Odd Supervisor Behavior

I’m an LCSW and was being supervised/mentored by a LMHC, informally for a few years. She was very kind and I really appreciated how much she cared for her clients and seemed to love being a therpist. I could relate to loving the field because I’m very passionate about my worn and deeply enjoy helping others.

For years we established a monthly close, professional relationship. Then, while I was transitioning to opening my own private practice, she pulled away and I was chasing her down for monthly sessions. This felt really hurtful after years of knowing her.

A couple months back I requested a supervision session via email after not having supervision for a few months due to financially strain on my part because I was starting my practice. I didn’t hear back from her, so I had to follow up with her after 2-3 days of not hearing back. This had been her pattern since I started my private practice. I’d email with a session request and she’d take a few days to get back. She eventually replied and told me she’s taking a step back from work due to the death of someone close to her. She provided a colleague recommendation and no open door for supervision for the future. Ouch. I felt for her situation and I also felt a bit sad and irritated about how dismissive her email was. I sent heartfelt condolences and gave her (and myself) some space to process. I also thought this was odd for therpist to do knowing how important endings are.

I searched and found a new supervisor who truly seems amazing. A little over a month passed and I reached out to her via email letting her know I was respecting her grieving process, first and foremost and I also wanted to thank her for the support she provided me over the years. I gave her a short update of my a career and how excited I am for the future. Again, crickets.

I’m convinced that she was and is clearly going through a lot, but the lack of healthy communication on her part is truly rubbing me the wrong way.

I think I need to unpack this briefly with my new supervisor next month, but I just wanted to share here because it was so odd.