
Supervision Smörgåsbord
By Dr. Tara Sanderson, PsyD, MBA

Supervision SmörgåsbordJan 27, 2023

Episode 121: Nikki Biddlingmeyer, LCSW Reflective Supervision
In today's episode, we have the insightful and knowledgeable Nikki Biddlingmeyer joining us as our guest. Nikki is a licensed practitioner in California, with experience in community mental health settings as well as private practice.
Overview of episode
Clear interventions such as addressing therapist's feelings and reactions
Balancing work in community mental health and private practice
Involving family members in treatment for true change and support
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Reflection in Supervision Nikki discussed the importance of processing not just the symptoms and behaviors of clients but also the feelings and experiences that arise for the therapist themselves. They shared their supervision approach, which involves discussing personal experiences that may influence the therapeutic relationship. Embracing silence and curiosity, Nikki encourages therapists and supervisors to explore these dynamics for the benefit of both.
Take Care of Yourself!
This episode reminded us all of the importance of self-care. Nikki encouraged therapists and supervisors to utilize therapeutic skills to evaluate their own well-being and feelings towards their caseload. By addressing these aspects, therapists can ensure they are providing the best support to their clients.
Can you take a few minutes right now to do something to care for your self.

Episode 120: Dr. Sanderson and Write in questions about Multiple Supervisors
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Create a spreadsheetIf you have a supervisee with multiple supervisors create a shared spreadsheet between the supervisors and the supervisee.
The spreadsheet should give instruction on how you are deciding who is being supervised by which supervisor. And clearly delineate which supervisor is primary or secondary for that client.
Create a clear contract between all three parties. Include things like:
- How we choose which clients are who's
- Payment
- Vacation/Sabbatical
- Who notifies clients in case of emergency
- Hours reporting or evaluation
- When supervision is scheduled
- Clarification that each of the supervisors can consult with each other.
- Clear communication that both supervisors are listed on the supervisees malpractice insurance.

Episode 119: Andrea Redeau, LPC Supervision, Bi-cultural, Bi-racial therapy
In this episode, we interview Andrea Redeau, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor from Oregon. Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a range of topics, including the importance of building a community in the counseling industry, the ever-evolving landscape of supervision, and the crucial role of cultural competence.
Episode 119
Andrea Redeau, LPC
In this episode, we interview Andrea Redeau, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor from Oregon. Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a range of topics, including the importance of building a community in the counseling industry, the ever-evolving landscape of supervision, and the crucial role of cultural competence.
Overview of episode
Consideration of race and socioeconomic status in selecting a supervisor
Supporting clinicians in finding a network of desired colleagues
Importance of having a manualized process or policy for supporting employees during difficult situations
Episode 119
Andrea Redeau, LPC
In this episode, we interview Andrea Redeau, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor from Oregon. Prepare to be inspired as we dive into a range of topics, including the importance of building a community in the counseling industry, the ever-evolving landscape of supervision, and the crucial role of cultural competence.
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Supervision is Essential for Growth
Andrea emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple supervisors to find the best fit for your goals. Rather than settling for convenience or cost, prioritize alignment and compatibility with your ambitions. Ask potential supervisors about their theory orientation, approach to notes and background information, and the structure of therapy sessions. This ensures a strong foundation for your professional development and enhances your ability to serve clients effectively.
If you don't already have a supervisor or consulting therapist - Consider why? And take a look to see if there is someone out there you can learn from. You might even take a look at Firelight Supervision with Shannon Heers from episode 111!
Addressing Equity and Intersectionality
In this episode, Andrea acknowledges the importance of considering factors like race and socioeconomic status when selecting a supervisor. Having upfront conversations about personal beliefs, values, and theoretical orientations creates a space for growth and compatibility. The field of supervision is evolving, and supervisors like Andrea are leading the way in fostering inclusive environments and cultural competence.
If you are looking for a great book/manual on how you can update your supervision game in the area of Multicultural supervision - Check out this one: Promoting Cultural Sensitivity in Supervision. (not an affiliate link)

Episode 118: Erika Nelson - Abolitionist Supervision and Therapy
Overview of episode
What is Abolitionist Perspective?
How can we make change in our system?
How do we balance the practical needs of supervision with the Abolitionist Perspective?
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Continue to think about your voice.
Let's pause for a few minutes today to think about how our voice matters. What we say to ourselves, to others, to the board and the system at large matters. Are we speaking up when there is injustice? Are we giving ourselves room to grieve when we are going through change?
Where is a place you need to be today? Where do you need to show up for yourself, or someone else today?
What advocacy can you be a part of today? There are so many opportunities for advocacy. If you are having a hard time finding the right place to spend your advocacy capital (energy, money or time) please reach out for a quick consult with me. I am happy to help you research some ways to put that energy into good use!

