Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

A clinical supervisor who is unfamiliar with EMDR relies on their supervisee’s knowledge for oversight. How can this situation best be described?

1. Ethical, as the supervisor trusts the supervisee's expertise

2. Unethical, as the supervisor lacks necessary training and oversight

3. Neutral, as they both share responsibility

4. Acceptable, given the nature of the supervisory relationship

The correct answer is: Unethical, as the supervisor lacks necessary training and oversight

In this scenario, the situation is best described as unethical due to the lack of necessary training and oversight on the part of the supervisor. A clinical supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the treatment provided by their supervisee is safe and effective, and this requires an understanding of the therapeutic techniques being employed. If the supervisor is unfamiliar with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), they may not be able to adequately monitor the supervisee's practice or provide appropriate guidance. Ethical standards in clinical supervision emphasize the importance of supervisors having sufficient knowledge and competency in the methodologies being employed by their supervisees. Relying solely on the supervisee's knowledge without an appropriate level of understanding can lead to harmful outcomes for clients and raises concerns about informed consent and the overall quality of care. The supervisor's responsibility to ensure competent practices is critical, and neglecting this duty undermines the ethical framework within which social work operates.