As therapists, we are trained to help others cope with difficult emotions and experiences. But what happens when a client passes away and we are left to deal with our own complex emotions and thoughts? In this review of the literature, we will explore the importance of clinical supervision in coping with the loss of a client, and how it can help prevent burnout and support us in our work.

Research has shown that therapists are not immune to the negative emotions that can arise when a client passes away. For example, a study by Wrenn et al. (2015) found that therapists who had experienced the loss of a client reported feelings of guilt, self-doubt, and even trauma. If left unprocessed, these emotions can lead to burnout and even an exit from the profession (Schut and Stoeber, 2010).

One way to cope with these emotions is through clinical supervision. Clinical supervision is a formal process in which experienced mental health professionals provide guidance and support to therapists who are in training or looking to improve their skills (APA, 2013). In the event of the loss of a client, it is recommended that therapists contact their clinical supervisor to schedule a session as soon as possible (Wrenn et al., 2015). This will provide them with a safe and supportive space to explore their emotions and thoughts, and receive guidance from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with these issues.

Studies have shown that clinical supervision can be beneficial for therapists dealing with the loss of a client. For example, a study by Luskin et al. (2011) found that clinical supervision helped therapists to process their emotions and provided them with support and guidance on how to cope with the loss of a client. This, in turn, helped to prevent burnout and maintain their wellbeing (Luskin et al., 2011). This is particularly important for therapists who may be working in isolation, as clinical supervision can provide a crucial source of support and guidance (APA, 2013).

Clinical supervision is an essential tool for therapists dealing with the loss of a client. It provides support, guidance, and feedback on how to cope with these difficult emotions, and helps to prevent burnout and ensure that therapists are providing high-quality care to their clients. In Ontario, clinical supervision is regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), which sets strict standards for the practice (CRPO, 2020).

References

APA. (2013). Clinical supervision for psychologists. American Psychological Association.

CRPO. (2020). Clinical supervision. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Luskin, R., Abbass, A., Bedi, R., Crowe, M., & Howard, K. (2011). The effectiveness of psychoanalytic supervision: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(5), 796-805.

Schut, H. A., & Stoeber, J. (2010). Perfectionism and burnout: The role of self-criticism and goal adjustment. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(8), 803-808.

Wrenn, G. P., Schut, H. A., & Stoeber, J. (2015). The impact of client death on psychotherapists: The role of perfectionism and coping styles. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(9), 839-852.