“Helped with confidence, accountability, and community”: A qualitative study exploring child life specialists’ experiences in virtual clinical supervision

Research has not explored clinical supervision in child life, including virtual opportunities. This qualitative study examined the experiences of child life specialists from the United States who participated in a virtual group clinical supervision program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six child life specialists, and interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Participants noted the need for consistent clinical supervision and felt the program provided that support, potentially decreasing burnout. Identified benefits included opportunities for professional growth, protected time for supervision, and community. Child life programs and professional organizations should consider offering or encouraging participation in virtual group clinical supervision.