Supervision is a dynamic, relational process, and countertransference, the emotional reactions that supervisees stir up, can strongly affect how effective it is. In this two-hour training supervisors receive essential tools for recognizing, understanding and managing their own countertransference and for guiding supervisees through their emotional responses. Case vignettes, discussion and reflection build self-awareness and supervisory skill and help create an environment that supports supervisee growth and client well-being. The course suits new and experienced clinical supervisors in all mental health disciplines.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define countertransference and its impact on clinical supervision and counseling relationships.
- Identify common signs and triggers of countertransference in supervision sessions.
- Practice strategies for managing their own countertransference responses while guiding supervisees through theirs.
- Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches when navigating countertransference.
Syllabus:
Introduction: Supervisors at all stages of their professional journey can benefit from increased self-awareness and strategies to address countertransference in productive and supportive ways. Grounded in trauma-informed and culturally responsive supervision practices, we will explore common triggers, the parallel process, and strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and relational attunement. This training emphasizes that countertransference is a natural part of any relational process and offers tools to transform these emotional responses into opportunities for deeper connection and insight.
Objective #1: Define countertransference and its impact on clinical supervision and counseling relationships.
- Define countertransference and its origin
- Discuss expanded definitions
- Review types of countertransference and the impact to supervision dynamics
Objective #2: Identify common signs and triggers of countertransference in supervision sessions.
- Supervisory power dynamics
- Similarities and differences in identities (e.g., race, age, gender, values)
- Supervisee struggles that mirror supervisor’s own past experiences
- Personality clashes or supervisee’s behaviors (e.g., resistance, dependency)
- Case vignettes
Objective 3: Practice strategies for managing their own countertransference responses while guiding supervisees through theirs.
- Self-awareness practices
Objective #4: Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches when navigating countertransference.
- Understanding power dynamics
- Strategies for supervisees to explore their own countertransference
- Case vignettes
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Ericka Cables, Ph.D, LPC, NCC, ACS
Recording Date: September 17, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com