Upcoming therapists start as supervisees. Supervision has three major players namely the client, supervisee and the supervisor (Pope & Vasquez, 2010, p. 315). Without a clear guideline, relationships and agendas bringing together supervisees and supervisors can easily be confused (Pope & Vasquez, 2010, p. 315). In line with this, it is paramount to spell out the tasks, roles and responsibilities of both supervisees and supervisors (Pope & Vasquez, 2010, p. 315). It is paramount to note that some aspects of supervision may be similar to some forms of therapy. In addition, the supervisor takes charge of the supervisee’s growth, as well as clients’ care. Therefore, no aspect of training should compromise clients’ care.
In this scenario, I’m working with clients who deal with illicit drugs, and have issues with child protection agencies and authorities. In fact, their therapy is catered for by probation services. As a supervisee, it is important to have a supervisor who will assist in making tough clinical and case management decisions. In order for the supervision process to be a success, first, it is paramount for the supervisor to acquaint themselves with legislation governing child protection and drug addicts. In other words, he or she must understand the legal system governing these aspects.
The supervisor must have a clear understanding of the laws governing complex issues such as child custody and access by detainees, laws governing courts decision to grant a detainee access to healthcare, and their release. Having a clear understanding of the legal system and legislation governing illicit drugs detainees and child protection, will be indispensable in the ethical decision-making. In addition, in order to establish and ethical-decision making process, the roles of the supervisor must be defined. Decisions made must be legally acceptable and clinically relevant. In line with this, the supervisor ought to seek legal advice if the interpretation of legal matters is beyond their reach especially if their actions solely depend on the legal clause in question. Besides, the supervisor must have experience in this discipline.
Reference
Pope, S. K., & Vasquez, J. T. (2010). Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide. New Jersey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
