Supervision Simplified

What does it actually mean to be a trauma-informed supervisor?In this candid and energizing conversation, Dr. Amy Parks sits down with Libby Murdoch, creator of Brain-Based EMDR, to explore how trauma impacts both our clients and our clinical relationships, and what supervisors can do about it. Libby shares how her own experiences shaped her trauma-informed lens, why nervous system safety matters in supervision, and how even the best-intentioned supervisors can cause harm without realizing it. Together, they explore strategies to help supervisors regulate themselves, co-create safety with supervisees, and model the very same attunement we expect in therapy.This episode is real, resonant, and radically helpful. Whether you supervise seasoned clinicians or brand new interns, you’ll leave with insights you can use right away.🎧 Know a supervisor who needs to hear this? Share it.🧠 Want to go deeper? Check out Libby’s work at www.brainbasedemdr.comSupervision Simplified brings you real conversations with real clinical supervisors navigating the complex, messy, and meaningful world of mental health. Each episode delivers tools, insights, and stories that make supervision a little simpler - because who doesn’t want simpler?Sponsors:Clinical Supervision Directory – www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

Ever wonder what clients say actually hurt them in therapy?In this solo episode, I’m unpacking some hard truths—directly from client voices. Inspired by Esther Goldstein’s viral post, we’re digging into five of the most harmful things therapists do, from blurry boundaries to skipping supervision. If it stings a little, that’s okay—it means we’re learning.You’ll get research-backed insights, supervision strategies you can use right away, and a big reminder that we can’t supervise what we won’t look at. This one’s for the supervisors who care deeply, the supervisees doing the work, and anyone who's ever wondered: “Am I really showing up the way I mean to?”Share this one with a colleague—or bring it to your next supervision session.More tools and connections at ClinicalSupervisionDirectory.com

In this eye-opening episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks welcomes Skye Clark to share her shocking and deeply personal experience with an unethical supervisor. From blurred boundaries to outright manipulation, Skye takes us through the harrowing journey of navigating supervision during the pandemic, uncovering deception, and ultimately finding her strength.Supervisors wield significant influence over pre-licensed clinicians, and this conversation sheds light on what happens when that power is abused. Skye’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, discernment, and advocating for oneself in supervision.This is an episode every supervisor and supervisee needs to hear. If you’ve ever questioned the integrity of your supervision experience, this conversation will give you tools and insight to protect yourself and advocate for ethical supervision.

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy sits down with Torre Boyd, LPC, founder of Therapy in Color, for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead supervision with identity, insight, and cultural humility. Torre shares how her lived experience and early career shaped her trauma-informed lens, why brave spaces matter more than safe ones, and how supervisors can better support clinicians of color and other marginalized identities. You’ll hear real talk about power, feedback, growth, and how to hold space for authenticity and equity in the supervisory relationship. This episode is rich with wisdom, realness, and actionable insight for clinical supervisors navigating today’s complex mental health landscape.

In this special update episode, Amy shares the exciting new chapter of Supervision Simplified as she steps into solo hosting. With honesty and humor, she reflects on Valarie’s transition, what listeners can expect in this next season, and how the podcast will continue to deliver real conversations, practical solutions, and leadership support for supervisors navigating the complex world of mental health. Plus, Amy offers her take on emerging trends in supervision and self-care as 2025 unfolds. If you’re ready to keep things real (and a little simpler), this is your welcome back episode!Supervision Simplified brings you real conversations with real clinical supervisors navigating the complex, messy, and meaningful world of mental health. Each episode delivers tools, insights, and stories that make supervision a little simpler—because who doesn’t want simpler?Clinical Supervision Directory - www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

In this eye-opening episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks welcomes Skye Clark to share her shocking and deeply personal experience with an unethical supervisor. From blurred boundaries to outright manipulation, Skye takes us through the harrowing journey of navigating supervision during the pandemic, uncovering deception, and ultimately finding her strength.Supervisors wield significant influence over pre-licensed clinicians, and this conversation sheds light on what happens when that power is abused. Skye’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, discernment, and advocating for oneself in supervision.This is an episode every supervisor and supervisee needs to hear. If you’ve ever questioned the integrity of your supervision experience, this conversation will give you tools and insight to protect yourself and advocate for ethical supervision.

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive into the essential topic of capacity building for supervisors and clinicians. They explore the challenges of maintaining emotional resilience, discipline, and adaptability in a field that demands constant support and leadership.Valarie shares her personal experiences with burnout, self-regulation, and how habits—not just discipline—are the foundation for long-term success. Together, they discuss practical strategies for supervisors to help clinicians track, maintain, and restore their capacity before they reach the breaking point.Key Takeaways:✅ The connection between habits and discipline in sustainable supervision✅ How capacity awareness prevents burnout before it starts✅ The importance of flexibility and self-accountability in managing workload✅ Ways supervisors can help new clinicians identify early warning signs of capacity strainDon't wait until you're running on empty—learn how to manage your capacity before burnout takes over. Tune in now!

