Centering Intersectional Identities and Attachment in Clinical Supervision

Participants will examine the role of intersectional identities in clinical supervision to enhance cultural humility, build trust, and strengthen supervisory relationships.

Participants will explore how attachment theory principles—such as safety, trust, and attunement—can be applied to create a secure base within the supervisory relationship that fosters clinician growth and self-reflection.

Participants will identify practical strategies to integrate supervisor self and a strengths-based, competency-focused framework to empower clinicians and better support marginalized communities.

Here is a rough outline for the day:

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Introduction

• Overview of objectives, agenda, and group expectations
• Icebreaker: Reflecting on your own intersectional identity as a supervisor or clinician

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Intersectional Identities in Supervision

• Definition and exploration of intersectionality in clinical supervision
• Discussion: How identity impacts the supervisor-supervisee relationship and client outcomes
• Group activity: Mapping intersectional identity influences

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Attachment Theory in the Supervisory Relationship

• Overview of attachment theory principles (secure base, safety, attunement)
• Applying attachment theory to foster trust and growth in supervision
• Role-play: Using attachment-informed strategies in challenging supervision moments

11:15 AM – 11:25 AM
Break

11:25 AM – 12:00 PM
Supervisor Self and Relational Strength

• Exploring the concept of supervisor self and its impact on supervision
• Small group discussion: Navigating power dynamics and building relational strength
• Reflective exercise: Identifying personal strengths and challenges as a supervisor

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Strengths-Based, Competency-Focused Approaches

• Shifting from a pathologizing lens to a strengths-based framework
• Practical interventions to empower supervisees
• Case study review: Developing strengths-based strategies

12:30 PM – 12:40 PM
Break

12:40 PM – 1:20 PM
Integrating Intersectionality and Attachment in Practice

• Synthesizing intersectionality, attachment theory, and supervisor self into supervision
• Interactive practice: Pair role-play on addressing identity-based challenges in supervision

1:20 PM – 1:45 PM
Group Discussion and Q&A

• Open discussion on challenges and successes in culturally responsive supervision
• Q&A session for participant questions and reflections

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Closing and Next Steps

• Recap of key takeaways
• Resources and tools for continued learning
• Participant feedback and evaluations