Supervision is an essential part of professional growth in the field of art therapy—both during training and throughout one’s career. Whether you’re a recent graduate navigating your first clinical role or an experienced therapist seeking continued development, having the right supervisor can make all the difference. In this blog, we answer common questions about clinical supervision, including why it’s important to work with someone from your own discipline, when post-graduation supervision is required, how to deal with imposter syndrome, and where to find culturally aligned supervision as a BIPOC therapist in Montreal.
- Why is it important for creative art therapists to have a supervisor from their own discipline?
Creative art therapists are encouraged to seek supervision from someone trained in the same modality. A supervisor who shares your background in art therapy brings a deep understanding of the creative process, therapeutic use of imagery, and integration of traditional techniques (like CBT, DBT, or Solution-Focused Therapy) with art-based interventions. This shared perspective allows you to refine your clinical skills, deepen your understanding of the modality, and gain guidance that truly aligns with your practice.
While psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists often focus on structured talk-based approaches, art therapists help clients explore emotions through creativity, intuition, and nonverbal expression. A supervisor outside the discipline may unintentionally create confusion or self-doubt. A supervisor within the art therapy field, however, can provide insight that supports your growth and validates your unique therapeutic lens.
2) Do I need to practice under supervision after graduating from my MA or PhD program?
In Quebec, most graduates from MA or PhD programs can apply to become members of a professional association or order by submitting proof of their direct client and supervision hours. However, certain designations may require post-graduation supervision to further develop clinical skills. For example, the Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) designation through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) requires 150 hours of supervised practice, often completed after graduation.
3) How can having an art therapist supervisor support my ongoing clinical work?
During graduate studies, art therapy students typically receive strong supervision support to process cases and navigate ethical or clinical challenges. After graduation, those questions don’t disappear. In fact, they often become more complex. An experienced art therapy supervisor helps you process client dynamics, build clinical confidence, and refine your professional identity. Supervision also fosters ethical awareness and helps you maintain best practices as you build your career.
4) I have 20 years of experience. Do I still need supervision?
While supervision may no longer be required after many years in the field, many experienced professionals still choose to engage in it—either formally or through peer consultation groups. Continued supervision is a sign of professional maturity, not weakness. It reflects a commitment to growth, ethical reflection, and curiosity about emerging therapeutic techniques. Even seasoned therapists benefit from feedback and reflective practice.
5) How can I cope with imposter syndrome as a therapist, post graduation?
Imposter syndrome is the internal experience of feeling inadequate or unqualified, even when you’ve completed the training and clients are trusting you for help. It’s common among new graduates and usually fades with experience. Supervision plays a key role in overcoming these feelings. A skilled art therapist supervisor creates a safe space to explore your self-doubt, clinical questions, and ethical concerns—helping you build confidence and clarity as you transition into independent practice.
6) How can I find a BIPOC art therapy supervisor in Montreal ?
If you’re looking for a BIPOC supervisor in the field of art therapy, Reyhane Namdari offers clinical supervision in both English and Farsi. She is a registered therapist in Quebec, Ontario (RP with CRPO) and British Columbia (Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC), and provides supervision for therapists across these provinces. She is an experienced art therapist with advanced training in child psychology (McGill University), trauma-informed practice (with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi), and complex childhood trauma in couples therapy (with Dr. Heather McIntosh). Reyhane has also spent over a decade working with Cree, Inuit, and Mohawk communities in Northern Quebec, where she is known as a trusted and culturally responsive clinician.
To inquire about her supervision services, availability, and fees, you can contact her directly at Reyhane@montrealarttherapy.com.
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