Episode 117: Supervisor Interview with Brittany Brownfield, LPC helping supervisees find balance
Overview of episode
Helping Supervisees navigate life balance.
Tips for new supervisors to develop their theoretical orientation.
Normalize being vulnerable.
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Review your Case Conceptualization System
Today, take a look at what you ask your supervisees to explore with you when they bring a case to supervision. In addition to demographics, and questions that they might have (or interventions they want to know about)... maybe think about asking how you might interact with this client from a different orientation than the one that they currently are a part of. This can help them think outside of the box and help identify if there are any gaps in their thought process!
Model being vulnerable
In addition to normalizing it and allowing space for vulnerability in your supervision session... think today about how you can model it! One of the ways I model vulnerability is by sharing that I am in therapy myself, when I run into situations with clients that I consult on, or times when I feel like I am overwhelmed with how hard our job is sometimes and how I care for myself or get care for myself!

Episode 116: Business interview with Julie Herres, Accountant
Overview of episode
Common mistakes practice owners make when it comes to money
Understanding the true cost of interns and turnover
Profit First for therapists
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Get intimate with your finances!
If you are already working with an accountant or bookkeeper, reach out to them today and ask them to help you get closer with your finances. Maybe use this list of questions to start that conversation:
1. What are my fixed costs?
2. How much does it cost me per clinician? Per client?
3. How much more do I have to make to put (insert number here) in Retirement?
4. Am I on track to meet my goals? (Do I know what those are?)
If you don't already have an accountant or bookkeeper - It's time to look into one that will help you meet your needs. There are lots of types of folks out there. Email me and I'm happy to share with you some information getting set up with someone!
Making intentional choices
Take a few minutes today to look at your decision making process. If you are someone who jumps in with both feet, or takes a long time, or makes decisions on wing and a prayer - You can make an awesome company. Not everyone needs to build a spreadsheet and evaluate 3-5 options before making one... It is better to know your self and build in supports that help you make intentional choices than to try to be someone else.
Adding in professionals to help you fill the gaps in your strengths and give you access to different perspectives is how we can make the business we are building fantastic.
SCORE - Business Mentorship

Episode: 115 Write in Questions answered by Dr. Tara Sanderson
Overview of episode
Q1. Consent forms for Student Observation?
Q2. How can we change pressure culture in our industry?
Q3. What system do you use for taping sessions?
Q4. Tell me more about your training calendar!Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Add or take away one question in your structure of Supervision In order to change the system of how our industry runs - we have to make changes in the work we individually are doing. What question can you add to your supervision sessions today that will help change the system? What question do you need to remove to give more space to your supervisees growth?
Take a poll!
As you are building your training calendar for the year - take a poll of the current folks in your group (or if you don't have any grab some info from folks online in some of the great supervision Facebook groups, or other colleagues). Then build some trainings around those areas. Some questions you might ask:
* What do you wish you learned during internship?
* What do you want to make sure you learn about before you leave here?
* What training would make the biggest impact in your clients lives?
* What training will bring you to the next level clinically?

Episode 114: Gemma Escale, LPC and Bicultural/Bilingual Supervision
Overview of episode
There is power in bilingual supervision.
Confidence in documentation and paperwork.
How trauma and culture impact supervisees and clients.Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Take Inventory
Today, think about your supervisees. Assess their cultural background, languages, and interpersonal backgrounds. If there are areas that you are not representative of, or that there are some distress or trauma around, see if you can connect with some community support to meet those needs.
This could look like adding an additional supervisor, or maybe monthly supervision group for them in their language or cultural dynamic.
Address Community Needs
After you look at the internal needs - take a look at the community you serve. Are their needs that aren't being met, could you bring in someone to help meet those needs?
Or can you partner with folks in the community to help meet the need?
Take InventoryAddress community needs

