A Competency-based Approach to Clinical Supervision
With the advent of competencies documents for all mental health profession, competency-based clinical supervision is evolving quickly. A reflective, mindful approach to clinical supervision is strength-based, focused on upholding values and ethics of the profession, and devoted to enhancing supervisee development while monitoring and gatekeeping for the protection of the client and the profession.
The competency-based approach entails self-assessment, development of the supervisory relationship, identifying relationship strain, ruptures, and knowing how to repair them. The framework incorporates and infuses diversity in all its multiple aspects for all participants. Competencies also include monitoring, giving corrective as well as positive feedback, evaluation strategies, legal and ethical considerations, prevention and support for supervisee vicarious traumatization, self-care, and management of supervisees who do not meet performance competency standards. Through use of a competency-based frame, meta-theoretical reflective strategies for practice are modeled.
Our definition of clinical supervision is "Supervision is a distinct professional activity
- In which education and training aimed at developing science-informed practice are facilitated through
- A collaborative interpersonal process
- It involves observation, evaluation, feedback, facilitation of supervisee self-assessment, and acquisition of knowledge and skills by instruction, modeling, and mutual problem-solving.
- Building on the recognition of the strengths and talents of the supervisee, supervision encourages self-efficacy.
- Supervision ensures that clinical (supervision) is conducted in a competent manner in which ethical standards, legal prescriptions, and professional practices are used to promote and protect the welfare of the client, the profession, and society at large (Falender & Shafranske, 2004, p. 3).
New book: Getting the Most Out of Clinical Supervision: A guide for Practicum Students and Interns (American Psychological Association, Fall, 2011)
Carol Falender, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist in the State of California
PSY 5703
1158 26th Street, #189
Santa Monica, California 90403
310-451-1236 (Phone and Fax)
Email: carolafalender@aol.com