Supervisors, We’re Not Done Learning
The Power of Positionality in the Therapy Room
In our field, so much attention is paid to guiding new therapists—how they should show up, what to be mindful of, how to manage power and navigate identity. But rarely do we flip the mirror back on ourselves as clinical supervisors. We assume our experience is enough. That we’ve already done “the work.” But supervision isn't just about teaching—it’s about staying teachable.
As supervisors, we too must remain engaged in the ongoing, often uncomfortable process of examining how our positionality—our social location, identities, and lived experiences—shapes the therapeutic space. Power in the room doesn’t always sit neatly with the therapist. It shifts. And when it does, it can shake us.
This post invites supervisors to reflect not only on their clinical expertise but on their positional awareness. Because being a good supervisor doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means continuing to ask the right questions. Starting with ourselves.
Positionality refers to one's social location and worldview, influencing how one responds to power differentials in various contexts. This construct is important for social work, as one's positionality affects how one approaches work with clients and the community.
Concept often seen in multicultural pedagogy (i.e., the method and practice of teaching).
Clinicians often hold power within the therapeutic relationship due to their professional role. Understanding their positionality helps therapists recognize how their background and societal privileges might contribute to this power dynamic. This awareness is essential to prevent power misuse and create a more egalitarian therapeutic environment.
What happens if the dynamic shifts—when a client holds societal power (e.g., through race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or education)—can be complex and uncomfortable for clinicians, especially those from historically marginalized groups. In these instances, clinicians may experience internal conflict, imposter syndrome, or even retraumatization if microaggressions or invalidating comments arise in session.
Power in the therapy room is not static—it ebbs and flows based on the identities and lived experiences of both therapist and client. When a client’s societal privilege surfaces, it may unintentionally reinforce oppressive dynamics or challenge the therapist’s authority, especially if the client minimizes the clinician’s expertise or perspective.
Rather than avoiding these tensions, a therapist grounded in their own positionality can approach such dynamics with curiosity and reflection. Through supervision, consultation, and continued self-work, they can explore countertransference, set healthy boundaries, and model relational accountability.
Ultimately, acknowledging and navigating these power differentials with intention deepens the therapeutic process. It affirms that therapy is not a neutral space—it is a relational one shaped by histories, identities, and the courage to sit with discomfort in service of healing.
Questions for Clinical Supervisors
The goals of reflecting on these questions are to not only prepare ourselves for exploring these topics with clients and the other relationships they have in their lives but also to normalize and validate the conversations surrounding culture and its influences on mental health. Later, discussions on power dynamics will be helpful in broaching transference, resolving conflict, and strengthening the therapeutic alliance.
Are there aspects of your identity or background that afford you certain privileges? How might this privilege impact your interactions with clients who may not share the same privileges?
Have you considered how power dynamics might change when working with clients from marginalized or oppressed communities?
How do you balance the power inherent in the therapist-client relationship? Are there strategies you use to ensure clients feel empowered and heard?
In what ways do you consider and manage your positionality to create a safe and respectful therapeutic space?
How do you think your understanding of your own positionality influences the therapeutic alliance? Have you noticed any changes in rapport or client engagement based on these dynamics?
What biases or assumptions might you hold that could impact how you perceive or interact with clients from diverse backgrounds?
How might your personal beliefs or values influence your understanding of a client's experiences or worldview?
How do you navigate discussions about cultural differences or identity-related topics in sessions? Are there ways you could improve your cultural competence to better support diverse clients?
Can you think of specific instances where cultural differences influenced the power dynamics in your sessions?
How would you describe your own cultural background? How might these aspects of your identity influence your interactions with clients?
In what ways do you think your identity intersects with or differs from that of your clients? How might these differences or similarities impact the therapeutic relationship?
How do you perceive the power dynamics in the therapeutic relationship? What factors contribute to this perception?
Are there instances where you feel your position as a therapist positively or negatively affects the dynamics in sessions?