The Value of Supervision

Abstract

In a qualitative study examining clinical social workers' theories of cure, supervision emerged as an essential resource for clinical social workers. Their relationships to, and experiences with, supervisors were regarded as highly influential in the formation of their professional competence and identity. All had experienced important and profound supervisory experiences that helped form the basis of their professional competence. This paper describes the benefits of supervision as reported by the clinical social workers interviewed and validates supervision as a sustainable ingredient of clinical social work practice. “They were very, very patient. I was, I mean I had … I was a Goddamn mess, I didn't know anything and the fact that my supervisor didn't lean across the desk and strangle me I think really shows tremendous restraint on their part” (Male #2).