My Theoretical Orientation for Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision in Kansas

My approach to supervision is deeply rooted in the belief that the supervisory relationship itself is the foundation for all meaningful learning and growth. Before we can dive into theory or technique, we need to build a relationship that feels safe, supportive, and secure. I view supervision as a parallel process to therapy — when you feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported, you're better able to reflect, take risks, and grow into the therapist you’re becoming.

The way I supervise is heavily influenced by attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy (EFT). I pay close attention to the emotional tone and connection within the supervisory space, knowing that feeling safe and connected creates the conditions for deeper self-reflection and learning. I also integrate structural family therapy, experiential models, and motivational interviewing into our work, because I believe that therapy — and supervision — works best when it’s grounded in both structure and flexibility, head and heart.

I expect supervisees to come in with a foundational understanding of marriage and family therapy theories, and I’ll encourage you to deepen your clinical thinking by applying theory to your actual work with clients. This means we’ll regularly discuss cases, explore systemic dynamics, and connect what you’re learning to what you’re doing. I also believe strongly in experiential learning — it’s one thing to talk about therapy, and another to really see and feel yourself in action. That’s why I encourage reviewing video of your sessions and role plays. It can feel vulnerable at first, but I’ve seen over and over how powerful it is in helping clinicians grow awareness, refine their skills, and celebrate progress.

And, just as we invite our clients to explore their inner worlds, I believe we can’t grow into competent, effective therapists without doing some self-of-the-therapist work. Who you are — your values, experiences, emotional patterns, and presence in the room — matters deeply. We’ll take time to explore how your personal story intersects with your clinical work, and how to use that awareness to show up more fully and authentically with your clients.

At the end of the day, my goal as a supervisor is to walk alongside you — offering guidance, support, challenge, and reflection as you grow in confidence, competence, and clarity in your professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.