In this solo episode of Supervision Smorgasbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson shares a personal story about falling into the "fix it trap" during a supervision session and explores the impact this has on supervisee growth. She discusses how over-functioning as a supervisor can create dependency, contribute to burnout, and reinforce the idea that therapists must always have the answer. Dr. Tara Sanderson introduces the "rule of three"—a practical technique involving three discovery questions—to help supervisors facilitate reflection and learning rather than immediately offering solutions. She also talks about the Supervision Smorgasbord journal, designed to help supervisors develop greater self-awareness and intentionality in their practice.

In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson welcomes Jamie Watson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist supervisor, and president of the Oregon Association for Play Therapy. The conversation dives into Jamie Watson's journey as a supervisor, her passion for systemic thinking in therapy, and the importance of play therapy when working with children. Together, they discuss challenges and unique requirements of MFT supervision, the value of building a supportive professional community, and the significance of addressing neurodiversity and trauma in child therapy. Jamie Watson also shares insights about ongoing trainings, her podcast, and the importance of embracing curiosity and collaborative learning in supervision.

Welcome back to Supervision Smorgasbord! We had a little hiatus while we figured out a few things and we are back with some incredible interviews and fantastic takeaways!

Join host Dr. Tara Sanderson in this episode of Supervision Smorgasboard as she sits down with Ruby Blow, a nationally recognized counselor, supervisor, and the founder of DevelopmentCounts.

Ruby shares her wealth of experience supporting clinicians and supervisors through every stage of professional growth, from students stepping into the field to seasoned therapists pursuing advanced credentials.

Tara and Ruby dive deep into the realities of becoming—and remaining—a clinician in today’s landscape: the persistence and flexibility required, the early risks of burnout, and the often-overlooked importance of finding your “why” when the finish line feels far away. They explore how supervisors can best support supervisees, holding space for encouragement, remaining adaptable, and navigating the inevitable challenges of red tape, changing rules, and personal life events.

Whether you’re a student, a new clinician, a supervisor, or considering the next step in your counseling career, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom, practical advice, and a whole lot of compassion for anyone on the professional journey.

Learn more about Ruby Blow and the resources she offers at DevelopmentCounts (link in show notes). Don’t miss this thoughtful exploration of what it truly takes to grow—and thrive—in the helping professions!

In this episode, host Dr. Tara Sanderson chats with guest Ann Robinson to explore the benefits of supervision and consultation in mental health practice. They discuss the impact of physiological symptoms on mental health, the value of community support, and Ann Robinson's group supervision and therapy services. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open communication, feedback, and ongoing education for mental health providers.

In this episode of Supervision Smorgasboard, Dr. Tara Sanderson and Khara discuss the importance of support and challenge in professional settings, as well as the need to document supervision sessions and track licensure documents. They also delve into the development of the electronic supervision record (ESR) and its potential impact on mental health professionals. Join them as they explore the significance of building a support network and addressing burnout in the mental health industry.

In this episode of "Supervision Smorgasboard," host Dr. Tara Sanderson and guest Erin Nghe engage in an insightful discussion about treating OCD and the importance of tailored supervision for mental health clinicians. Erin shares her unique journey from medical social work to specializing in OCD treatment, emphasizing the significance of addressing stigma and providing practical training for supervisees. They delve into the value of being directive in therapy, the role of empathy and accountability in supervision, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for learning and healing. The episode also highlights the ERP Kaleidoscope, an association supporting clinicians of color and individuals with OCD who identify as BIPOC. Listeners are encouraged to explore early education and training in mental health, the versatility of a mental health degree, and the emotional readiness to embrace evolving interests. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that delves deep into the nuances of OCD treatment and clinical supervision.

In this episode of Supervision Smorgasboard, host Dr. Tara Sanderson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Mary Tinnuci. Mary shares her extensive experience as a school social worker, the development of innovative programs such as Out for Equity and Poetry Lab, and the creation of the Virtual Conversation Cards platform for online support groups and therapy sessions. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of virtual group work, the importance of intentional planning and flexibility, and the potential of the virtual space for successful supervision. Mary Tinnuci also offers valuable insights into effective group work, supervision, and the pursuit of personal and professional identity in the virtual realm. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation as Mary Tinnuci and Dr. Tara Sanderson delve into the ever-evolving landscape of virtual engagement and supervision.