Supervision For Therapists
Supervision is an essential part of the practice of psychotherapy. It is a key area for professional growth and development, creates a platform for accountability in working with clients, and helps maintain best-practices.
Choosing a psychotherapist for supervision is a very personal decision, and there are several factors any therapist should consider before asking another professional to provide supervision. By carefully choosing an experienced psychotherapist aligned with your own treatment methodologies and preferences, more significant learning and professional development can occur throughout the supervision schedule.
For both newly-graduated and experienced psychotherapists, one-one interaction with a supervisor is critical in shaping future growth and development. When selecting a professional as a supervisor, the following factors are essential to review and consider:
Experience & Background
Supervision is used in developing and implementing new practice methods, to increase a specific skill set, or to gain support when moving into a new type of practice or treatment placement. In these situations the experience level of the supervisor is a critical element.
Highly experienced supervisors have a greater depth of understanding, and those with similar jobs and roles in their background are best suited to supporting your own improvement in these specific areas. Choosing a supervisor with a broad experiential background in the mental health field is often an important consideration, particularly for newly-graduated professionals.
When looking for a supervisor, consider the psychotherapist's areas of specialisation and practice focus. These can include training in addictions and eating disorders, as well as the treatment of alcohol, drug, sex, and gambling problems. Many psychotherapists also have experience working with couples and relationship issues, or those struggling with loss, grief, or bereavement. The longer the supervisor has provided services to clients in these fields, the more effective they should be in asking questions and helping to clarify goals and treatments.
The theories and methods of treatment used by a supervisor should align with the goals of the supervisee. This includes a focus on types of therapy, such as analytical psychology or CBT. It is vital to review background education, experience and approach when selecting a supervisor. Finding some with a similar background and theoretical approach will ensure the psychotherapist gains the most from the knowledge of the supervisor throughout their work together.
The Process of Online Supervision
The purpose of supervision is to explore challenges and to evaluate growth and development. Through one-to-one confidential conversations held over a period of time the supervisor guides the psychotherapist through:
- gaining understanding and insight
- developing professionals skills
- overcoming issues that may be preventing the growth the psychotherapist desires.
By posing insightful questions that challenge currently held beliefs, the psychotherapist and supervisor can explore these issues. This is a relationship that requires trust, understanding and the ability to create an environment where it is possible to explore ideas and express oneself in a safe and comfortable space.
Supervision is an essential part of the practice of psychotherapy. It is a key area for professional growth and development, and creates a way for accountability and best-practices for the therapist in working with his or her clients.
