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The Question:
Dear Expert:
I have been providing clinical supervision to a counselor, Mary, for two years and watched her grow professionally in her skills and professional identity. Lately, I’ve been concerned about Mary’s relationship with a younger female client, Sue, who was Mary’s patient two months ago in the ten-week intensive outpatient program. She is no longer Mary’s patient, but participates in a weekly continuing care group with a different counselor. She comes to the agency and I’ve notice her chatting with Mary in the waiting room on numerous occasions. Earlier today I saw them embrace in the hall and Mary commented to me that she’d see Sue “at the barbeque.” Both attend 12 Step meetings together as they are in recovery from drug abuse. Mary feels she is offering a role model to Sue who has never had a mother figure in her life. How should I address this in supervision?
I have been providing clinical supervision to a counselor, Mary, for two years and watched her grow professionally in her skills and professional identity. Lately, I’ve been concerned about Mary’s relationship with a younger female client, Sue, who was Mary’s patient two months ago in the ten-week intensive outpatient program. She is no longer Mary’s patient, but participates in a weekly continuing care group with a different counselor. She comes to the agency and I’ve notice her chatting with Mary in the waiting room on numerous occasions. Earlier today I saw them embrace in the hall and Mary commented to me that she’d see Sue “at the barbeque.” Both attend 12 Step meetings together as they are in recovery from drug abuse. Mary feels she is offering a role model to Sue who has never had a mother figure in her life. How should I address this in supervision?
The Expert Response:
Whatever the answer is.