For social workers and therapists in private practice, the terms clinical supervision and clinical consultation often get used interchangeably, but they serve distinct purposes. Clinical supervision is typically a formal, ongoing relationship where a more experienced practitioner supports another’s professional development, ethical practice, and clinical competence. It often includes evaluative components and is required for licensure or registration in many jurisdictions.

Clinical consultation, on the other hand, is more collaborative. It’s a space where therapists seek input on specific cases, ethical dilemmas, or practice challenges from a trusted peer or expert. The consultant doesn’t hold evaluative authority but offers insight, perspective, and support.

The American Psychological Association (APA) describes supervision as a “distinct professional competency” that includes oversight, teaching, and gatekeeping functions. Consultation, meanwhile, is framed as a collegial exchange that enhances clinical decision-making without assuming responsibility for the outcomes (APA, 2024).

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) further distinguishes between clinical supervision, which focuses on the client-practitioner relationship, and reflective supervision, which considers the practitioner’s personal history and vulnerabilities in relation to their work (CASW, n.d.).

Why This Matters in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, social workers in private practice often operate with a high degree of autonomy. While this independence can be empowering, it also comes with risks - especially when practitioners lack access to external supervision or consultation. The Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) outlines clear standards around ethical practice, competence, and accountability. Without regular outside input, it’s easy to become professionally isolated, miss blind spots, or struggle with complex clinical decisions.

Private practice doesn’t mean practicing alone and regular supervision or consultation provide essential safeguards for both the practitioner and the client.

Risks to Clients When Support Is Absent

While we don’t want to cause our clients harm, we run the risk of doing-so when we practice in isolation. When social workers don’t engage in supervision or consultation, clients may be exposed to:

• Ethical missteps - Without oversight, practitioners may unintentionally cross boundaries or mishandle sensitive information. We can find our clinical boundaries creep beyond out scope of practice or we can unintentionally work beyond our capabilities.

• Clinical stagnation - Lack of feedback can lead to outdated approaches and missed opportunities for growth. We can miss opportunities to expand our knowledge and education, learn new practices to better serve our client base and ultimately lose the reflective opportunities that come from advancing our skills.

• Burnout and empathy (compassion) fatigue - Without a space to process emotional strain, practitioners may become disengaged or reactive. The truth is that if we aren’t taking care of ourselves we can’t take care of anyone else. Having a safe environment where we can address issues of transference, caseload imbalance, and explore the juxtaposition of our personal lives against our caseload is important for insolating ourselves against fatigue.

• Poor decision-making - Complex cases can overwhelm even seasoned therapists without a sounding board for reflection. Our clients rely on us to be able to pivot in real time, assess and manage real risk, navigate relationship and engage in clear ethical practice. Having someone with equal or greater knowledge to consult with is a key factor in creating sound counselling practices.

What Wasson Counselling & Consulting Offers

At Wasson Counselling & Consulting in Saskatoon, we understand the unique pressures faced by Saskatchewan social workers in private practice. That’s why we offer both clinical supervision and consultation tailored social workers across Saskatchewan.

Here’s how we support you:

• Clinical Supervision - Our supervision services are grounded in trauma-informed care, ethical clarity, and relational safety. We provide structured support to help you grow and stay accountable. Due to the requirements of a supervisory relationship, these services are limited to those counsellors seeking oversight over their caseload and who meet regularly enough to ensure adequate support is possible.

• Consultation Services -We offer flexible, collaborative consultation for therapists navigating complex cases, ethical dilemmas, or systemic challenges. It’s a space to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with your clinical intuition. We will also explore opportunities to advance your training, talk about your goals as a counsellor, and ensure that the information and support you need are made available.

• Professional Development - We also offer workshops and continuing education opportunities to help you stay current and inspired in your practice. These are developed based on the needs of your organization, so please don’t hesitate to connect with us directly if this is of interest.

Our goal is simple, to help you thrive, so your clients can too.

Final Thought

Supervision and consultation aren’t just professional obligations, they’re lifelines. They protect clients, sustain therapists, and elevate the quality of care across the field. Whether you’re seeking accountability, insight, or simply a place to reflect, Wasson Counselling & Consulting is here to support you.

Ready to strengthen your practice?

Get in touch today to discuss individual or group options.

Warmly,

Erin

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References (APA Style)

American Psychological Association. (2024). Consultation and clinical supervision: Distinctions and competencies. APA PsycNet. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-04177-015

Canadian Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). 7.3 Clinical supervision. https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/73-clinical-supervision

Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. (2020). Standards of practice. https://www.sasw.ca/document/5075/Approved_Standards_Document_eff_March_1_2020.pdf