduates who have made a commitment to work towards clinical licensure. I provide trained BBS supervision to ASWs, IMFTs, and PCCIs. I believe that while the requirements for licensure are demanding, long-term habits and standards are formed during these pre-licensed years, and therefore, should be held by both supervisor and associate in the highest regard.
Entering into a structured relationship with a clinical supervisor is one that can have a lasting impact on the formation of your professional style, understanding of risk and responsibility to address it, ability to manage your own stress about working with a diverse client group, and learning how to trust your own working instincts while remaining open to challenging review of your developing clinical skills. Clinical supervision is also a space where personal and professional goals are often identified and when dynamics allow for it, the expansion of a professional network which can be leveraged over the course of a career can be established.
I provide third party supervision to California registered associates, meaning that you will be required to obtain a signed consent provided by your place of work to verify understanding that you and I will be reviewing your case work based on the experience you are gaining from your own employment site. Please review the BBS’s most up to date policies about how to ensure that all of your hours and work experience are valid and meet the requirements for your specific discipline.