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Professional Philosophy

 As a supervisor and clinician, I view our field as a cure-oriented practice. Any good scientist would tell us that one hundred percent efficacy and/or truth does not exist. It might be foolish to believe that every client can and will be “cured” by therapy. However, aiming for this goal, rather than a goal of merely “managing symptoms” is what I believe sets therapy apart from other Western avenues of intervention. Of course, we have to take into account such phenomena as biology, genetics, traumatic brain injuries, the lack of ability to predict human behavior with the same precision as we do medical or physical concerns, etc. and we should operate with the knowledge that there is almost always an exception to the rule. There are undoubtedly cases in which the most realistic goal is simply to manage symptoms and maintain a standard quality of life. However, I believe that in most cases, effective therapy involves a process of cleaning a wound, as opposed to merely applying a Band-Aid. The reality is, we all experience seasons in our lives that cry out for meaningful and therapeutic guidance. Although, not all seasons will produce the same evolutionary harvest. There is a time to unpack, self-reflect, to make meaning of what has transpired; and there is a time to simply just survive. Both are important and meaningful seasons for therapy. A well-equipped therapist is trained with the skills necessary to journey with us into the pursuit for answers we may not know we already possess. Rarely does there exist a truth that fits universally into all of the molds that are our own unique journey, as our journey consists of a multitude of phenomena which cannot be predicted with certainty or explained through study under a microscope. Such phenomena as the way our early childhood experiences or family of origin might predict patterns in future relationships; what types of defensive strategies will develop from past traumas in order to self-protect from future harm; external variables that will impact our belief systems; influences that challenge or refine our spirituality; genetic predispositions; environmental influences on behavior; and how to apply past experiences to present functioning, just to name a few. Each of our journeys are shaped into a unique and complex mold, similar to the internal workings of a secure and complex lock. Our truths are the keys buried underneath years of compiled trauma, self-doubt, disappointment, betrayal, shame and other obstructions in the pursuit for self. The ultimate goal of deep, meaningful and ethical therapy is to provide the safety, empowerment, self-awareness and instilment of hope required to unlock our own answers, and of equal importance, to learn or re-learn how to trust our own truths once those answers have been uncovered. We each have a personal responsibility, a beckoning, a call to arms, so-to-speak; to evolve and manifest our true and authentic purpose. The ultimate goal is that our pain might drive us all to the impasse that propels our path to, or back to, ourselves.

Professional Philosophical Expectations of Supervision and the Candidate

 The most simplified ultimate goal of clinical supervision is to cultivate and develop competent and skillful healers while on their journey to licensure. Much like therapy, I believe that this goal is not met in forty-five to ninety minutes per week of supervision, but more so in the days between sessions, when opportunity presents itself to apply what has been discovered and/or learned. I believe supervision is a collaborative process. It requires humility, commitment, reliability and willingness to learn from both the candidate and the supervisor. To best generate a quality supervision experience within the role of the candidate, a cultivation of curiosity is required. A sense of curiosity in combination with the acknowledgement that the purpose of supervision is, after all; to learn, grow and develop; is the optimum attitude a candidate might nurture in order to best prime themselves for the journey of supervision. Entering candidacy with the intent and dedication of learning, allows the candidate to prime themselves for a quality supervision experience, in the same way that clients might prepare themselves for therapy by generating a willingness to look within and face their pain. Similarly, a well-primed candidate will work towards refining their skillset by developing a working relationship with discomfort while also striving to balance this skill with that of self-awareness and accountability. However, all of the refined skills in the world are as good as useless without a good sense of ethics and strong moral code. Above all, a practice of integrity and a loyal following of state and agency protocol are most valued when selecting a candidate for supervision. A devotion to the well-being of the client and honor of our creed to protect our clients and therefore “do no wrong” is the very foundation upon which our skills are built. Furthermore, we cannot, after all, professionally guide anyone towards clinical healing without the approval from the board, as well as a place with which to practice.

-Braiden Green, LPC-S

IF INTERESTED IN INTERVIEWING FOR A SUPERVISEE ROLE, START BY APPLYING HERE AND ATTACHING YOUR RESUME.