Navigating difficult conversations is a critical skill for supervisors and supervisees alike. In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive into the complexities of addressing uncomfortable topics within the supervisory relationship. From offering constructive feedback to supervisees, to building trust so supervisees feel safe bringing concerns to their supervisors, this episode explores strategies for fostering open communication. Amy and Valarie share personal stories, lessons learned, and practical tips for navigating these "prickly" moments with grace and professionalism. Whether you're a clinical supervisor, an intern, or simply navigating hard conversations in your practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow.

Sponsored by CLINICAL SUPERVISION DIRECTORY, @clinical_supervision_directory; www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.comIn this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris explore how family systems theory—like triangles, differentiation, and projection—applies to clinical supervision. From “checking the triangle” to staying curious and stepping out of rescuer or victim roles, they share practical strategies to improve dynamics between supervisors and supervisees. They also discuss creating emotional safety, fostering clarity, and building trust in supervision and team leadership.Join the revolution in supervision, and start simplifying and elevating your supervision game today!

Sponsored by CLINICAL SUPERVISION DIRECTORY, @clinical_supervision_directory; www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.comHappy New Year from everyone on the Supervision Simplified team!We are kicking off 2025 with a powerful conversation about capacity, mentorship, and leadership in clinical supervision! Our co-hosts, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive deep into the importance of creating systems that support growth, how to manage a teaching practice effectively, and the lessons learned from scaling their own practices.Plus, you’ll hear all about our exciting plans for Supervision Simplified in 2025 - including new training programs, mentorship opportunities, and inspiring guest interviews!

Sponsored by CLINICAL SUPERVISION DIRECTORY, @clinical_supervision_directory; www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.comIn this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris tackle some of the most complex and controversial topics in the mental health field, including the intersection of therapy, politics, and ethics. They explore the importance of staying informed about board regulations, ethical standards, and cultural competence while navigating personal belief systems and leadership responsibilities.The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing authenticity and professionalism, including the nuances of self-disclosure, radical authenticity, and the role of supervisors as leaders in a polarized world. Together, they share insights on fostering curiosity, leading with empathy, and using privilege to advocate for marginalized communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on what it means to align ethics, values, and practice in today’s mental health landscape.

In this episode of Supervision Simplified, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris explore the challenges and opportunities social media presents for clinicians and supervisors. They discuss the importance of intentionality in online spaces, from managing personal branding to navigating ethical dilemmas in media engagement.The conversation highlights the balance between authenticity and boundaries, particularly when it comes to self-disclosure both in sessions and on social platforms. Valarie introduces a concept of new filters as a way to sift through the noise of social media and stay aligned with one’s values.Together, they offer practical insights on leveraging social media as a tool for connection, learning, and professional growth while maintaining ethical integrity.

In this episode, Dr. Amy Parks and Valarie Harris dive deep into the concept of capacity - what it means, how it expands and contracts, and why it's a critical skill for clinicians navigating personal and professional challenges.Valarie shares her transformative year filled with personal upheaval, professional growth, and unexpected lessons in resilience. Together, they explore how managing capacity enhances leadership, supervision, and clinician well-being, while offering practical insights for thriving in both chaotic and calm seasons.Whether you're a supervisor, clinician, or leader, this episode will inspire and challenge you to rethink how you show up for yourself and your team.

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 GuestDebi 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.CONNECT WITH DEBIhttps://www.calabasascounseling.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/privatepracticegriefhttps://www.instagram.com/debijenkinsfrankle

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.This episode is packed with tips and insights for anyone ready to step into a supervisory role in the mental health field.

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.Be sure to check out the Clinical Supervision Directory at https://the-csd.com today!

In this week’s episode of ‘Supervision Simplified’, we explore the supervision tactics and approaches to succeed with colleagues at any level of their professional development.From interns to more experienced clinicians, we break down the clear goals, expectations and best practices for supervisory success - no matter what career stage your supervisee finds themselves.  

Welcome back to Supervision Simplified! 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. You won’t want to miss this one!About Our GuestDr. Chris Deussing is an experienced mental health clinician with a diverse professional background that encompasses 25+ years of helping individuals navigate a wide array of psychological challenges. Fluent in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. He brings a creative and client-centered approach to his practice.Outside of his professional life, Dr. Deussing is an avid reader and writer, with a passion for both academic and creative pursuits. He enjoys sports such as basketball and tennis, embraces meditation, and has a deep affinity for EDM music and psychedelics. He is particularly passionate about guiding the next generation of clinicians, through one-on-one interactions or in group settings.Dr. Deussing’s area of expertise includes: Trauma, Addiction, Personality Disorders, Men’s Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, and Grief.CONNECT WITH CHRIShttps://integrativedbt.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/integrative-dbt-psychotherapy-llc