Clinical supervision is a dynamic, relational process where countertransference—emotional reactions that emerge in response to supervisees—can significantly impact supervisory effectiveness. This 2-hour training provides clinical supervisors with essential tools to recognize, understand, and manage their own countertransference, as well as guide supervisees through their emotional responses. Through case vignettes, interactive discussions, and reflective exercises, participants will build self-awareness, enhance their supervisory skills, and foster an environment that supports supervisee growth and client well-being. This training is designed for both novice and experienced clinical supervisors across various 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: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. 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