Decolonising Clinical Supervision: A Progressive Path to Better Practice
In the world of mental health and social services, the way we approach our work often reflects deeply ingrained systems of power and privilege. For many practitioners, this can feel at odds with their personal values or the needs of the communities they serve. At Progressive Therapeutic Collective (PTC), we believe clinical supervision is an opportunity to challenge these norms and reimagine what ethical, inclusive, and dynamic practice looks like. Enter: decolonisation.
Decolonising clinical supervision isn’t a buzzword or an academic exercise—it’s about dismantling oppressive systems, centring marginalised voices, and doing therapy differently. Let’s dive into what this means and why it matters.
What Does Decolonisation Mean in Clinical Supervision?
Decolonisation is the process of identifying and dismantling colonial structures, ideas, and practices that continue to shape our world today. In clinical supervision, this involves:
Challenging Power Dynamics: Traditional supervision often mirrors hierarchical structures that silence practitioners’ voices. Decolonising supervision means creating a space where all voices are valued equally.
Centring Marginalised Perspectives: Prioritising the lived experiences and needs of practitioners and clients from historically marginalised communities.
Revisiting "Best Practices": Questioning whose standards we’re following and ensuring our approaches are culturally safe, responsive, and inclusive.
Recognising Systemic Oppression: Understanding how racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression impact both clients and practitioners—and addressing these issues head-on.
Why Decolonisation Matters in Clinical Supervision
1. It Makes Supervision More Inclusive
Decolonised supervision acknowledges that practitioners bring diverse experiences, identities, and cultural knowledge to their work. By recognising and valuing this diversity, supervision becomes a more supportive and enriching process.
2. It Challenges Harmful Norms
Many traditional supervision models are rooted in Western, colonial frameworks that can feel rigid or exclusionary. Decolonisation invites us to question these models and explore approaches that better align with the values of equity and justice.
3. It’s Better for Clients
When practitioners feel seen, heard, and supported in supervision, they’re better equipped to provide culturally safe and affirming care for their clients. Decolonised supervision fosters an environment where practitioners can reflect deeply on how systemic issues affect their work and their clients’ experiences.
How We Approach Decolonised Supervision at PTC
At PTC, we don’t shy away from the big questions. Our approach to decolonised supervision includes:
Open Dialogue: We create a space where practitioners can talk openly about the systemic issues they encounter, from structural racism to inequitable access to care.
Reflective Practice: Supervision isn’t just about client cases; it’s about you as a practitioner. We help you reflect on how your identity, biases, and values intersect with your work.
Community-Centred Support: Whether you’re working in Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA+ spaces, or other marginalised areas, we tailor supervision to address the unique challenges you face.
Challenging "Neutrality": We believe that “neutrality” in therapy can uphold the status quo. Our supervision sessions encourage you to engage with your work critically and advocate for justice.
Practical Steps to Decolonising Your Practice
1. Educate Yourself
Start by understanding how colonial systems operate within mental health and social services. Read, listen, and learn from voices that challenge the status quo.
2. Reflect on Your Role
Ask yourself: How do my identity, privileges, or biases impact my work? How can I amplify marginalised voices in my practice?
3. Seek Out Decolonised Supervision
Find a supervisor who shares your commitment to equity and justice. At PTC, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
4. Build Community
Change doesn’t happen in isolation. Connect with other practitioners who are committed to decolonising their work and share strategies for growth.
Join the Movement Towards Decolonised Supervision
Decolonisation is a journey, not a destination. It’s about being willing to question, reflect, and grow as a practitioner while staying deeply connected to the communities you serve. At PTC, we’re here to walk this path with you, offering supervision that’s progressive, inclusive, and aligned with your values.
Contact us today to book a session or learn more about our approach to decolonising clinical supervision. Let’s build a better future for our clients, our profession, and ourselves.