Welcome to the Supervision Simplified Podcast!

In this episode of ‘Supervision Simplified’, Dr. Parks & Valarie Harris dive into the unique supervision needs of graduate-level interns compared to pre-licensed clinicians. They share insights on managing foundational skills, regulation, and building confidence while addressing the pitfalls of imposter syndrome. We discuss hands-on techniques, like using experiential props, and highlight the importance of clinician feedback to enrich the supervision process. Whether you’re new to supervision or experienced, this episode offers essential strategies to support interns and pre-licensed clinicians alike.
In this episode of ‘Supervision Simplified’, we are thrilled to welcome Debi Frankle onto the podcast to discuss her unique and proactive approach to clinical supervision. Debi brings her vast experience in grief counseling and a passion for guiding supervisees through the unique challenges of this essential work. We explore topics like integrating grief work in supervision, the value of public speaking, and the transformative impact of compassionate support for both therapists and clients. About Our Guest Debi Jenkins Frankle, LMFT, is a highly experienced professional in grief counseling with 30 years of dedication to supporting individuals and families facing profound loss. She co-founded a grief counseling center with her husband and serves as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Debi also trains clinicians in grief skills, equipping them to better support their clients. As a griever herself, she navigates the challenges of physical loss due to chronic nerve damage, which affects her mobility—except when she’s in her Los Angeles garden. There, she continues her family’s tradition of amateur gardening, often found with dirt under her fingernails. As the pioneering force behind Private Practice Grief Workshops and Trainings for Mental Health Clinicians, as well as the facilitator of the therapists' community "Private Practice Grief" on Facebook, Debi has become a beacon of knowledge and support in the field.
In this episode of ‘Supervision Simplified’, Dr. Amy Parks sits down with licensed clinical social worker Doan Pham from Houston, Texas, to discuss the transition from clinician to clinical supervisor. Together, they explore the practical steps for getting started with supervision, from building a professional network to navigating legal and ethical responsibilities. Doan shares her journey into social work and the challenges she has faced as a new supervisor, while Dr. Amy offers concrete advice on securing supervisees, setting up contracts, and ensuring accountability.
In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris reflect on their transformative experience at the Masters Conference in Oxford, England. The duo shares insights from learning under world-renowned trauma experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, Dan Siegel, and Janina Fisher, while exploring the profound impact of being physically present in the room with fellow professionals from around the globe. Tune in to hear about their journey, the lessons learned, and why expanding your training beyond borders can be a game-changer in clinical supervision.
In this episode of ‘Supervision Simplified’, we are talking about all things CSD - The Clinical Supervision Directory! With its core mission to connect supervision seekers with competent supervisors, the CSD is an invaluable resource for everyone looking to connect in our industry. You’ll hear Dr. Amy Park's motivation for creating the CSD, having found the difficulties many face in even finding a supervisor, and how this unique centralized platform is helping graduates easily find quality supervisors to help elevate their emerging careers. Beyond connecting Clinicians, the CSD is also a platform focused on community, advice, and leadership skills designed to optimize the future of mental health treatment and therapy.
This week I am thrilled to share an amazing conversation with Dr. Chris Deussing. We discuss how conflict resolution is a necessary part of the clinical process, and the need for clinicians to set aside their ego to hold space for our clients. Dr. Deussing provides some amazing guidance and insights to expand and improve your supervisory relationships, as well as your day-to-day client interactions.
In this episode of “Supervision Simplified”, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris discuss the cost of supervision in private practice as they explore different models of compensation for supervisors and the considerations involved in charging for supervision. Amy and Valarie touch on the responsibilities and time commitment of being a supervisor and the importance of accurately valuing supervision so that both supervisors and supervisees can continue to learn and grow within their industry. Amy and Valarie also cover the key differences between W-2 and 1099 employment, the potential risks and consequences of misclassifying employees, and the need for collaboration between agencies and group practices to create innovative models that benefit everyone.
In this episode of “Supervision Simplified”, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris discuss the challenges of navigating controversial topics, particularly politics, in the supervision and therapy setting. We explore the impact of political events on clients and clinicians and the importance of remaining neutral while creating a safe space for open discussion. We address the ethical considerations and personal boundaries that supervisors and clinicians must navigate when discussing politics while emphasizing the need to help clients explore their pain points and find empowerment within their own individual belief systems. Amy and Valarie also discuss the psychology of politics and how it impacts individuals and society while touching on the influence of media and social media in shaping political opinions and the importance of self-care and coping ahead during politically charged times.
