Incorporating Learning Contracts in Supervision

Thursday, February 26, 2026, Core C Group via Live Zoom Workshop
Friday, February 27, 2026, Core group A & B via Live Zoom Workshop
8:25am-12:35pm

Using supervision agreements or learning contracts is considered a key best practice of clinical supervision in the standards of all behavioral health professional associations. Learning contracts function as an “informed consent” outlining agreed upon expectations and goals. They shift the power dynamic towards a collaborative learning alliance and build clinical competencies. Yet in community-based practice where supervisors often wear multiple hats and can be bombarded with crises and competing demands, learning contracts can take a back seat. This workshop extends the previous supervision training which focused on giving effective supervisory feedback, demonstrating how to use learning contracts in ongoing supervision even in challenging conditions. This is an interactive applied training. Supervisors are encouraged to bring samples of their therapists’ current learning contracts and videotapes of supervision sessions where learning goals are being discussed and reviewed. 

Objectives:
As a result of attending this educational activity, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the link between effective feedback, learning contracts, and the development of therapists’ competencies. 
2. Describe barriers and solutions to ongoing implementation of learning contracts in supervision
3. Describe a format for writing learning contracts
4. Develop strategies for using learning contracts in weekly supervision