Clinical Supervision

 I entered the field of health and social services in 2011.  I started my career working with individuals living developmental disabilities.  I served people in a Life Skills day program, supporting them with recreation and skill development.  I worked in an employment support program, assisting people with obtaining and maintaining employment in the community.  I also supported people with various aspects of daily living in a group home setting.  I learned a great deal about marginalization at this time and continue to advocate where possible to break down barriers for folks with different abilities.  

Along the way, I participated in two practicums while pursuing my social work degree.  The first was at a Long Term Care facility specializing in serving the Deaf community.  I studied American Sign Language and learned not only about the lives of many people who lived through significant historical events, but also about the Deaf community.  The second practicum was in a Schedule 1 facility at an acute mental health program where I served people experiencing crises and supported them with discharge planning to return to community with appropriate supports in place.  I learned a great deal about mental health, crisis response, medications, and most importantly the significance of compassionate health care.  

In the next chapter, I worked in a withdrawal management centre where I supported people experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms.  This included the identification and management of withdrawal symptoms as well as providing referrals for addictions treatment and community supports.  I learned a great deal about the manifestations of substance use and withdrawal, and how these disorders do not discriminate; they can impact anyone.  

I became a Registered Social Worker in 2015.  It was around this time when I began working as an Intensive Case Manager for a community-based mental health service.  I refer to this chapter as my ‘street Social Worker days’.  I spent my time serving people experiencing complex psychosocial challenges in addition to mental health and substance use disorders.  I learned a lot about what resiliency looks like during this time and continue to admire the courage of those I served at the time.  

I then pursued employment in a specialty mental health hospital.  I have since assumed a variety of clinical positions throughout the hospital.  I have had the opportunity to serve people who are receiving treatment as required by the judicial system.  I have worked in specialty community-based programs as well as a concurrent disorders treatment program.  These experiences have taught me the importance of recognizing power imbalances and oppression within ‘the system’.  They have taught me about the experiences of family members desperately trying to support their loved ones.  They have taught me how influential dignity, respect and empowerment are on treatment outcomes.  

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic (brilliant life choice) I accepted a clinical management position at the hospital.  My portfolio consisted of multiple services including a Family, Child and Youth program, a Youth Wellness Hub, a Dual Diagnosis Consultation program, a clinic-based Assessment and Treatment Service, and a Mobile Treatment Team serving folks living with chronic, complex mental health disorders.  In 2023 I accepted my current position as the clinical manager of the Concurrent Disorders treatment program at the hospital.

In 2022 I joined the private practice world and have been enjoying every minute of it!  I am often asked, why do you want to do therapy when your ‘day job’ is in the mental health field?  

For me, the answer is simple.  I could make candles in my spare time (don’t get me wrong, I have a candle making kit in the basement I plan to use!).  However, I went into the field of social work because I believe in what it means to be a social worker, and I see it as ‘a way of being’ rather than a career or job.  I am passionate about this work and feel excited to be doing it. 

Specialty & Main Approaches
All that to say… I need to tell you, I’m a recovering not-for-profit therapist!
When people ask me what my specialty is, or my main approach to therapy, I often struggle to give a clear answer. In the not-for-profit world, it is rare to be able to ‘choose’ who you work with, and who you don’t work with. I am however very confident in my ability to meet people where they are at. I am skilled at assessing the needs and strengths of those I serve, and ensuring they receive they support they desire, whether that is with me or requires a referral elsewhere.

I consider myself to be skilled and experienced with the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use and addictions
• Trauma
• Complex mental health challenges, including acute and crises
• Working with adults aged 16 and older
• Providing individual, couple, and group-based services
• System navigation

I identify with, and have training in, the following approaches:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• Emotion Focused Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Attachment-based
• Strengths-based
• Trauma-informed
• Integrative Approach
• Solution-Focused

I hold the following degrees and certificate:

• Bachelor of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Social Work
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Certificate Program
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Health Management

In fact, I am hopeful there will be times when you can share how you understand a certain approach to therapy, clinical presentation, or a potential solution to a complex issue!  

My role as a supervisor is to support you with harnessing your inner wisdom to meet the needs of those you serve.  My role is to celebrate your successes and growth, and to support you when you feel otherwise.

Why does this matter?  

I believe one of my skills as a supervisor is the ability to recognize, harness, and promote the wisdom and SUPER POWERS of those I work with.

I am also willing to be very human with you.  I have found this to be one of the most meaningful ways to support other clinicians in their practice… it’s okay to have feelings, both positive and negative, about your clients, colleagues, and others.  I’m happy to listen, learn from you, and share with you my experiences as well.

I am open to discussing cases and opportunities to meet the needs of your clients.  

I am also willing to come prepared to share my experiences and lessons learned over the course of my career… it doesn’t always have to be you preparing for supervision!