In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord , Dr. Tara Sanderson kicks off season three with guest Erin Mahone, LPC from Pulse Wellness Cooperative. The conversation dives into topics such as the dilemma of reading books versus watching movies, the importance of ethical self-disclosure in clinical supervision, and the evolving role of supervision in mental health practice. Erin Mahone shares her experiences as a new supervisor, emphasizing the need for intentional self-disclosure to foster safety and connection, both with clients and supervisees. The episode also explores the impact of Oregon’s OHA supervision grant, choosing supervisors who align with personal and professional values, and creating sustainable, supportive practices for clinicians. The dialogue highlights the importance of attunement, consent, and adaptability in supervision, with Dr. Tara Sanderson and Erin Mahone offering insights into building a thriving and inclusive mental health community.

In this solo episode of Supervision Smorgasbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson shares a personal story about falling into the "fix it trap" during a supervision session and explores the impact this has on supervisee growth. She discusses how over-functioning as a supervisor can create dependency, contribute to burnout, and reinforce the idea that therapists must always have the answer. Dr. Tara Sanderson introduces the "rule of three"—a practical technique involving three discovery questions—to help supervisors facilitate reflection and learning rather than immediately offering solutions. She also talks about the Supervision Smorgasbord journal, designed to help supervisors develop greater self-awareness and intentionality in their practice.

In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson welcomes Jamie Watson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist supervisor, and president of the Oregon Association for Play Therapy. The conversation dives into Jamie Watson's journey as a supervisor, her passion for systemic thinking in therapy, and the importance of play therapy when working with children. Together, they discuss challenges and unique requirements of MFT supervision, the value of building a supportive professional community, and the significance of addressing neurodiversity and trauma in child therapy. Jamie Watson also shares insights about ongoing trainings, her podcast, and the importance of embracing curiosity and collaborative learning in supervision.