Hope-Focused Clinical Supervision and Systemic Case Consultation

Hope is well known. Training and research literature on hope has primarily focused on the therapeutic process for several decades, highlighting aspects such as the therapist-client relationship, positive or goal-oriented therapy approaches, and the therapist's role in creating client agency or self-efficacy. Very little focus has been on the supervisor-supervisee training relationship, and the impact hope can have on the supervision process. Even less literature has explored how clinical supervisors can build hope with supervisees throughout the supervision training process. We explore how clinical supervisors can build hope with their supervisees by knowing systemic approaches such as solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy, as well as by supporting supervisees and trainees in developing their sense of agency. Clinical supervisors can build hope by amplifying strengths and possibilities, exploring aspects of the trainee's identity, and clearly defining their role as a therapist to their clients.