Succeeding at Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor
Presented by
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSWMeets the training requirement for becoming an Approved Clinical Supervisor
Overview
15 CEs (2 law & ethics, 2 in Cultural Competence or Health Equity) Recorded: Winter, 2025
The purpose of clinical supervision is to enhance a clinician’s professional skills, knowledge, and attitudes to become competent in providing quality care to clients. Supervisors are held to the ethical guidelines set by their appropriate association and must be able to work with challenges empathically and effectively in supervision, such as associate anxiety, resistance, and their own learning curve in becoming a supervisor.
This three-part immersive workshop provides the foundation for understanding the functions of supervision, the roles and responsibilities of supervisees and supervisors, and direction for meeting ethical standards and competencies. A variety of theoretical frameworks are described for use in individual, agency, or group settings. Techniques for handling supervision challenges are included, such as supervisee anxiety and novice supervisory anxiety, conflict in the supervisory relationship, and supervisor burn-out. Cultural factors of relevance to supervision will be explored to encourage attendees’ awareness of contextual factors.
Ethical considerations of duty to warn, competence, and confidentiality are presented. Documentation practices will highlight how a supervisor can ensure proper record keeping. Attendees will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking through individual exercises, case studies, video analysis, and group activities. After completing this course, learners will feel more knowledgeable, skilled, and confident in succeeding in clinical supervision.
Articulate the main role of a supervisor and their expected competencies. Obtain an understanding of basic competencies and legal and ethical requirements for supervision in Washington. Describe at least three ethical considerations of clinical supervision. Identify goals and evaluation criterion for supervisees. Analyze considerations for treatment modalities, work settings and the use of technology. Understand the record keeping requirements for supervision. Describe new strategies to address obstacles in supervision. Recall four common supervision theories and models. Explain recommended supervisory skills for managing problematic supervisees. Discover cultural and contextual factors important to the supervision process. Examine supervision practices through case study analysis. Evaluate potential boundary violations and identify traits of professional relationships. Appraise one’s own supervisory strengths, skills, and challenges as a supervisor. Build confidence and skill in creating successful supervision relationships with supervisees and navigating challenges. Model effective clinical, relational, and supportive qualities and skills to supervisees.
About the Presenter
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She has held clinical positions as an outpatient and in-home therapist and clinical supervisor. Diane was an Adjunct Professor of Social Work for 10 years at The University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare and a Field Liaison and Field Instructor. She has also held administrative positions as a program Director and Coordinator. Diane is a frequent local and national trainer on a wide variety of mental health and workplace development topics with clinicians and corporations. Diane is most passionate about providing quality professional development to clinicians, employees, and leaders. For fun, Diane loves to spoil her four Dachshunds and rock out to 80’s music.