Clinical supervision is a cornerstone of professional development in counselling. It’s a structured, supportive, and evaluative process designed to help you grow professionally. This FAQ aims to answer common questions you might have as a supervisee, starting with questions specifically related to my practice, and then more generic questions about clinical supervision.
How do I organise an appointment?
Email me at contact@nathanbeel.com to request a supervision appointment.
How can I check if we are a good fit?
The first session is an opportunity to get to know each other and for you to decide whether you want to proceed. If proceeding, if you are a member of an association, you might need to complete a supervision contract. An example template can be found here.
How much do you charge?
I charge $150 per hour for individual supervision.
How often should I attend supervision?
This is your choice and depends on your circumstances. Some professional associations requirements might have higher supervision requirements for counsellors with larger caseloads, and less experienced counsellors may require more supervision. Most commonly supervisees attend to 1 hour per month. The next most common is one hour per fortnights. Some supervisees may elect to book supervision sessions as they feel a need.
If I am not a counsellor but work in a related role, can you supervise me?
I can supervise counsellors, human services professionals, and counselling academics. My main expertise with clients are working with adult clients.
The following FAQ text was generated by AI and has been checked.
What is clinical supervision?
Clinical supervision is a formal, regular process where a more experienced clinician (the supervisor) guides and oversees the work of a less experienced clinician (the supervisee). Its primary goals are to ensure client welfare, enhance the supervisee’s clinical skills and knowledge, and facilitate professional growth.
- Why do I need clinical supervision? Clinical supervision is essential for several reasons:
- Client Safety: Ensures you are providing ethical and competent care to your clients.
- Skill Development: Helps you refine your assessment, intervention, and conceptualization skills.
- Ethical Guidance: Provides a space to discuss ethical dilemmas and ensure you are meeting professional standards.
- Professional Growth: Fosters self-awareness, prevents burnout, and supports your ongoing professional development.
- Licensure/Certification Requirements: Many professional bodies require a certain number of supervised hours for licensure or certification.
- How do I find a supervisor?
- Employer Provided: If you’re working in an agency, your employer often provides supervisors.
- Professional Organisations: Check with your professional association for directories of approved supervisors.
- Networking: Ask colleagues, mentors, or professors for recommendations.
- PACFA and ACA: On these websites, you can search for clinical supervisor. When looking, consider their theoretical orientation, experience, and supervisory style to ensure a good fit.
- What should I look for in a supervisor? Look for a supervisor who is:
- Qualified and Experienced: Holds the necessary credentials and has significant clinical experience in your area of practice. ACA and PACFA have listings of supervisors who have been trained and accredited by each respective body.
- Ethical: Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical practice.
- Supportive and Challenging: Can provide both encouragement and constructive feedback.
- Accessible: Is available for scheduled sessions and, if necessary, for urgent consultations.
- A Good Fit: Someone whose supervisory style aligns with your learning preferences.
- What is a supervision contract/agreement? A supervision contract is a formal agreement between you and your supervisor, outlining the terms of your supervision. It typically includes:
- Goals of supervision
- Frequency and duration of sessions
- Fees (if applicable)
- Confidentiality boundaries
- Emergency contact procedures
- Evaluation methods
- Expectations for both parties It’s crucial to review and understand this document before commencing supervision.
During Supervision Sessions
- What should I bring to supervision? Come prepared to discuss:
- Client cases: Present cases you’re working on, focusing on challenges, successes, and ethical dilemmas.
- Questions: Specific questions you have about your clinical work, theoretical concepts, or professional development.
- Reflections: Your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to your clients and your clinical work.
- Learning Goals: What you hope to gain from the session.
- Recordings (if applicable and consented): Audio or video recordings of sessions can be valuable for direct feedback.
- What kind of topics are typically discussed in supervision? Supervision can cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Client assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and intervention strategies
- Ethical dilemmas and professional boundaries
- Countertransference and parallel process
- Theoretical conceptualisation of cases
- Self-care and preventing burnout
- Professional identity and career development
- Legal and regulatory issues
- How often should I have supervision? The frequency of supervision depends on your experience level, the intensity of your caseload, and regulatory requirements. Typically, it can range from weekly for new clinicians to bi-weekly or monthly for more experienced practitioners. Your supervision contract will specify the agreed-upon frequency.
- Is what I say in supervision confidential? Generally, discussions in supervision are confidential within the supervisory relationship. However, there are important exceptions, such as:
- Harm to self or others: If you disclose information that suggests a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
- Legal mandates: If compelled by a court order.
- Supervisory consultation: Your supervisor may consult with their own supervisor or a trusted colleague while maintaining your anonymity and client confidentiality.
- Reporting requirements: If your supervisor has a professional or ethical obligation to report certain conduct. These limits to confidentiality should be clearly outlined in your supervision contract.
- What if I disagree with my supervisor? It’s normal to have differing perspectives. Open and respectful communication is key.
- Articulate your viewpoint: Clearly explain your reasoning.
- Ask for clarification: Seek to understand your supervisor’s perspective.
- Engage in discussion: Work collaboratively to find a solution or a mutually agreeable approach.
- Seek consultation (if needed): If disagreements persist and impact your ability to provide effective care, you might discuss it with a trusted mentor or, if appropriate, seek consultation from a third party.
Evaluation and Professional Growth
- How will I be evaluated in supervision? Evaluation is an ongoing process. Your supervisor will typically provide feedback on:
- Your clinical skills and competence
- Your ethical decision-making
- Your self-awareness and professional growth
- What if I’m struggling or feeling overwhelmed? Supervision is a safe space to discuss these challenges.
- Be honest: Share your struggles with your supervisor. They can offer support, guidance, and help you develop coping strategies.
- Seek self-care: Prioritise activities that help you manage stress and maintain your well-being.
- Consider personal therapy: If personal issues are significantly impacting your work, your supervisor may recommend seeking your own therapy.
- How can I make the most of my supervision experience?
- Be prepared: Come to each session with specific cases, questions, and reflections.
- Be open to feedback: Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.
- Be proactive: Ask questions, propose ideas, and actively participate in discussions.
- Be reflective: Regularly consider your own reactions, biases, and learning edge.
- Be honest: Share your successes, challenges, and concerns openly.
- Take notes: Document key learnings, feedback, and action plans.
- What is the difference between supervision and therapy? While both involve a supportive relationship and personal reflection, their primary goals differ:
- Supervision: Focuses on your professional development as a clinician, ensuring client welfare, and improving your clinical skills. The relationship is primarily professional.
- Therapy: Focuses on your personal well-being, addressing your own psychological issues and promoting personal growth. The relationship is therapeutic. Your supervisor should not be your therapist, and vice-versa.
- When does supervision end? In the counselling profession, it is an ongoing requirement to maintain your practicing membership.