In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson welcomes Jamie Watson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist supervisor, and president of the Oregon Association for Play Therapy. The conversation dives into Jamie Watson's journey as a supervisor, her passion for systemic thinking in therapy, and the importance of play therapy when working with children. Together, they discuss challenges and unique requirements of MFT supervision, the value of building a supportive professional community, and the significance of addressing neurodiversity and trauma in child therapy. Jamie Watson also shares insights about ongoing trainings, her podcast, and the importance of embracing curiosity and collaborative learning in supervision.

Welcome back to Supervision Smorgasbord! We had a little hiatus while we figured out a few things and we are back with some incredible interviews and fantastic takeaways!

Join host Dr. Tara Sanderson in this episode of Supervision Smorgasboard as she sits down with Ruby Blow, a nationally recognized counselor, supervisor, and the founder of DevelopmentCounts.

Ruby shares her wealth of experience supporting clinicians and supervisors through every stage of professional growth, from students stepping into the field to seasoned therapists pursuing advanced credentials.

Tara and Ruby dive deep into the realities of becoming—and remaining—a clinician in today’s landscape: the persistence and flexibility required, the early risks of burnout, and the often-overlooked importance of finding your “why” when the finish line feels far away. They explore how supervisors can best support supervisees, holding space for encouragement, remaining adaptable, and navigating the inevitable challenges of red tape, changing rules, and personal life events.

Whether you’re a student, a new clinician, a supervisor, or considering the next step in your counseling career, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom, practical advice, and a whole lot of compassion for anyone on the professional journey.

Learn more about Ruby Blow and the resources she offers at DevelopmentCounts (link in show notes). Don’t miss this thoughtful exploration of what it truly takes to grow—and thrive—in the helping professions!