How to Navigate Supervisor Problems: A Guide for New Graduates

Welcome, everyone! I'm Dr. Kate Walker, and today, we're diving into the final part of our three-part series that's my special graduation gift to all the new graduates out there. We've already discussed how to choose a great supervisor and how to identify a bad supervision contract versus a great one. Now, let's tackle today's topic: how to identify supervisor problems and professionally break up with your supervisor (yes, this is a thing that can be done!).

Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses #87: How to Navigate Supervisor Problems: A Guide for New Graduates

Supervision is a crucial part of your early career, and it's important to know when to stick with it and when to move on. Here, we'll go over some red flags and how to handle them, all in a chatty, conversational style that you know and love from our podcast.

Six Supervisor Problems (AKA “Red Flags”)

Red Flag #1: Lack of Orientation

So, you've signed the paperwork—both the state paperwork and the supervision contract—and you show up for your first session ready to dive in. But what if your supervisor just jumps straight into client talk without any orientation? That's a red flag.

Orientation should cover emergency procedures, scheduling, what constitutes an emergency, and more. It’s not just about handing you a contract to sign; it’s about starting the collaboration.

If your supervisor skips this, it’s a beige flag (almost red) indicating they might not be as organized or prepared as you need them to be. Don't hesitate to ask for this orientation; it’s a crucial step in your supervisory relationship.

Red Flag #2: Group Supervision Only

A major red flag is if your supervisor only meets you for group supervision. Now, let’s be clear—group supervision is different from triadic supervision, which involves you and one other supervisee and counts as individual supervision. But if you're always meeting in a group of three or more, and never getting individual attention, that's a problem. Not only are you getting shortchanged, but your supervisor is also breaking the rules. Make sure you’re getting the one-on-one time you need and deserve.

Red Flag #3: Inflexible Scheduling

Life happens—jobs change, family responsibilities arise, and sometimes you get sick. If your supervisor only has one available slot for supervision and can't accommodate any changes, that's a red flag. You need someone with flexibility to ensure you can continue your supervision without unnecessary stress.

Red Flag #4: Lack of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is key in a supervisory relationship. What you say in supervision should stay there, unless there's a legal or ethical reason to discuss it elsewhere. If you find out your supervisor has been discussing your sessions with others at your agency without your knowledge, that's a huge red flag. This betrayal can damage your professional reputation and trust.

Red Flag #5: All Critique, No Encouragement

We’ve all had that professor or boss who only ever critiques and never encourages. If your supervisor is like this, constantly criticizing without any positive feedback, it can lead to burnout and make you dread supervision sessions. You deserve a supervisor who knows how to balance critique with encouragement, helping you grow without crushing your spirit.

Red Flag #6: Termination Without Remediation

In Texas, supervisors are required to remediate supervisees before terminating the relationship, unless there’s a serious breach of ethics or law. If your supervisor tries to fire you without giving you a chance to improve, that's a red flag. Good supervision involves teaching, evaluating, and then remediating if necessary. If you're not getting this support, it might be time to look for a new supervisor.

Story Time: My Early Supervision Experience

Let me share a story from my early career. Back in the early 2000s, I had a supervisor who allowed me and some of my peers to see clients in his private practice. It sounded great, but weeks went by, and none of us were seeing clients.

We were still paying for supervision and even contributing to office rent, but there were simply not enough clients to go around. This experience taught me that not every supervisor is a great business person, even if they are a good clinician.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to address it early and possibly look for a supervisor who better meets your needs.

How to Break Up with Your Supervisor

If you've identified any of these red flags and feel that your supervisory relationship isn't working out, it might be time to part ways. Here's how to do it professionally:

1. Have a Conversation: Talk to your supervisor about your concerns. Sometimes, issues can be resolved with a simple conversation.
2. Find a New Supervisor: Before ending the relationship, make sure you have another supervisor lined up. You can’t have a break in supervision, especially if you’re seeing clients.
3. Use Supervisor Directories: Utilize resources like the Texas Supervisor Coalition's directory to find potential supervisors in your area.
4. Consult Your University: They might have recommendations for supervisors who can take you on.
5. Be Proactive: Stay on top of your supervision needs. Don’t let red flags fester until they become major issues.

Moving Forward (Hopefully Without Supervisor Problems!)

New graduates, welcome to the field! You’ve worked hard to get here, and you deserve great supervision to help you grow into the amazing therapists you’re meant to be. Keep an eye out for these red flags that signal significant supervisor problems, don’t be afraid to make a change if needed, and always strive for the best supervisory relationship possible.

Remember, good supervision is a partnership that helps you and your clients thrive.

For more tips and guidance on finding a great supervisor, be sure to check out episode 86 of our podcast. And as always, reach out if you have any questions. Together, we can ensure that you get the support you need to succeed in your new career.

Stay awesome, new grads, and keep making the world a better place with your excellent therapy skills!

Action Items:

1. Do you recognize any of the six red flags in your current supervisor? If so, are you considering moving on? If not, why?
2. If you liked this episode of Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses, please subscribe and leave a fabulous review!