Trauma-Informed Supervision in Substance Use Treatment Agencies

There is limited research from supervisors' perspectives on the use of trauma-informed supervision practices when supervising substance use counselors. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the process of licensed professional counselors who are clinical substance use supervisors using trauma-informed supervision. The research question was: How do substance use counselor supervisors engage in trauma-informed supervision? Participants included eight licensed professional counselor substance use supervisors who met the inclusion criteria of more than five years of clinical experience, utilized a trauma-informed supervision model, and supervised one or more supervisees. Following grounded theory methodology, a bottom-up coding approach was used for data analysis. The developed categories and subcategories included lens/framework, behaviors, roles, trauma-informed care principles and practices, and outcomes. These categories and subcategories were used to develop a theory around trauma-informed supervision practices. Recommendations include using a trauma-informed lens while showing supportive behaviors, taking various roles, and being grounded in trauma-informed care principles and practices when providing supervision. This theory and guidance could protect clinicians from burnout and be used to manage their secondary trauma responses better. Trauma-informed supervision offers the opportunity to assist clinicians and improve practices for individuals who have experienced trauma by helping those with trauma histories receive quality care and providing the opportunity for their voices to be heard.