Fostering growth within a supervising psychologist-resident mentorship

Chantelle is a supervising Clinical Psychologist practicing in neuropsychology and works in Tertiary Mental Health at Vancouver General Hospital, as well as in the Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation for Substance Use (CARSU) Program at Richmond Hospital. In her role, she conducts neuropsychological assessments to provide recommendations and diagnoses to enhance day-to-day functioning. Additionally, she facilitates groups as well as provide supervision to students at the different stages of their training.

Valerie, a psychology resident in the neuropsychology track and a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa, joined VCH in September 2023 through the residency program. Her residency is divided into two blocks, with two rotations within each block. Valerie’s responsibilities will vary depending on her rotation. Her first block, from September to February, included a rotation within Tertiary Mental Health, under Chantelle’s supervision, where her primary responsibilities included facilitating a group to help individuals improve their cognitive functioning, and conducting neuropsychological assessments.

The relationship between the brain and behaviour was something Chantelle has been interested in since her undergraduate studies, leading her to pursue a career in psychology. “Some little things that I love about my job include getting to work with an incredible group of professionals who all add a unique perspective to client care,” Chantelle shares. “I also greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn about the personal story of each client I work with, to best support them in their day-to-day functioning.”

In parallel, Valerie pursued a career in the field because she was driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. “This profession not only lends purpose to my own life, but it also allows me to contribute to meaningful transformations in individuals, their relationships and communities.” Valerie talks about the uniqueness of psychology. “The dynamic interplay between the scientific and creative aspects enables me to integrate creative solutions with the nuances of each patient, offering personalized and client-centred that that is evidence base. The beauty of psychology lies in its recognition that every individual is unique, ensuring that each day brings new and engaging challenges.”

Having the opportunity to be a part of their clients’ journey and witnessing their transformations has been a key motivator for both Chantelle and Valerie, driving their commitment to exceptional care.

“What stands out with my role is that although I am the only psychologist at both sites where I work, I feel supported by my colleagues across different professions and that we all work together to support client care,” Chantelle expresses. “Even though I do not work directly with other psychologists on a daily basis, there is a supportive and knowledgeable group within VCH that I can consult with as needed.”

Echoing this sentiment, Valerie expresses appreciation for the consistent support and recognition she has received across the teams in her different rotations, as well as their commitment to client care. As a resident, she primarily engages with her supervisors, both of whom she says has consistently gone above and beyond to foster a supportive work environment. “Moreover, I am grateful for this diverse range of experiences provided by VCH, as it has been instrumental in developing the skills necessary to become a well-rounded clinician.”

Another common theme for this duo is career progression. Initially starting in a part-time position, Chantelle has progressively transitioned into a full-time role within VCH and has accumulated six years of tenure. She shares how she feels valued in her role and has discovered many opportunities for ongoing career development, including the supervisory relationship.

For Chantelle, as a supervisor, she finds fulfillment in being a part of a resident’s journey towards independent and autonomous practice. “I offer more direct support to residents during the early stages of their rotation with me, and as the resident develops skills and competencies, they begin to take on more responsibilities independently,” Chantelle explains. “I find it most rewarding to witness this growth over a period of six months and to be a part of their evolving identity as a professional psychologist.”

And for Valerie, she shares how Chantelle has positively influenced her approach to clinical work and career development alike. Valerie shares her initial experience and how the mentorship has allowed her to develop her clinical skills in a new and challenging setting, specifically in an inpatient environment. “When starting my rotation with Chantelle, she recognized my existing knowledge and strengths. She provided invaluable support and equipped me with additional resources to navigate unfamiliar territory. As I gained independence, Chantelle’s unwavering encouragement played a crucial role in bolstering my confidence. Her commitment to my professional growth was evident as she offered detailed and specific guidance, refining my abilities along the way,” Valerie expresses. “Now, at the conclusion of my rotation at Willow Pavilion, I can say I gained excellent experience working in neuropsychology in an inpatient mental health setting. Most notably, I now feel both comfortable and confident in my capacity to effectively facilitate group treatment.”

Additionally, motivated by Chantelle’s dedication to lifelong learning and ongoing professional development, Valerie seeks to continue learning and engaging in her own reflective practices to improve her clinical work. She aims to eventually take on a similar role in supervising students herself.

Their partnership embodies growth, illustrating how mentorship fosters professional development.

Explore our current Psychologist opportunities or learn more about our Psychology Residency Program.

Search jobs  Learn more