Supportive SuperVision Podcast

So many of us are taught in our early careers that suicidal clients are to be avoided, and that clients who have a baseline level of moderate risk are ones to get off of our caseloads quickly. This is categorically false, perpetuates stigma, and results in disempowered clinicians who don't know how to assess for or document risk while supporting clients through triggers for risky behaviors. Supervisors are quick to pass the buck and therefore miss teaching opportunities. Learn more about how to do all of these things, while maintaining your connection to your higher-risk clients, in this week's episode.

While all of us were warned about burnout in graduate school, we may not have all had the same education about how to identify symptoms of burnout, why they happen, and how rest should be consistently factored into our schedules and needs just as much as work should be. Have you ever had a great insight about a client or a really good, creative idea while you're doing something that has nothing to do with that insight or idea? Like when you're in the shower or driving or working out? That's because your brain has a chance to take a break and get some distance from the situation. We need those breaks for objectivity. Our clients need us to take those breaks to be as refreshed as possible. And we need more rest than ever to get through this part of the pandemic- and prepare for what comes next.

On the surface, it looks like life is getting back to "normal." But what does that even mean anymore? And do we even want what "normal" used to mean? I share some of what I am seeing, my thoughts and predictions for what we can expect in the near future, and what we should all be doing as healers and mental health providers to prepare, take care of ourselves, and respond to what we know will be the next wave of crisis related to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In graduate school, many of us are taught to believe we have to be the experts in diagnosis. It can frustrate us when clients come in with their own misguided reading of blogs online to formulate their own diagnosis. But it can also be extremely useful to listen to clients, take them at their word, and realize the shortcomings of our diagnoses and the diagnostic process.  

This week I FINALLY get to meet with a local therapist I've been fangirling over for quite a while- Jelan Agnew! She specializes in treating magical minds through being her most unapologetic, authentic self. She shares her most pivotal experiences, how she's using them to propel herself, her clients, and her trainees forward, and what she's planning to do next (hint: it involves more supervision, consultation, and travel!). You don't want to miss this!

Neurodivergence is finally becoming a bigger conversation in our field, and it's about time! So many clinicians, clients, supervisors, and supervisees have neurodivergent brains, and may not even realize it. The result of this can be drastic- so many of us are left believing there is something fundamentally wrong with us.

If you're a neurodivergent clinician, or you just want to understand more about neurodivergence and how it shows up in therapy and supervision, this episode will be a great way to start shifting perspectives!

Confused about whether your treatment plans would be up to snuff in an audit? Not sure how to even write one in the first place? Or maybe you learned a long time ago, but want to brush up? This week's episode is all about my basic treatment plan, how to think about creating them, and how to organize them without overthinking the process and content. I also talk about two trainings I offer to go more in-depth: "Treatment Planning Made Easy" for all clinicians, and "Treatment Planning for EMDR Clinicians" for those who are at any level of EMDR training. Find them all at https://www.supportivesupervision.com/store-1/p/treatment-planning-for-emdr-clinicians

This week, I talk about what medical necessity means in a behavioral health field, how to make sure we are writing notes and creating complete files, why an EHR can save your career, and how to stick up for yourself in the event of an audit. I also share about two new recorded trainings I am offering- Documenting Medical Necessity 101 and Documenting Medical Necessity 101 for EMDR Clinicians.

I've seen a few disturbing trends online in therapist groups recently, and I am really concerned for the impact it will have on providers being able to provide authentic, aligned, and empowered care in the private practice world. I can't help but see that it's a direct result of the colonization and white supremacy that dictates so much of our field. It's imperative that these things be brought to light so that they can get better instead of worse. Here are some thoughts, and attached will be some resources to help!

This week, I'm joined by Gelly from @parentingwithGelly on Instagram. We talk about her experience being one of the first female Orthodox Jewish therapists in her area, how she supervises others, and some real-life challenges she's faced. She also shares about her parenting program to help families reconnect outside of technology!