Episode 113: Business interview with Kasey Compton
Overview of episode
Things to do before branching into Supervision as a part of your practice.
Importance of Structure/PoliciesRates and PricingTakeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Take some time to go through your processes as if you are going through them for the first time. This can help you think through bumps, bottlenecks and holes in your process.
Pro-tip - Once you address any problems, tape your process with something like Loom (for things that don't have any PHI) so that interns can watch these and know what to expect!
Take a look at your calendar and block off time for your supervisees. Don't know how much to block off - do a time study this week of how much time is spent on supervision duties each week. Anytime you read a note, an email, have a conversation - track that time on a note pad, in an app or write it down on your hand! Then take a look at how many hours it takes.
Pro-Tip: Write down that time on your Job description. (You have a job description for your job right? If not, email me for a systems conversation today!
Set your system up Schedule time

Episode 112: Dr. Sanderson and Intern Manuals
Episode 112
What needs to be in my intern manual? In this episode, Dr. Tara Sanderson addresses creating an intern manual for your practice. The Intern Manual Checklist is available to download below. The template for the manual is available in my course.
Links to Tara's Training Course
Intern Manual Checklist
Overview of episode
Creating a Manual from a template
Be Specific to your company
Be clear in your expectations
Give them all the info they need to do their job.
Takeaways for today!
What can you apply today right after the episode. Think about adding an HR component to your team.
Once you have more than just you in your practice, you will need to think about the legal responsibilities of being a business owner with employees, volunteers or other human bodies doing work for your company.
You can find Independent HR professionals through programs that are connected to the SBA or independent HR professionals. Here are a few links for you:
SCORE
Tom Engel (Vantage Point HR)
https://www.hranswers.org/
Evaluate what you want them to get out of your internship site
Take a few minutes today and write down a list of things you want your interns to walk out of your internship knowing.
After you have made a list - take a moment and see if you can put them in an order that makes sense to how folks navigate your site and see if you can put together a timeline for what you need to help them develop the skills.

Episode 111: Shannon Heers Supervisor relationship and Firelight supervision
Episode 111
Shannon Heers, LPC, LMHC, CAS, ACSIn this episode, Shannon Heers, LPC, LMHC, CAS, ACS shares about being a supervisor, setting expectations and her new project Firelight Supervision.
Links to Firelight Supervision Website
Links to Firelight Supervision's Social Media
Overview of episode
Helping supervisees be prepared for session.
What to do when the supervisor hits a plateau?
Burnout for Clinicians
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Create a framework for supervision at the beginning of the supervision relationship.Think today about what you really need to know about the clients or the supervisee in the session.
Here are some things you might want to think about including:
Name of client
Age of client
Demographics/Culture of Client
Diagnosis
Goals
Transference/Counter-Transference
Other questions you might think about adding to your repertoire:
1. Asking them "What is your question about this client?"
2. What is coming up for you when you think about your time with that client?
Take stock today of your supervision journey.
1. List all your supervisors,
2. What were their credentials?
3. What is your memory of those experiences?
4. What are the things you want bring to your work as a supervisor?
5. What are the things you don't want to bring into your work as a supervisor?
6. What are the gap areas of what you need to know?
7. Would it be beneficial to get some supervision of your supervision to make sure you are doing it right?
Interested in getting some supervision for your self? Check out Firelight Supervision's individual and group supervision programs.

Episode 110: Supervisor Interview with Khara Croswaite-Brindle discussing the Empowerment Model and High Risk Situations
In this episode, Khara Croswaite-Brindle shares her Supervision Model - The Empowerment Model of Supervision and it's application to High Risk Situations. Overview of episode
What is the Empowerment Model?
When does Empowerment Model seem like the right thing for a supervisee?
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Challenge the inequality
It is vital that we look at our power dynamics in the systems we have set up for supervision. As you think about the systems you use in your supervision practice today, what are the ones you are performing as a top down experience, what are the ones you are coming to the table as a collaborator, and where are you learning from your supervisee?
Think about your systems
Today set a timer for 5 minutes to map out your system of bringing on a supervisee through them leaving your practice. What are the first things that come to mind? What are the most important aspects? Then look at the list later today or tomorrow - what did you leave out? Use this tool to help you identify the places that there may be holes in your training or ways you could serve your supervisees better.

