Succeeding at Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor
Clinical supervision is one of the most influential—and often most challenging—roles in professional practice. Effective supervisors are responsible not only for supporting the growth and competence of supervisees, but also for navigating ethical responsibilities, evaluating clinical performance, managing difficult conversations, and fostering a productive supervisory relationship.
This immersive three-day masterclass provides a comprehensive foundation for developing confidence and competence as a clinical supervisor. Participants will explore the functions of supervision, supervisory roles and responsibilities, ethical and legal considerations, documentation practices, and theoretical frameworks that can be applied across individual, agency, and group supervision settings.
Through case studies, video analysis, guided reflection, and interactive exercises, attendees will develop practical strategies for addressing common supervision challenges, including supervisee anxiety, resistance, conflict within the supervisory relationship, cultural considerations, supervisor burnout, and the transition into the supervisory role. By the end of the program, participants will have strengthened their knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide effective, ethical, and developmentally responsive clinical supervision.
References & Resources
Bradley, W. J., & Becker, K. D. (2021). Clinical supervision of mental health services: A systematic review of supervision characteristics and practices associated with formative and restorative outcomes. The Clinical Supervisor, 40(1), 88-111. https://doi.org/10.1080/07325223.2021.1904312
Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (2004). Clinical supervision: A competency-based approach.
McDonough, J. H., Rhodes, K., & Procter, N. (2024). Impact of clinical supervision on the mental health nursing workforce: a scoping review protocol. BMJ open, 14(3), e078765. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen‑2023‑078765
Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (2023). Revisiting competence in clinical supervision. International Journal of Supervision in Psychotherapy, 5(1), 47-58. https://doi.org/10.47409/ijsp.2023.5.4
Schreyer, B., Leithner, C., Eilers, R., Gossmann, K., & Rosner, R. (2025). The effects of clinical supervision on supervisees and patient outcomes in psychotherapy–a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in psychiatry, 16, 1705578. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1705578
Paunov, T., Weck, F., & Kühne, F. (2025). “Now we can think about it together”–A thematic analysis of what characterizes (in) effective supervision sessions for novice CBT supervisees. Psychotherapy Research, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2025.2569042
Holley, L., Crabtree, B., Taylor, K., & Walker, K. (2025). A Preliminary Exploration of Virtual Clinical Supervision and Professional Quality of Life in Child Life Specialists. The Journal of Child Life: Psychosocial Theory and Practice, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.55591/001c.150261
Christensen, I. (2025). Critical Reflections on Clinical Supervision: A Social Justice Issue for Social Workers. Advances in Social Work, 25(1), 436-453. https://doi.org/10.18060/28122
Kim, J., & Park, J. (2026). Regulations for Clinical Supervision in Social Work: Analysis of State Statutes and Clinical License Applicants. Clinical Social Work Journal, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-025-01025-5
Conference Agenda
Oct 27th, 2026
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 1
<p>Day 1 provides a foundational overview of clinical supervision, including the role and responsibilities of the supervisor, desired outcomes of supervision, and characteristics of effective supervisory practice. Participants will explore several supervision models and theoretical frameworks, exami...
Day 1 provides a foundational overview of clinical supervision, including the role and responsibilities of the supervisor, desired outcomes of supervision, and characteristics of effective supervisory practice. Participants will explore several supervision models and theoretical frameworks, examining their applications, strengths, and limitations through practical examples and case discussions.
Special attention will be given to reflective supervision, one of the most widely used approaches in clinical settings, including the use of the “Thinking Hats” framework as a tool for enhancing reflective practice. Participants will also examine developmental stages of supervision and the influence of cultural factors on the supervisory relationship. Throughout the day, attendees will engage in case discussions, interactive exercises, video demonstrations, and small-group activities designed to support reflection and application.
Learning Objectives
After taking this activity, you should be able to:
- Articulate the primary roles, responsibilities, and competencies of an effective clinical supervisor.
- Compare four common supervision theories and models and their applications in practice.
- Analyze cultural and contextual factors that influence the supervision process.
- Apply supervision theories and evidence-based practices to evaluate and respond to common supervisory scenarios.
- Assess personal supervisory strengths, growth areas, and challenges.
Oct 28th, 2026
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 2
<p>Day 2 explores supervisory approaches that foster growth, trust, and professional development within the supervisory relationship. Participants will examine the application of person-centered principles in supervision, including active listening, supporting autonomy, and addressing mistakes in a...
Day 2 explores supervisory approaches that foster growth, trust, and professional development within the supervisory relationship. Participants will examine the application of person-centered principles in supervision, including active listening, supporting autonomy, and addressing mistakes in a manner that promotes learning and accountability.
The training will also examine trauma-informed supervision, including its core principles and practical application through case analysis and discussion. Legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors will be explored, with particular attention to the supervisor’s role as gatekeeper to the profession. Additional topics include structuring supervision sessions, establishing effective agendas, and developing skills for providing and receiving meaningful feedback. Practical examples, video demonstrations, and discussion activities will help participants apply these concepts to real-world supervisory situations.
Learning Objectives
After taking this activity, you should be able to:
- Describe foundational competencies and legal and ethical requirements relevant to clinical supervision.
- Describe at least three ethical considerations relevant to clinical supervision.
- Identify supervisee goals and evaluation criteria used to support professional development and competency.
- Evaluate potential boundary concerns and distinguish characteristics of professional supervisory relationships.
- Develop strategies for building effective supervisory relationships and navigating common supervisory challenges.
- Demonstrate effective clinical, relational, and supportive supervisory skills that foster supervisee growth and development.
Oct 29th, 2026
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 3
<p>Day 3 focuses on navigating common challenges that arise within clinical supervision and developing strategies for addressing them effectively. Participants will examine difficult supervisory situations, including performance concerns, corrective action, and supervisory responses to problematic s...
Day 3 focuses on navigating common challenges that arise within clinical supervision and developing strategies for addressing them effectively. Participants will examine difficult supervisory situations, including performance concerns, corrective action, and supervisory responses to problematic supervisee behaviors. Video demonstrations and case examples will illustrate approaches to addressing concerns while maintaining accountability and supporting professional growth.
Additional topics include countertransference in supervision, supervision contracts, and supervision models that support effective practice. The day will also address compassion fatigue, self-care, and the impact of supervisor well-being on the quality of the supervisory relationship. The workshop concludes with key recommendations for beginning and strengthening supervisory practice, along with guided reflection designed to support continued growth as a clinical supervisor.
Learning Objectives
After taking this activity, you should be able to:
- Apply strategies for addressing performance concerns and corrective action within the supervisory relationship.
- Analyze the impact of transference, countertransference, and professional boundaries in clinical supervision.
- Evaluate the role of self-care, burnout prevention, and professional sustainability in effective clinical supervision.
- Describe the purpose and components of supervision contracts and their role in effective supervisory practice.
- Develop strategies for building effective supervisory relationships and navigating common supervisory challenges.
- Compare supervisory models and approaches that support supervisee growth and development.
Conference Speaker
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW, 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 popular local and national trainer on a wide variety of mental health and workplace development topics for 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.
Presenting Sessions:
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 1
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 2
Succeeding At Supervision: Professional Development of the Clinical Supervisor DAY 3
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