July 2020 Clinical Supervision Topic: Congruence and Genuineness
Hello dear supervisees! I look forward to seeing you all this month.
I’m looking forward to this month’s topic. I’ve been thinking of it so much in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ways white supremacy shows up in my work as a social worker and clinical supervisor. And gosh, it sure shows up a lot. If you click that link you’ll see it walks through concepts like perfectionism, either/or thinking, a sense of urgency, defensiveness, fear of open conflict and more. Shoot. There go half my strategies for managing anxiety! I’m sure most of us did not realize where these concepts and habits originated from, but I am learning that doing anti-racism work continually frees and connects us all, even those who have been in a position of significant power and privilege (though of course that’s not the reason we do the work). The concepts in the white supremacy article are some of the things that can block us from doing this month’s topic and skill.
We are continuing our exploration of the common factors which lead to positive outcomes in therapy. This month’s topic is congruence and genuineness. You’ll find the definitions are nuanced and likely add to what you’ve already been thinking of in this regard. I’ve got two references for you to check out. One is an article on medium, with this excerpt:
Additionally, please check out Carl Roger’s article on the necessary and sufficient conditions for change, and be sure to look at page 97 where he talks about congruence and genuineness.
When I think about congruency and genuineness (something I’m learning how to do better over time), I think about polyvagal theory and regulating the nervous system, internal family systems and working with/accepting the parts that pop up during sessions, and self-compassion.
If you’re noticing this is a hard area for you, something you want to learn more about both for yourself and for your clients, check out this article (and podcast episode). Just like everything we do, it’s a learn-able skill.
Come ready to discuss! Please bring at least one case consultation to our next session. Additionally, check out my cancellation policies so you’re not surprised by a fee (let’s avoid them at all, ahem, costs). Lastly: I’m starting a new clinical supervision group! It will be the 3rd Thursday of each month, 9-11am. Tell your friends.
I value our time together, and I hope you do too. So appreciate getting to do this work alongside each of you.
***Also! All sessions will continue to be online for the forseeable future.
