The open-minded and adaptable approach that Sara took to allow for a safe space to disclose and discuss any matter of professional and personal that were related to my internship.

Sara built rapport quickly while gaining my trust. In allowing me to grow in customizable and incremental steps, I was easily transitioned into her practice. Her method, her direction and her approach is unique in its own right and I was easily motivated by our sessions.

I expected to gain support and a useful tool in navigating internship and dealing with client issues and possible personal issues. What I didn’t expect was the deeply interpersonal and valuable connection I achieved with Sara on a professional and personal level. Sara became a role model for me in my professional life, not because we have similar interests or perspectives, because she was able to nurture my strengths, challenge my shortcomings and critique my performance in a constructive and thoughtful manner.

My supervision was overarching and all-encompassing. It allowed for deeper analysis of client/therapist relation and therapist/environment relationship. Owing to the trust established, I was able to breach new ground with Sara to improve my own skill and practice.My supervision was stellar. Any issue or criticism I had with the process was openly discussed in the space. Authenticity with each other was encouraged, praised and well-received. I feel I was challenged by Sara in many different areas and felt accountable to her.

It was a rare middle ground where pressure served as a motivator and not as a stress inducing force. Sara challenged me on a lot of my actions, thoughts and practice – and even in the most stressful times, at the most critical of moments, Sara remained the foundation that was an essential component to my growth as a competent, logical and genuine social worker.

I have developed self-awareness on important aspects to myself that affect my work that I hadn’t reflected on before this year’s supervision. I have also learned how to handle certain situations and phrase my words in more suitable ways than I may have otherwise chosen, thanks to the examples my supervisor gave me. I was always in awe when she role played as me and gave example responses. I really valued my supervisor’s guidance in helping me prepare for 2nd year placements interviews.

She modeled incredible responses and helped me articulate both positive and negative aspects to my experience with my agency. I valued her authenticity as well. She showed herself as a person, aside from a supervisor, which helped make me feel comfortable in opening up to her.

I also valued her flexibility in switching days when I needed to, or understanding on days I couldn’t come. I always felt comfortable being honest with her and really appreciated how genuine our relationship became.