In today’s episode of “Supervision Simplified”, we take a deep dive into supervision ‘styles’ and how to find the supervision models that support your goals and supervisory relationships. We also explore the distinctions between LMFTs and LPCs and dive into the nuances of supervising interns versus those nearing licensure. Join us for this very insightful and beneficial topic, which we hope will enrich your supervisory roles.
In today’s episode of “Supervision Simplified”, we are thrilled to welcome our good friend and colleague, Khara Croswaite Brindle, co-founder of the Empowerment Model and the Electronic Supervision Record (ESR), a revolutionary online platform for mental health professionals and financial therapists. We explore Khara’s fantastic book, ‘The Empowerment Model of Clinical Supervision’, which showcases a dynamic five-part model that supports and empowers both supervisors and supervisees with the central question “What do you look for in a supervisor?”. We also discuss effective leadership, entrepreneurship in our field, and the vital importance of continued education in helping support the next generation of supervisees. We loved this conversation with Khara and can’t wait to share it with you all!
This episode dives deep into the critical yet often overlooked topic of supervision contracts. Learn why a clear and detailed contract is crucial, even in states where it's not legally mandated, as it sets the foundation for transparent communication and outlines the responsibilities of both supervisors and supervisees. Discover best practices for including key elements such as goals, emergency procedures, and duration terms in your contracts, and understand the benefits of tailoring these documents to reflect the unique strengths and styles of different supervisors.
In this episode of Supervision Simplified, we are thrilled to welcome Lisa Duez, the dynamic founder of Turning Point Counseling and the inspiration behind the Coalition Connection Conference in Virginia Beach. Lisa shares her impressive journey, including her upcoming adventure walking the Camino in Europe and her inspiring plans for the future. Join us as she teases her forthcoming book on the EASE Framework of Leadership, discusses her dedication to trauma-informed care, and reflects on the joys and challenges of running a successful group practice. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with insights and inspiration for clinicians everywhere!
In the second of our special episodes of “Supervision Simplified”, we again bring the discussion “in-house” with another introductory interview with the other half of our co-hosting dream team - Dr. Amy Parks. Amy shares how her early love of teaching and higher education led to her finding her purpose in supervision and helping nurture future generations of clinicians through the Clinical Supervision Directory. Amy also delves into her important work with children, teens, and their families through the WISE Family Wellness practice, as well as a special love for a very particular car race!
In this week’s special episode of “Supervision Simplified”, we bring the discussion “in-house” with an introductory interview with one-half of our amazing co-hosting team - Valarie Harris. From her early days resolving schoolyard conflicts to building the premier trauma therapy group practice in Tennessee (Trauma & Therapy Center Of Tennessee), you will love Valarie’s energetic and purposeful insight into supervision and the wider mental health industry…and also why she loves Vanderpump Rules!
In today’s episode of “Supervision Simplified”, we are thrilled to welcome one of our amazing TheraQueens MacKenzie Bradke to discuss her supervision experience, as well as finding her true passion for working with Therapist Moms.
In this episode of “Supervision Simplified,” Dr. Amy Parks and Valerie Harris discuss the importance of ethics in both the clinical setting and our supervisory relationships, revealing some of the more shocking ethical situations they’ve encountered and how best to avoid these ethical pitfalls.
Professional training and continued education are vital to our ongoing development and understanding, both with our clients and supervisees. But are all accreditations as useful and impactful as we may think? What should we be conscious of when picking our CE programs?
How do your generational traits affect your workplace outlook? What considerations should we make when interacting within multigenerational practices? How can we leverage the positive attributes of each generation to provide better supervision outcomes?
In this episode of "Supervision Simplified," Dr. Amy Parks and Valerie Harris return with part two of their series on assessment, this time delving into three advanced tools designed to enhance the supervision experience. These assessments bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering a roadmap for both supervisors and supervisees to navigate the complex landscape of professional development with precision and care.
Are you using assessments to bridge the gap in knowledge and understanding with your supervisees? What important insights can these assessments provide and how can you use them to craft a better supervisory relationship? In today’s episode, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris focus on the importance of outside-specific assessments, how to utilize them across your supervisory process, and why continued assessments should be the ‘gold standard’ best practice.