155 Preventing a Toxic Climate With Supervisees: Why Every Supervisor Needs a Contract

Toxic supervision relationships damage our profession, but preventing them requires simpler solutions than many realize. Drawing from recent surveys and proposed rule changes, this episode dives deep into what makes supervision relationships thrive or fail.

At the heart of preventing problematic supervision sits the humble supervision contract - a document not currently required by licensing boards but essential to establishing clear expectations. When supervisors charge fees that exceed what supervisees earn hourly without providing commensurate value through amenities like office space, administrative support, or specialized expertise, resentment inevitably follows. Transparency about financial arrangements, scheduling expectations, and evaluation procedures creates the foundation for healthy supervision.

The most troubling revelation comes when examining supervisor termination protocols - or lack thereof. Currently, supervisors have no formal mechanism to end relationships with problematic supervisees, remaining responsible until the supervisee secures another supervisor or upgrades their license. This regulatory gap creates professional vulnerability that puts supervisors in precarious positions when ethical concerns arise. While proposed rule changes aim to address these issues, the path forward requires both regulatory updates and individual commitment to professional best practices.

Whether you supervise clinicians or are under supervision yourself, understanding these dynamics transforms how you approach these crucial relationships. Join the conversation about creating supervision environments that foster growth rather than toxicity, and help shape the future of our profession by advocating for clearer guidelines around contracts, fees, and termination protocols.

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