Advanced Supervisor Workshop enhances professional skills
As a Multisystemic Therapy (MST) supervisor, I find that there aren’t many opportunities for the supervisors’ community to come together to strengthen their skills and support one another in the unique role we play. That is one reason I find the MST Advanced Supervisor Workshop (ASW) held in Charleston, S.C., so critical to my professional development and the agency I work for. Each time I attend the workshop, I walk away feeling re-energized for the work we do.
This past September was no different for me. Prior to heading out from Buffalo to Charleston, I eagerly did my advance prep. After all, it wouldn’t be an MST training if we weren’t given advanced prep.
As I entered the room on the morning of day one, I looked around and saw a group of fellow supervisors eager to join with me on this two-day journey. Members of the group came from all over the country and had at least six months MST supervisory experience. The trainers outlined the objectives of the workshop, and quickly, each participant shared their desired outcome. I wasn’t surprised to learn that we all had a common goal—to walk away with new skills that would better support our team members help youth and families. It is that common goal to implement MST with the strongest fidelity possible that unites us. Ultimately, we want to support our therapists as they develop their knowledge and skills to deliver MST. By having strong therapists, we can demonstrate proven results in the agencies and communities we serve.
Learning from trainers and each other
As we shared throughout the training, the group atmosphere allowed each of us to be open with the various strengths and struggles we have. In small and large group exercises, we learned not only from the trainers, but equally from one another. I liked knowing that I was not only learning from other colleagues, who are in a similar role as me, but I took pride in knowing that that I provided them with knowledge and strategies that work for me, as well.
Two days of camaraderie and sharing
Throughout the two days, we learned together, we laughed together, we problem-solved together, and we ate together. We built community. New relationships were formed, and a new support system was forged.
Before long, it was time to go back to our home communities and use what we learned.
For me, what I bring back is not only important to the MST program, but to my agency. The new and enhanced skills I developed during the training contribute to the positive outcomes for families. Achieving positive outcomes not only helps the individual families, but also lead to increased utilization of the MST program. Strong utilization of the program leads to an increased positive reputation of the agency. Positive outcomes, increased utilization, positive reputation leads to continued funding. Continued funding means that families who might not have the opportunity to benefit from MST now have that opportunity. For me, it is a win-win-win.
I am grateful that my agency sees the value of sending me to the ASW, and I encourage you if you are a supervisor, program manager or agency administrator to consider how your MST team can benefit from this training. Don’t delay. Registration is open now.
