The Journey to Purposeful Supervision: My Story and Why This Podcast Exists

In this debut episode of Supervising with Purpose: Mental Health Leadership Unlocked, I’m introducing myself and sharing the vision for this podcast. As a clinical supervisor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve learned that supervision is a continuous journey of growth, connection, and learning. This podcast is my way of providing resources, insights, and support to supervisors at all stages of their careers.

I’ll share my story—from accidentally falling into supervision to becoming a clinical director, business owner, and mentor to countless professionals in the mental health field. I’ll also talk about why I’m passionate about creating safe, meaningful supervision spaces and why this podcast is the perfect platform to help you navigate your leadership journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or just starting, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable ideas to inspire and guide you.

 

Need Tools and Resources for Supervisors?

If you’re looking for practical tools, support, or community, check out:

• Supervision Summit: A hub for supervisors to connect, earn CE credits, and grow professionally.

• Join My Supervisor Facebook Group: A space to share, learn, and network with other supervisors.

 

Support the Podcast:

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing, sharing it with your colleagues, and leaving a review. Your support helps grow this community and reach other supervisors seeking guidance.

 

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @motivatedwellnesssolutionsllc

• Website: www.motivatedwellnesssolutionsllc.com

 

Looking for more guidance? Subscribe to Supervising with Purpose for tips on clinical supervision, mental health leadership, and resources to build your skills as a supervisor. Whether you’re starting out or looking to grow, this podcast has tools for your professional journey.

 

Disclaimer:

Supervising with Purpose is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or clinical supervision advice. Always consult with a licensed professional or advisor for personalized guidance.

 

 

------ Transcript ------

Welcome to Supervising with Purpose: Mental Health Leadership Unlocked. I'm Amy, your guide to navigating the world of clinical supervision and mental health leadership. Whether you're a seasoned supervisor or just stepping into the role, this podcast is here to equip you with insights, tools, and strategies to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Let's dive into today's episode and unlock the potential of effective supervision. Hello and welcome! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share why I started this podcast and what I hope you’ll gain from it. I'm Amy Smitke, and I’m based in Ohio.

I’m a licensed independent social work supervisor and a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor. I’ve been in the field for over 15 years, working in a variety of settings—from inpatient and detox to insurance, home-based therapy, hospital systems, private practice, and everything in between.

I’ve worked as a therapist, case manager, clinical director, and supervisor. I’m also a business owner, which has allowed me to gain a wide range of experience, though I still have so much to learn and ways to grow.

When I became a supervisor, it wasn’t something I initially anticipated. I didn’t enter this field thinking I would one day take on that role. For the first several years, I didn’t see myself as a supervisor. I fell into it accidentally—first with interns, then as someone often asked to onboard or mentor new clinicians and show them the ropes.

I found that I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach, learn, and collaborate with new people. I loved helping them feel safe, comfortable, and clear about their expectations. Eventually, I started creating training programs and curriculums for smaller agencies that didn’t have those systems in place. Through that, I discovered my passion for supervising others.

Becoming a clinical director was a big step for me. In that role, I was the first hire at a program, and I built everything from the ground up—curriculums, staffing, onboarding systems, and more. I grew and developed so much during that time, though the learning opportunities weren’t always easy or comfortable.

I’ve learned a lot from my early supervisors—starting with my internship supervisors and the mentors I had in my first few jobs. They laid a strong foundation for who I am as a clinician, a supervisor, and an individual. I also learned a lot from having not-so-great supervisors. Those experiences made me determined never to replicate the harm I saw in those situations.

Over the years, I’ve worked with supervisees who have come from difficult or even harmful supervisory relationships. Many came to me feeling insecure or unsafe in the field, and I’ve made it my goal to create a safe space for them. I want them to know that supervision can be a positive, supportive experience.

After leaving my role as a clinical director, I decided to focus on private practice. I thought I was stepping away from supervision, but I started working with individuals pursuing independent or clinical licensure. I found that I enjoyed it even more when I wasn’t tied to administrative duties. This led me to explore new ways of growing as a supervisor.

Through this journey, I noticed a significant lack of resources and guidance for supervisors. I had to search extensively and train myself in many areas, which inspired me to create tools and resources for other supervisors. Over the past few years, I’ve developed numerous materials—both free and paid—and built a Facebook group to connect supervisors.

I’m also a co-founder of the Supervision Summit, a space for supervisors to network, access resources, and earn continuing education credits. Starting this podcast felt like the next step in sharing my knowledge and connecting with others in a new way.

Through this podcast, I hope to share insights, tools, and experiences that resonate with you. I want this to be a space where you feel supported and connected. If there are topics you’d like me to explore, please reach out—I’d love to hear your feedback.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I invite you to listen to Episode 1 and let me know what you think.

Thank you for tuning in to Supervising with Purpose: Mental Health Leadership Unlocked. I hope today’s conversation inspired new ideas and provided tools to lead with intention. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your colleagues, and leave a review—it helps grow our community.

For more tips, tools, and resources, check the show notes. Until next time, keep leading with purpose!