​

The context we work/live in today is incredibly demanding so it's vital that Supervision is more than simply ‘ticking the box’ for professional practice, it has to provide a supportive, constructive and collaborative space for your personal growth, sustainability and professional development.

 

If you are looking for Supervision where you feel at home to discuss all aspects of your work and your life, please get in touch to see if working together is right for you.

 

*  Limited spaces available for Inter-professional Supervision for those in management, people leadership, health, education, pastoral and therapeutic settings. (Please note, I am not currently taking interns).

​

Q & A's

​

What is professional Supervision?

Professional supervision is a structured and collaborative conversation in which a Supervisor provides support, guidance, and a space for reflection to a practitioner. Supervision aims to enhance professional development, improve job performance, and ensure ethical and effective practice within a specific field or profession. The Supervisor facilitates discussions, explores challenges, and promotes reflective learning to contribute to the Supervisee's well-being, growth and competence.

​

Who uses Supervision?

Professional Supervision is utilised by various professionals across different fields, including healthcare, education, social work, pastoral leadership, counselling and other people leadership and management roles.

 

What is Inter-professional Supervision?

Inter-professional Supervision fosters a holistic and cross-disciplinary exchange of insights, experiences, and expertise, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues and enhancing the overall effectiveness of professional practice. Inter-professional supervision encourages teamwork, communication, and shared learning among professionals with different roles and perspectives.

 

What happens during a Supervision session?

During a supervision session, a Supervisor and a Supervisee engage in a structured and collaborative conversation aimed at supporting the professional development of the Supervisee. The session typically involves various components:

 

1. Check-in: The session often starts with a personal check-in, allowing the supervisee to share how they are and discuss any personal or professional updates.

 

2. Agenda Setting: The Supervisor and Supervisee collaboratively set the agenda, identifying specific topics, challenges, or goals to address during the session.

 

3. Discussion of Agenda Items: The middle part of the session involves a focused discussion on the identified agenda items. This may include exploring specific cases, addressing challenges, setting goals, and examining ethical considerations.

 

4. Goal Setting: Goals may be set for addressing specific issues, enhancing skills, or achieving professional objectives. This helps guide the Supervisee's ongoing development.

 

5. Time Management: Supervisors often assist in managing time effectively during the session, ensuring that all agenda items are adequately covered.

 

6. Ethical and Safety Considerations: Supervision sessions may involve a check for ethical or safety issues, ensuring that professional practices align with ethical standards and ensuring client or client safety.

 

7. Summary and Planning: The session concludes with a summary of key points discussed, a review of plans, tasks, or notes, and the establishment of next steps.

 

8. Feedback: Supervisees are encouraged to provide feedback on how the session went and offer suggestions for improvement.

 

Overall, Supervision sessions provide a structured and supportive space for reflective discussion, skill development, and addressing challenges to enhance the Supervisee's professional competence.

​

How is Supervision different to Counselling?

Supervision and Counselling serve distinct purposes in professional contexts. Supervision is a structured process which supports the development of another professional, focusing on enhancing job performance and maintaining ethical standards. In contrast, Counselling is a therapeutic process where a Counsellor helps an individual address personal, emotional, or psychological issues to promote well-being and personal growth. While both involve a supportive relationship, Supervision is primarily focused on professional development, while Counselling is centred on personal and emotional exploration for therapeutic purposes.

 

What are the benefits of Supervision?

Supervision offers several benefits, including:

1. Skill Development: Supervision provides a platform for professionals to enhance their skills, receive constructive feedback, and stay updated on best practices.

2. Reflective Practice: It encourages reflective thinking, allowing individuals to critically assess their actions, decisions, and the impact on their professional practice.

3. Guidance and Support: Supervisees receive guidance and support from experienced professionals, helping them navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and build confidence.

4. Quality Assurance: Supervision ensures adherence to ethical standards and quality service delivery, promoting accountability and maintaining professional standards.

5. Reduced Burnout: Regular supervision can help prevent burnout by providing a space to discuss and manage the emotional demands of the profession, fostering resilience.

6. Continual Learning: It fosters a culture of continuous learning, keeping professionals informed about industry trends, research, and new developments.

7. Professional Identity: Supervision assists in the development and refinement of professional identity, helping individuals align their values and goals with their professional roles.

8. Improved Client Outcomes: By addressing challenges and enhancing skills, supervision ultimately contributes to improved outcomes for clients or those receiving services.

 

Overall, professional supervision serves as a valuable tool for ongoing professional growth, maintaining ethical standards, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.

 

How to know if I have the right Supervisor?

You'll know you have the most suitable Supervisor when there is a strong alignment between your professional/personal needs and their expertise. A suitable Supervisor will demonstrate effective communication, provide constructive feedback, and adapt their supervision style to your learning preferences. Additionally, a positive and trusting working relationship, consistent support, and a track record of helping individuals achieve their professional goals are indicators that you have found the right supervisor for your needs.

 

How often do I need to see a Supervisor?

The frequency of Supervision depends on the requirements of your professional body and the nature of your professional work. Regular sessions with the same supervisor over a continuous period are often recommended, with the frequency determined by factors such as workload and the Counsellor's experience. For those working full-time, one hour of supervision per fortnight is a common guideline. If Counsellors are actively seeing clients, participation in supervision is typically mandatory, and supervisors themselves are also required to undergo supervision for their supervisory responsibilities.