Episode 109: Jason WIlkinson, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, Multiple Supervisors
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Set an AgendaIf you haven't already discussed an agenda with your supervisees - this is your hint to do it! Set an agenda that will give you and them opportunity to make sure to cover all the legal and ethical bases but make sure you are attending to all the other beneficial ones as well. Ask your supervisee to come prepared to your supervision sessions with questions they need answered as well as cases to discuss.
Here's a couple of options of how:
1. You could create a google form for them to fill out before session of the questions they have or the clients they want to discuss.
2. You could use the messaging software in your EHR and have them message you things through that!
Take some time this week to look through your supervisee caseload and their goals and see which things they could benefit from another supervisor. Could be theoretical orientation or notes or type of clients they serve.
Make a list and use your connections to see who you can partner with.
Links to Jason's website: Wellspace PDX
Links to Jason's Social media: @wellspacepdx

Episode 108: Dr. Sanderson and Supervisory Billing
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Identify your reason.Supervisory billing can give clients access to services that they may not have in your community, it can be a profit maker, it can be a teaching model... Take 10 minutes today to determine why you think you want this in your practice. It is awesome and hard all at the same time.
Most every course I teach asks you to start with the why and build from there. This addition to your business is no different. Make sure you understand your why so you can determine if this is a good fit, and how you want to make it meet your why.
You will now have 4 new tasks to keep on track. You will need time to do them.
1. Getting permission and understanding the rules.
2. Educating your team and training them to the rules.
3. Monitoring the rules in case they change.
4. Tracking all the moving parts as if they were your own clients... because they are.
Today - Take a few minutes and think about all the moving parts when you sign an insurance contract, serve clients and go through billing. Maybe write them out step by step and layer in the time that it takes you to do all that, then double it and add in supervision time.
Starting from moment one that you are able to do this type of billing you need to have a tracking system in place that helps keep you in the know, your team up to par and the insurance companies happy. What that looks like for me is an awesome assistant, a great biller and some savvy spreadsheets.
Make a clear list of your goals (from your Why statement above) and your tasks (from the make time in your schedule section) and start to put together a roadmap for how you are going to track and monitor all these notes, clients and billings. This is an important step to support those clients and supervisees.
Lastly, schedule time in your calendar today for monthly reviews of your systems, your contracts and the state and federal rules to make sure you are still doing everything above board!

Episode 107: Amy Smitke, LPC Launching a supervision practice
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Plan your CEU'sTake a look at your board requirements and think about what you need both as a clinician and as a supervisor. Look for trainings by experts who would really challenge you to grow.
Here are some links to some great CEU opportunities as a supervisor:
TelementalHealth Supervision Series (Free quarterly trainings, most others cost about 25-50 per CEU)
Person Centered Tech Supervision and Ethics Series (by moi!)
Make connections with others! Here are 4 things you can do today:
1. Join Clinical oriented Facebook Groups (local and national) and see what questions you can answer.
Here's a link to a national Clinical supervisor group!
2. Get connected with local clinical associations.
3. Ask a colleague for a zoom coffee date or to actual coffee if that is safe for you! Get to know them, what they are looking for in referrals and see if you can be a resource to them.
4. Get to know your licensing board. Think about the questions you are asking on facebook (or that someone else is) and ask the board for clarification so you are in the know and get the answers straight from their mouth!
Take a few moments and jot down some things you wish you had known or had taken the time to talk about in your supervision. Make it a priority today to have that list handy next time a supervisee says "Everything is going well, I am not sure what to talk about!"
Links to Amy's Website: Motivated Wellness Solutions
Links to Amy's Social media: @amysmitke

Episode 106: Vanessa Brookhouse, LPC Ethics and Documentation
Overview of episode
Ethical Responsibility Imposter Syndrome Self-Care DocumentationWhat can you apply today right after the episode.
Add taping of sessions into your practice.If it is possible to tape your supervisees doing their therapy - it can be extremely beneficial. Here is a cool option for programs like DBT that need fidelity for the model:
Dreamaker.io
Take time today to read through one document that your clients or your supervisees see and see if it still works for you. If you can add this practice in once a week or month you can make sure your paperwork is reflecting what you want it to.
Check out Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey from qaprep.com who helps folks with documentation!
Look over your supervisees caseload for how they are diagnosing and challenge your supervisees to review the DSM diagnosis for their clients to make sure we are all on the same page.
Links to the DBT Clinic where Vanessa works!

