STN-Informed Relational & Systemic Supervision for Counsellors
Dr Michael Dadson
Clinical supervision at Gentle Currents Therapy is grounded in a structured, relational, and trauma-informed approach designed to support the development of reflective, capable, and ethically grounded clinicians.
Led by Dr. Michael Dadson, PhD, RCC (#1467), CCC (#10007387), supervision integrates over three decades of clinical experience with a clearly defined model of professional development.
This approach is informed by the STN-Informed Process-Experiential Model of Clinical Supervision, as outlined in the accompanying white paper.
What Makes Supervision at Gentle Currents Different?
Most supervision focuses on case review and technique.
This approach reflects a different understanding of supervision. Supervision is understood as a developmental process—one that supports the clinician’s capacity to:
- regulate under pressure
- think clearly in complex situations
- engage relationally with clients
- integrate theory into practice
Rather than focusing only on what the clinician does, this model focuses on how the clinician processes clinical experience.
This distinction is central to the STN framework and is developed in detail within the supervision white paper.
The STN-Informed Supervision Model
The STN-Informed Supervisory Sequence: A developmental framework illustrating how supervision progresses from regulation to professional integration.
The model illustrates the developmental sequence that guides the supervisory process.
This diagram provides a visual summary of the supervisory process described in the STN-informed supervision model.
Each phase represents a distinct developmental focus within the supervisory process:
The Supervisory Sequence
- Regulation
Building stability and supporting the clinician’s nervous system - Relational Awareness
Understanding therapeutic relationships and interpersonal dynamics - Narrative Reflection
Developing coherent clinical reasoning and meaning-making - Integration
Strengthening professional identity and clinical consistency
Supervision moves fluidly across these phases depending on the clinician’s needs and clinical context.
This sequence mirrors the STN model outlined in the white paper and provides the organizing structure for supervision sessions.
The Seven-Eyed Lens of Clinical Stewardship: A systemic model illustrating the multiple domains through which supervision is held simultaneously.
A Systemic Approach to Supervision
Supervision is not limited to the client case—it considers the full clinical system.
The model below illustrates the systemic lens through which supervision is held.
The Seven-Eyed Lens of Clinical Stewardship: A systemic model illustrating the multiple domains through which supervision is held simultaneously.
How This Model Connects to the STN Framework
While the STN model provides the developmental sequence, the Seven-Eyed model provides the systemic lens.
This diagram illustrates how supervision attends to multiple domains at the same time, including:
- client narrative and presenting concerns
- therapeutic relationship
- therapist’s internal experience
- supervisory relationship
- broader ethical and systemic context
By working across these domains simultaneously, supervision supports depth, clarity, and flexibility in clinical practice.
Together, these two models form the foundation of the STN-informed supervision approach described in the white paper.
Areas of Focus in Supervision
Supervision may include:
- case conceptualization and treatment planning
- trauma and complex presentations
- countertransference and therapist self-awareness
- relational dynamics and attachment patterns
- ethical decision-making and professional standards
- development of clinical confidence and identity
Who This Supervision Is For
Supervision is available for:
- Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs)
- Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs)
- interns and practicum students
- therapists working with trauma or complex cases
- clinicians seeking advanced relational or process-oriented supervision
Clinical Stewardship & Training
Supervision is a process of clinical stewardship.
Through structured supervision, clinicians develop:
- consistency in practice
- alignment with ethical standards
- reflective capacity
- adaptive clinical judgment
This approach supports both clinician development and the quality of care delivered to clients.
Download the Full White Paper
For a detailed explanation of the model:
Download the STN-Informed Clinical Supervision White Paper (PDF)
This document provides the full theoretical foundation, structure, and application of the STN-Informed Process-Experiential Model of Clinical Supervision.
Complete the form below and receive the full white paper at your email address.
Supervision Format
- individual supervision
- case consultation
- ongoing professional development
- intern and residency supervision
Sessions are available in Langley, BC and online across British Columbia.
Clinical supervision is an essential component of professional development for counsellors and therapists. At Gentle Currents Therapy, supervision is grounded in a trauma-informed and relational framework designed to support clinicians working with complex presentations. This approach to clinical supervision in Langley, BC provides structured guidance, reflective space, and advanced consultation for therapists at all stages of practice.
