What does it actually mean to be a trauma-informed supervisor?

In this candid and energizing conversation, Dr. Amy Parks sits down with Libby Murdoch, creator of Brain-Based EMDR, to explore how trauma impacts both our clients and our clinical relationships, and what supervisors can do about it. Libby shares how her own experiences shaped her trauma-informed lens, why nervous system safety matters in supervision, and how even the best-intentioned supervisors can cause harm without realizing it. Together, they explore strategies to help supervisors regulate themselves, co-create safety with supervisees, and model the very same attunement we expect in therapy.

This episode is real, resonant, and radically helpful. Whether you supervise seasoned clinicians or brand new interns, you’ll leave with insights you can use right away.

🎧 Know a supervisor who needs to hear this? Share it.

🧠 Want to go deeper? Check out Libby’s work at www.brainbasedemdr.com

Supervision Simplified brings you real conversations with real clinical supervisors navigating the complex, messy, and meaningful world of mental health. Each episode delivers tools, insights, and stories that make supervision a little simpler - because who doesn’t want simpler?

Sponsors:

Clinical Supervision Directory – www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

Ever wonder what clients say actually hurt them in therapy?

In this solo episode, I’m unpacking some hard truths—directly from client voices. Inspired by Esther Goldstein’s viral post, we’re digging into five of the most harmful things therapists do, from blurry boundaries to skipping supervision. If it stings a little, that’s okay—it means we’re learning.

You’ll get research-backed insights, supervision strategies you can use right away, and a big reminder that we can’t supervise what we won’t look at. This one’s for the supervisors who care deeply, the supervisees doing the work, and anyone who's ever wondered: “Am I really showing up the way I mean to?”

Share this one with a colleague—or bring it to your next supervision session.

More tools and connections at ClinicalSupervisionDirectory.com

In this eye-opening episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks welcomes Skye Clark to share her shocking and deeply personal experience with an unethical supervisor. From blurred boundaries to outright manipulation, Skye takes us through the harrowing journey of navigating supervision during the pandemic, uncovering deception, and ultimately finding her strength.

Supervisors wield significant influence over pre-licensed clinicians, and this conversation sheds light on what happens when that power is abused. Skye’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, discernment, and advocating for oneself in supervision.

This is an episode every supervisor and supervisee needs to hear. If you’ve ever questioned the integrity of your supervision experience, this conversation will give you tools and insight to protect yourself and advocate for ethical supervision.

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy sits down with Torre Boyd, LPC, founder of Therapy in Color, for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead supervision with identity, insight, and cultural humility. Torre shares how her lived experience and early career shaped her trauma-informed lens, why brave spaces matter more than safe ones, and how supervisors can better support clinicians of color and other marginalized identities. You’ll hear real talk about power, feedback, growth, and how to hold space for authenticity and equity in the supervisory relationship. This episode is rich with wisdom, realness, and actionable insight for clinical supervisors navigating today’s complex mental health landscape.

In this special update episode, Amy shares the exciting new chapter of Supervision Simplified as she steps into solo hosting. With honesty and humor, she reflects on Valarie’s transition, what listeners can expect in this next season, and how the podcast will continue to deliver real conversations, practical solutions, and leadership support for supervisors navigating the complex world of mental health. Plus, Amy offers her take on emerging trends in supervision and self-care as 2025 unfolds. If you’re ready to keep things real (and a little simpler), this is your welcome back episode!

Supervision Simplified brings you real conversations with real clinical supervisors navigating the complex, messy, and meaningful world of mental health. Each episode delivers tools, insights, and stories that make supervision a little simpler—because who doesn’t want simpler?

Clinical Supervision Directory - www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

In this eye-opening episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks welcomes Skye Clark to share her shocking and deeply personal experience with an unethical supervisor. From blurred boundaries to outright manipulation, Skye takes us through the harrowing journey of navigating supervision during the pandemic, uncovering deception, and ultimately finding her strength.

Supervisors wield significant influence over pre-licensed clinicians, and this conversation sheds light on what happens when that power is abused. Skye’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, discernment, and advocating for oneself in supervision.

This is an episode every supervisor and supervisee needs to hear. If you’ve ever questioned the integrity of your supervision experience, this conversation will give you tools and insight to protect yourself and advocate for ethical supervision.

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive into the essential topic of capacity building for supervisors and clinicians. They explore the challenges of maintaining emotional resilience, discipline, and adaptability in a field that demands constant support and leadership.

Valarie shares her personal experiences with burnout, self-regulation, and how habits—not just discipline—are the foundation for long-term success. Together, they discuss practical strategies for supervisors to help clinicians track, maintain, and restore their capacity before they reach the breaking point.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The connection between habits and discipline in sustainable supervision

✅ How capacity awareness prevents burnout before it starts

✅ The importance of flexibility and self-accountability in managing workload

✅ Ways supervisors can help new clinicians identify early warning signs of capacity strain

Don't wait until you're running on empty—learn how to manage your capacity before burnout takes over. Tune in now!

Navigating difficult conversations is a critical skill for supervisors and supervisees alike. In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive into the complexities of addressing uncomfortable topics within the supervisory relationship. From offering constructive feedback to supervisees, to building trust so supervisees feel safe bringing concerns to their supervisors, this episode explores strategies for fostering open communication.

Amy and Valarie share personal stories, lessons learned, and practical tips for navigating these "prickly" moments with grace and professionalism. Whether you're a clinical supervisor, an intern, or simply navigating hard conversations in your practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow.

Sponsored by CLINICAL SUPERVISION DIRECTORY, @clinical_supervision_directory; www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris explore how family systems theory—like triangles, differentiation, and projection—applies to clinical supervision. From “checking the triangle” to staying curious and stepping out of rescuer or victim roles, they share practical strategies to improve dynamics between supervisors and supervisees. They also discuss creating emotional safety, fostering clarity, and building trust in supervision and team leadership.

Join the revolution in supervision, and start simplifying and elevating your supervision game today!

Sponsored by CLINICAL SUPERVISION DIRECTORY, @clinical_supervision_directory; www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

Happy New Year from everyone on the Supervision Simplified team!

We are kicking off 2025 with a powerful conversation about capacity, mentorship, and leadership in clinical supervision! Our co-hosts, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive deep into the importance of creating systems that support growth, how to manage a teaching practice effectively, and the lessons learned from scaling their own practices.

Plus, you’ll hear all about our exciting plans for Supervision Simplified in 2025 - including new training programs, mentorship opportunities, and inspiring guest interviews!