Trauma-informed supervision: Historical antecedents, current practice, and future directions

ABSTRACT

In this article, the author traces the development of the current emphasis on trauma-informed practice and care in behavioral and mental health treatment. Using the discrimination model of clinical supervision, the author then discusses the application of trauma-informed principles to supervision. Relevant research is cited, and case examples are employed to illustrate critical roles, responsibilities, and tasks. Challenges and future directions also are identified.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical supervision
• trauma-informed supervision
• trauma-informed practice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolyn Knight

Carolyn Knight, PhD, MSW, is a Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore County. Dr. Knight is a social worker with 30 years of experience—most of it pro bono—working individually and in groups with adult survivors of childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse. She is the author of two books, Introduction to Working With Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma: Strategies and Skills and Group Therapy for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, and co-editor of a third, Group Work With Populations at Risk, Third Edition (with Dr. Geoffrey Greif). She also is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on working with survivors of childhood trauma in group and individual treatment.