In its simplest form, supervision is a place where supervisees are able to review and reflect on their work in order to improve. Therapists bring their work practice to the supervisor, group, or peer supervision group. It is with the help of the supervisor or group they can review what has happened in practice and gain insight and learning. It is the aim of supervision to help with better quality service.
Supervision can be face to face or via zoom
Cost is $170 per one hour session
Said Differently
Supervision is the process whereby a therapist/minister can speak to someone who is trained to identify any behavioural and/or psychological/ changes in the therapist/minister that could be due to an inability to cope with issues of one or more clients. (adapted from ACA Policy Document on Profession Supervision, 1/03/2013).
It is, “The regular meeting of a supervisee or a group of supervisees (a) with a designated supervisor or supervisors, (b) to monitor the quality of their work, and (c) to further their understanding of themselves as clinicians/ministers of the client with whom they work, and of service delivery in general. These supervisees/ministers are aided in achieving these goals by their supervisor(s) and by their feedback forum and interaction with each other.’ (adapted from Bernard & Goodyear (2009), p.244)
Supervision has been defined as ‘A working alliance between the supervisor and therapist/minister in which the therapist/minister can offer an account or recording of there work; reflect on it; receive feedback and where appropriate, guidance. (adapted from Inskipp and Proctor, 2001,p.1)
‘Supervision is not only essential for providing effective care for clients (and those who we care for), but also for providing effective self-care.’ (BACP, 2013, p.3)
Supervision is not: (ACA)
- Someone watching over your shoulder whilst you practice/minister.
- A discussion between two or more practitioners.
- Being supervised whilst on a field placement when completing your initial qualifications.
- Discussion of personal matters with a therapist/facilitator or gossiping.
Pastoral supervision
Provides a space for those in ministry.
- To be yourself.
- To be heard and to have your work valued.
- To be challenged.
- To know that you are tired, or generally not yourself, and have a place that you will not be judged.
- It is a space to be truthful about what is going on for you.
- A space where you can attend to your vision and reconnect with your calling.
It is not spiritual direction, mentoring, coaching.
The task is to work together to ensure and develop the efficiency of the therapist/minister/client relationship. Professional supervision is a process to maintain adequate standards of therapy/ministry and methods of therapy to widen the horizons of an experienced practitioner/minister.
Counselling/ministry exposes therapists/minsters to situations that impose a great demand on practitioner’s emotional and professional well-being. This demand can lead to becoming enmeshed and over-involved leading to ineffective practice. Therapists/ministers cannot in all cases be objective about their own abilities, agendas and practices.
Professional supervision provides a safe space for ministers and clergy to explore issues that affect ministry life and to be able to reflect on goals, vocation and self-care.
I am a clinical member of PACFA Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia, a clinical member of AAFT Australian Association of Australia.
References
BACP (2013). Ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy.
Bernard, J. M. & Goodyear, R.K. (2009). Fundamentals of clinical supervision (4th edition). Ohio: Merill.
Inskipp, F.& Proctor, B. (2001). Becoming a Supervisor, , Twickenham, Cascade.
Proctor, B. (2004). Group supervision: A guide to creative practice. London: Sage.