7 Steps for Onboarding a Therapist Into Clinical Supervision

April 10, 2018 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Clinical supervisors are lifelines for therapists. As a newly graduated therapist seeking licensure, my supervisors guided me in theory, practice, self-of-the-therapist matters, and more. I not only felt competent once I received my license, I felt confident.

I decided to become an AAMFT-Approved supervisor, and a supervisor for supervisors, because of the mentoring and valuable direction I received as a supervisee.

I know not all therapists have meaningful experiences in supervision, and many leave the process disoriented. We supervisors, despite having extensive training, also need ongoing support and resources to direct us as we navigate difficult cases and parallel processes with supervisees.

In this post, I cover a brief template for ensuring that you and your supervisee are starting your relationship with collaboration, understanding, and open communication.

What to Do When You've Lost Your Therapist Flow

March 27, 2018 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Dr. Debra Campbell, author of Lovelands, recently visited The Refreshed Therapist Book Club to discuss the story of her book, and to contribute her insights into living life as a psychotherapist. In Lovelands, Dr. Campbell courageously and skillfully shares stories from her life, including how her identities as a woman, wife, mother, and psychologist have influenced and enhanced her work with clients.

In this post, I am including a brief video clip of the interview, during which Dr. Campbell discusses what therapists can do when they find themselves "out of flow" with their work.

Goal-Setting for Therapists

March 20, 2018 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

*This post was edited in December 2018.*

We are almost in the second quarter of 2018. What goals did you set for the first quarter?

As you move into quarter two, you may want to reflect on what went well in quarter one, as well as how you want to move forward into these next three months.

In The Refreshed Therapist Network, members go through a quarterly and yearly goal-setting and reflection process. Today, I'm bringing you questions and strategies I use to guide members through clarifying their goals.

Balance Box: The Subscription Box for Healers and Helpers

February 20, 2018 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

I recently connected with Lesley Lanier-Smith, the owner of Balance Box, on Instagram. I was impressed by what she is doing with her subscription box, and I asked if I could review her box and interview her. She said "Yes!" And, I'm thrilled to share her work and business with you.