Are you looking for a clinical supervisor?
Testimonials
How do you determine who is going to be a good fit for your style of practice and your personality?
1
Find out what you can about a potential supervisor. Ask your colleagues what they know about him/her as a person, a clinician, a supervisor.
If they have a website, read up about their approach, the work they do and their background; do they have any supervisory experience?
2
Call the potential supervisor and ask some questions over the phone; these can be basic questions about fees and availability. You will be able to form a first impression which will guide you as to whether to make an appointment with them for a first ‘interview’ or take some time to think about it. You can then call them back at a later time to make an appointment or look for someone else who will be a better fit for you.
3
In your first session with a potential supervisor, it is important that you come prepared:
- Know what you are looking for: do you want weekly, fortnightly or monthly supervision?
- Do you want to be supervised on clinical work or on organisational issues, or both?
- Ask questions about the supervisor’s style of supervision, what they will do if you don’t agree about the management of a client, or if there is conflict between you.
- Discuss if the supervisor will be responsible for providing any feedback or reports about you to an employer.
- What are his/her policies about confidentiality in the supervisory capacity?
- What are the supervisor’s expectations of you?
4
Once you have established that you would like to go ahead and work with this supervisor, you always have the right to pull out of the arrangement at any time. Of course, it would be best if you could address this with the supervisor before leaving the relationship as there may be issues which can be resolved through discussion. Even if you don’t think there is anything to resolve, your feedback will be valuable to the supervisor in their own journey of growth.
Choosing a supervisor involves making a big decision.
It can be nerve-wracking as you worry about exposing yourself to another professional. You may feel vulnerable and anxious about what the supervisor will think of you and your clinical skills. Even if you are an experienced therapist, you may still be worried about how a peer may perceive the work you do.
How do you know if I’m the right supervisor for you?
Follow the above steps. Have a look at my website and read about the work I do, my approach and my background.
“Follow the above steps. Have a look at my website and read about the work I do, my approach and my background.”
“I am passionate about supervision. I believe it is an essential component to providing ethical and quality counselling.”
Choosing a supervisor involves making a big decision.
- Explore your cases in depth
- Develop a better understanding of the dynamics occurring between you and your client
- Have a safe place to talk about the work you do
- Continue to develop skills
- Learn and practise different approaches
- Discuss ethical considerations
- Manage the administrative side of your work
- Be supported in a safe and professionally caring relationship.
