In this episode of Supervision Smorgasbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson explores the concept of moral injury among supervisors in contrast to traditional burnout. She discusses the unique challenges supervisors face when forced to navigate systems that sometimes conflict with their clinical ethics, and introduces strategies for finding resilience amidst adversity—particularly through a practice called the "Legacy Audit." By encouraging supervisors to identify moments where their work aligns with their values, Dr. Tara Sanderson champions advocacy, professional longevity, and finding fulfillment even within tough systemic environments. The episode wraps up with an invitation for ongoing support and practical resources for supervisors looking to thrive in their roles.

In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord, host Dr. Tara Sanderson sits down with guest Matthew Verrette, a registered social worker and psychotherapist from Ontario, Canada, whose work seamlessly blends structured cognitive behavioral therapy with the creative world of geek and gaming therapy. Together, they explore how tabletop role-playing games and other forms of media can be intentionally integrated into therapy to enhance engagement and social skills, especially for clients with anxiety and depression. The conversation dives into the importance of "therapy first" when using gaming in practice, the value of supervision in helping new therapists find their own style, and the potential of movies, TV shows, and video games in exposure therapy. Throughout, Dr. Tara Sanderson and Matthew Verrette share their personal geeky passions, reflect on boundaries and use of self in therapeutic relationships, and offer practical advice for therapists and supervisors interested in weaving pop culture and play into their clinical work.

In this episode of Supervision Smörgåsbord, Dr. Tara Sanderson chats with Maria Laquerre Diego, a licensed marriage and family therapist known for weaving geek and pop culture into mental health supervision and practice. Together, they explore the power of embracing one's authentic, nerdy self as both a clinician and supervisor, highlighting the value of using pop culture references—like Disney, Star Wars, and superhero stories—to build rapport, create shared language, and break down barriers with both clients and supervisees. Maria Lacare Diego shares creative supervision tools, such as the Infinity Stone intervention and reframing villains’ strengths, encouraging professionals to infuse fun and imagination into therapeutic work. The conversation is lively and thoughtful, offering concrete strategies for promoting authenticity, connection, and creativity in the mental health field.