February 2025 - NOW LAUNCHING our revamped Group Consultation: Patchwork's Community of Practice. Register today to secure your spot!
As an Asian therapist working with the Asian community, we face unique challenges that are not often discussed or acknowledged in clinical settings. Mental health struggles within the Asian community are often dismissed, and as Asian therapists, we bring our lived experience of navigating intersectional pressures—personal history, traditional cultural values, covert and overt anti-Asian racism, and generational trauma. These experiences can unintentionally influence our clinical work, leading us to doubt our competence, become self-focused, or feel emotionally overwhelmed.
Despite these challenges, the healing work within our community must continue. To provide much-needed support to Asian therapists, we have designed our Group Consultation collective to offer a more flexible and comprehensive platform for professional development, peer consultation, and self-reflection and self-care.
Program Features
1-hour Drop-in Consultation Meeting (per month): A monthly opportunity to meet virtually with fellow Asian therapists in a group setting for peer support and clinical consultation. Each meeting is capped at 8 participants to ensure meaningful engagement and individualized attention. A sign-up sheet will be provided to manage attendance. For those needing formal supervision hours, Bradyn Ko, MSW, RSW, is a clinical supervisor who meets the CRPO supervision requirements and can provide a letter attesting to the member's supervision hours.
1-hour Journal Club Meeting (per month): Engage virtually in thoughtful discussions of a monthly academic journal article related to mental health practice. This is an opportunity to enhance your clinical knowledge while connecting with peers around current research.
Access to the Community of Practice Online Portal: Connect with a community of like-minded professionals through an online platform at any hour of the day that includes resources, ongoing discussions, and professional development opportunities.
Additional Professional Development Opportunities: As the collective expands, more sessions and opportunities will be offered to foster your growth, both personally and professionally.
Commitment and Pricing
Cost: $60 per month
Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required. After the initial 6-month period, membership will shift to a month-to-month basis.
Flexibility: As the collective grows, more meetings may be added, providing greater opportunities for learning, exchange and collaboration.
2025 Meeting Schedule:
Group Consultation takes place 2nd Tuesday of every month 7-8pm.
Mar 11
Apr 8
May 13
Jun 10
Jul 8
Aug 12
Sep 9
Oct 14
Nov 11
Dec 9
Journal Club takes place 3rd Wednesday of every month 7-8pm.
Mar 19
Apr 16
May 20
Jun 18
Jul 16
Aug 20
Sep 17
Oct 22
Nov 19
Dec 17
If you are interested but unavailable on the listed dates, please inform us - we will explore alternative arrangements based on the availability of others in your cohort.
Match and Fit
Who Should Join: This collective is designed for registered social workers and registered psychotherapists (including those in qualifying stages) who identify as Asian and may be working with Asian clients. The collective is particularly beneficial for those in the early years (1-5 years) of psychotherapy practice.
CRPO Supervision Requirements: Upon request, Patchwork Conversations can provide a letter of verification for the group supervision hours. Please note that due to the nature and limitations of group consultation/supervision, we are not able to confirm DCC hours at this time.
The Importance of Clinical Supervision for Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists (Why RSWs and RPs should consider Patchwork Community of Practice)
Clinical supervision is a fundamental practice for both Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Psychotherapists (RPs), not only as a requirement for regulatory compliance but also as a critical component of professional growth, ethical practice, and client well-being.
For Registered Social Workers (RSWs) Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy
In Ontario, the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy allows Registered Social Workers (RSWs) to provide psychotherapy, but it comes with specific competency requirements. To be authorized to perform this act, RSWs must meet the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) guidelines, which include:
Completion of additional clinical-focused training (e.g., a degree, certificate, or diploma)
2-3 years (or 2,000–3,000 hours) of supervised practice in psychotherapy
Regular ongoing clinical supervision, including both individual and group formats
Supervision is vital for RSWs to assess their readiness and ensure they are meeting the required competencies, ethical standards, and best practices. It is not only required for regulatory compliance but also helps in addressing difficult client situations, preventing ethical lapses, and managing emotional burnout. Supervision supports continued professional development and enables RSWs to improve their therapeutic skills while ensuring the safety and well-being of clients. Regular supervision ensures that social workers maintain high standards of practice and navigate complex clinical challenges effectively.
For more information, please check out the following official resources, published by OCSWSSW:
For Registered Psychotherapists (RPs)
For Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and RP (Qualifying) registrants under the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), clinical supervision is an essential part of developing a competent, reflective, and ethical practice. CRPO requires 100 hours of supervision for Qualifying registrants and ongoing supervision for all RPs until they meet the independent practice requirements (1,000 direct client contact hours and 150 supervision hours). Supervision helps RPs refine their clinical skills, improve their therapeutic relationships, and maintain ethical boundaries. It is a space to discuss challenging cases, receive feedback, and ensure safe and effective therapy for clients.
Supervision is also critical for managing the emotional demands of psychotherapy, preventing burnout, and providing a safeguard for client well-being. It ensures that RPs maintain the highest professional standards and helps them transition to independent practice with confidence. Ongoing supervision supports reflective practice, accountability, and continued growth throughout a therapist’s career.
For more information, please check out the following official resources, published by CRPO:
A Shared Benefit Across Professions
For both RSWs and RPs, clinical supervision is not just a regulatory formality but a crucial element of professional excellence. It fosters competence, ethical decision-making, and client safety, while offering emotional support to navigate the challenges of the therapeutic role. It enhances clinical skills, builds confidence, and ensures the delivery of the highest quality care, making it an indispensable part of any therapist’s career path.
At Patchwork Conversation’s Group Supervision, we recognize the unique challenges faced by Asian therapists and the importance of creating a supportive space for growth, reflection, and collaboration. This collective is more than just a professional development opportunity—it is a community where your experiences are valued, your voice is heard, and your work is strengthened through collective wisdom.
By joining us, you are investing not only in your professional growth but also in the larger mission of fostering mental health and resilience within the Asian community. We navigate the complexities of our work, celebrate our successes, and empower one another to continue the healing work in our community.