What does the term "supervision" mean in the context of MFT practice?

In the context of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) practice, "supervision" refers to a formal oversight relationship designed to enhance the professional development and clinical skills of therapists. This process involves a more experienced therapist (the supervisor) providing guidance, support, and evaluation to a less experienced therapist (the supervisee) regarding their clinical work.

This formal relationship aims to ensure that services provided to clients meet ethical standards, adhere to legal requirements, and incorporate evidence-based practices. It typically includes the review of casework, discussion of treatment strategies, and support in addressing ethical dilemmas that may arise in practice. Supervision is crucial for fostering accountability, improving therapist-client interactions, and ensuring that therapists are competent in their practice.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of supervision. A peer discussion group does not provide the same level of formal oversight, and annual reviews of income focus on financial matters rather than professional development. Informal chatting lacks structure and does not involve the critical, reflective component associated with professional supervision. Thus, the formal oversight relationship accurately represents what supervision entails within MFT practice.