Nursing Case Study: Supervision And Clinical Social Work

B. Clinical Relationship
As I mentioned at the beginning of this paper, the professional relationship of Susan and I started somewhat slow. There were numerous attempts to make the first initial contact and to complete the necessary paperwork. Clinically, I had a million thoughts running through my head. Was Susan avoiding me. Was she safe? Does she have cell phone minutes available to return my call.? Is her depression overwhelming her? After our first meeting in the community I quickly assessed that Susan was used avoiding behaviors.
While reflecting and processing after our first meeting, I believe that Susan thought I was her “friend.” I decided to limit our meeting in the community because she loved to drink coffee and chat which

Use of Supervision
Although I was not new in the field of mental health, my work with Susan brought excitement and insecurities. An extreme hoarding case was completely new to me. Even more challenging was, that Susan mental illness and past trauma affected her daily. The use of supervision serves three functions: its educational, supportive, and administrative (Supervision and Clinical Social Work, 2003). I was grateful to have a well-educated, patient supervisor who gave me constructive criticisms as well as support which encourage my growth and development as therapeutic case worker.
My respect and solid working relationship with my supervisor allowed me to discuss any vicarious trauma I may have been experiencing. These bi-weekly sessions allowed me to process my strong feeling of sadness I felt for Susan as she lived among piles of possessions and a completely unusable and unsanitary kitchen. Supervision allowed me to express my thoughts of frustration during times of setbacks and to celebrate as accomplishments were made. Furthermore, through my supportive relationship with my supervisor I was able to learn more about myself and develop deeper therapeutic skills. I believe good supervision is important. Research shows the importance of individual supervision as the Charity Organization Department of the Sage Foundation offered the first known supervision in 1911(Kadushin,