This episode explores therapeutic use of self and why it matters not just in clinical practice, but also in the supervisory relationship. Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw, OT Supervisor, explains how attunement, unconditional positive regard, self-disclosure, and power dynamics shape both supervision and client work. This reflective solo episode helps listeners notice what they bring into supervision, how they communicate, and where their influence can support or hinder a safe, person-centred supervisory space.

Key topics

• In this episode, Lynsay, OT Supervisor, frames therapeutic use of self as the considered use of your own personality, opinions, and judgments within therapeutic and supervisory relationships.

• Supervision is presented as a conversation, not a question-and-answer session, with agenda setting, priorities, clinical cases, themes, wins, and CPD all contributing to the discussion.

• She encourages supervisees and supervisors to identify the unique skills each person brings, since every therapist contributes differently to the relationship.

• Communication and learning styles are highlighted as important parts of building a strong supervisee-supervisor relationship, and something worth revisiting over time.

• The episode breaks therapeutic use of self into four key components:

o Attunement

o Unconditional positive regard

o Self-disclosure

o Power

• Attunement is fully present and genuinely connected, with both supervisor and supervisee responsible for that connection.

• Unconditional positive regard is framed as assuming the supervisee is doing their best and as the supervisor meeting them where they are.

• Self-disclosure is explored carefully, including both sharing personal information and sharing emotional responses, with emphasis on choosing disclosure only when it benefits the other person.

• Power imbalances are discussed in both clinical and supervisory contexts, including dual roles such as manager and supervisor, and the impact that can have on openness and honesty.

• She stresses that therapeutic use of self should support self-empowerment, self-awareness, collaboration, and safe development rather than reinforce hierarchy.

Things to consider

• Therapeutic use of self is intentional: consider how your personality, judgments, and responses affect the relationship.

• Attunement and unconditional positive regard can help create a connected, supportive supervisory space.

• Self-disclosure is most useful when it is of benefit to the other person’s learning or wellbeing.

• Notice how power dynamics—including dual roles—may affect trust, honesty, and participation.

• Use reflection and open discussion to make supervision more collaborative, safe, and person-centred.

Takeaways

• Reflect on how you currently use therapeutic use of self in clinical practice.

• Write a few bullet points on what you bring into therapeutic and supervisory spaces.

• Consider how self-disclosure shows up in your work and whether it is always purposeful.

• Notice any power dynamics in your supervisory relationships, especially if your supervisor also has a management role.

• Bring the topic into supervision and discuss whether you need any new insights or adjustments.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction to therapeutic use of self in supervision

(00:58) Supervision as a conversation, not a checklist

(01:28) What each therapist uniquely brings into the space

(01:57) Communication and learning styles in the supervisory relationship

(02:24) Why therapeutic use of self matters in supervision too

(02:52) Defining therapeutic use of self

(03:48) The therapist’s role in shaping outcomes

(04:16) Bringing therapeutic use of self into supervision

(04:41) Attunement, unconditional positive regard, self-disclosure, and power

(05:07) Attunement as being fully present and connected (05:36) Unconditional positive regard in supervision

(05:59) Two forms of self-disclosure and why boundaries matter

(07:22) Choosing disclosure that genuinely benefits the other person

(07:51) Finding a safe space for appropriate sharing

(08:19) Power differences and self-empowerment

(09:16) Bias, systems, and collaborative working

(10:07) Therapeutic use of self as part of the supervisory relationship

(10:37) Using it to build a safe, person-centred supervisory space

(11:05) Meeting supervisees where they are and noticing barriers

(11:34) Supervisor self-disclosure that supports learning

(12:30) Sharing mistakes and learning without positioning yourself as the expert

(13:24) Dual roles, performance review, and openness in supervision

(14:16) Equity, diversity, and belonging as part of power awareness

(15:10) Why awareness of therapeutic use of self supports development (15:35) Reflection prompts and suggested next steps

(16:53) Bringing the topic into supervision for discussion

(17:20) Closing reflection and takeaway

Links:

OT hub Article: Therapeutic Use of Self by Deborah Abson March 2019

RCOT Equity, Diversity and Belonging – module and toolkit

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