Should social workers disclose their supervision relationships to clients?

Disclosing supervision relationships to clients is an important aspect of ethical practice for social workers. When social workers share information about their supervision, it promotes transparency between the practitioner and the client. This openness can enhance the client's trust in the social worker, as it shows that the worker is engaging in a professional and accountable manner. Clients are more likely to feel secure in the therapeutic relationship when they understand the structure of support that the social worker has, including supervision, which is designed to ensure quality and ethical practice.

Furthermore, this disclosure aligns with the principles of informed consent. Clients should have the opportunity to understand the dynamics of their relationship with their social worker, which includes who is involved in the supervision process. This approach not only upholds ethical standards but also empowers clients by informing them about the nature of the professional help they receive.

While agency policies may influence the practicalities of disclosure, the fundamental ethical principle of transparency remains vital. It ensures that clients are fully aware of the professional context in which they are receiving services. In contrast to simply responding to client inquiries or withholding this information, actively promoting transparency establishes a stronger foundation for the therapeutic alliance.