Episode 105: Dr. Tara Sanderson discusses Intern Free Time
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Make a clear list.Take 10 minutes today and make a list of things you think you would like done in your practice and see what shakes out for you. Then compare it to the ethical requirements and school or board requirements. Once you have your list together move to the next tip!
You are welcome to start with my list as a starter! I broke my list up into 6 categories to help them think through what would be beneficial to them in this moment.
In your orientation and training (and in your supervisory contract) make sure it is really clear the amount of hours you are expecting them to be doing tasks for your practice, and what tasks those are. Nobody likes the line "Other duties as assigned". We want to know what we should be doing!
It is helpful to let supervisees know if they need to tell you that someone no-showed or late-cancelled and get assigned a thing to do - or if they can pick from the list and move on. Also good to know if you are always expecting them to do other things or if they can take time off and away from work.
Link to Dr. Sanderson course:
https://www.drtarasanderson.co/howtohaveinternsinyourpractice

Episode 104: Chris Campassi Psychoanalytic Supervision
Takeaways for today! Look at getting your own supervision!
In order to be proactive in your own self-care - Why not add a consultant to your own practice! Adding a supervisor or consultant that helps you navigate your own cases, your supervision of other folks and give you some support as we go through this intense world of being a therapist and supervisor!
One neat thing of adding a consultant when it is not required is that there may not be any state line issues!
Check out: Firelight Supervision (Individual and Group Supervision)
What is my stuff in the room?
Is this feeling I am feeling, how the client feels?
Is this how others in the clients world experience them?
Think about your developmental model of each of your supervisees - are they in Process Oriented Supervision mode or Skill Acquisition Mode?
Taking time to review with your supervisees to figure out where each supervisee is at throughout your time working with them.
Check out my developmental model of supervision flow chart here.
Links for Firelight Firelight Supervision: Firelight Supervision
Links to Social Media: @firelightsupervision

Episode 103: Dr. Sanderson and Google Workspace
What can you apply today right after the episode.
Double check before you use!Google puts out new stuff all the time and some of it is so cool! But, it is not all approved for the type of work we do! When a new thing comes out I always check it out with Person Centered Tech. In their membership package they offer a weekly Office Hours where they answer questions and walk through practice technology issues or new things that are out there!
Person Centered Tech Office Hours
No one is going to like this answer - but really - You need to make sure you have set up your google workspace to be HIPAA secure.
If you need help going through this - I would LOVE to support you. Schedule a consultation with me today!

Episode 102: Kaleigh Boysen-Quinata Family Systems and Supervision
Main topics:
Systemic Lens to working when working with Families.
Why Supervisees struggle with navigating Family system work.
What to do when parents say no.
Help supervisees learn how to navigate conflict.
Takeaways:
Teach your supervisee to involve the family.Talk about the relationship and how the client's mental health has been impacting family. Demonstrate how to ask these questions in your supervision.
Here are some questions you might ask:
- Who all is in this family circle?
- How does the client's mental health impact each of those people?
- What are the outcomes that each member is looking for?
- How are the behaviors of the rest of the family circle engaging in the clients growth or keeping them stuck?
What other questions do you ask? Drop me a line here and share!
Role play out the steps of what you are asking your supervisee to do in session. Make role play an active part of your training so that it stops being such a uncomfortable situation.
Help your supervisees explain how involving parents benefits kids.See where the parent is coming from and building on the strengths of that person in the kids life. If something that you are offering isn't working - find out why and see what ways you can shift to make something else work.
Links for Kaleigh:
Family Roots Therapy: https://familyrootstherapy.com/
Kaleigh's Social media: @familyrootstherapy

Episode 101: Supervision Smörgåsbord Intro Episode
This intro episode will share with you what you can expect from the show and how I got here sharing it with you!
This is a short episode (5 mins ish). Other episodes will range from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. The interview episodes are longer than the solo ones.
If you have questions you would like answered on the show - feel free to reach out!
www.drtarasanderson.com/podcast