This discussion will describe the essential elements of the knowledge and skills of supervision and consultation with the goal of empowering more of us to participate in this advanced work. These are challenging professional roles to fill, but much needed. There are differences between the roles: supervisors usually work within an organization and consultants are most often chosen individually for their expertise in the field. The supervisor has responsibility to both the organization and supervisees, a dual role which calls for sensitivity and diplomacy. Liability issues may differ. Similarities include ethical responsibilities as for all professionals. In terms of development, the foundational elements for either role are much the same. Both require a commitment to continuous learning, training, and self-reflection. Staying up to date with research and best practices/treatment guidelines is essential in providing guidance to others. These include a comprehensive knowledge base and clinical experience in traumatology with emphasis on long-term relational psychotherapy, psychodynamics, transference and countertransference, and vicarious trauma. Creating a trusting environment with a supervisee/consultee is crucial—this is the “holding environment” for emotional support and open communication. The supervisor/consultant must have an ability to work through conflicts, both with the supervisee/consultee and within the psychotherapy work being discussed. They must be attuned to the needs of those with whom they work, particularly in the ability to encourage openness and questions, discuss boundaries, gently confront clinical errors, and help to repair ruptures in the therapy. One must be culturally responsive and knowledgeable about intersectionality. Self-care has to be encouraged. Neutral non-shaming language is critical. In the role of supervisor or consultant, it is extremely helpful to share one’s own professional journey as well as the mistakes one has made. This rewarding journey together becomes one of empowerment and collaboration. As long as we continue to practice, we all need to have available consultation (that includes those of us with experience.) None of us can do this work alone. Clinicians with years of knowledge and experience have a professional responsibility, not only to continue to advance their own knowledge, but to teach, supervise, and provide consultation. This work has many rewards in participating in the development of trauma therapists, as a catalyst to one’s own growth, and in sharing a trauma-responsive mission of repair to survivors and society. This gives hope to now and to the future. There will be time for Questions and Answers.

 

Potential Distress: No

 

This presentation was originally presented as a live conference session in October 2023.