Counselling Supervision
As a clinical supervisor, I offer supervision online across the UK to trainee and qualified counsellors, and trainee supervisors.
My Supervision Approach
Inskipp and Proctor (1995) describe supervision as, “a working alliance between a supervisor and a counsellor in which the counsellor can offer an account or recording of their work; reflect on it; receive feedback and, where appropriate, guidance. The object of this alliance is to enable the counsellor to gain in ethical competence, confidence, compassion and creativity so as to give their best possible service to their client”.
My supervision approach is an integration of Person-Centred Supervision, the Seven Eyed Model, and the Integrated Developmental Model.
My person-centred approach places emphasis on the personal growth of the counsellor/supervisee and the development of their therapeutic abilities. This focus extends beyond individual client concerns to encompass the self-awareness, self-confidence, and understanding of the therapeutic process of the supervisee. The most important factor in supervision is the quality of the relationship between the supervisor and supervisee.
Purpose of Supervision
Supervision transcends the conventional idea of seeking answers from an expert. As Robin Shohet, co-creator of the 7 Eyed Model, suggests, it's about creating a space where a counsellor's emotional disturbance regarding client work can be explored, survived, reflected upon, and learned from. This process, within the supervisory relationship, serves as a container nurturing the therapeutic triad of client, counsellor, and supervisor.
Training and Ethical Framework
Ideally students need to be trained in a person-centred, relational, or integrative approach, such as Clarkson's 5 Relationship Model or the Relational Integrative Model. It's essential for counselllors to operate within an ethical framework of the BACP or other professional bodies.
Professional Oversight
I have my own qualified BACP supervisor who provides guidance for my supervisory work.
Free Initial Session
I can offer you a free initial session to see if we can work together and decide if I can provide all your supervision requirements.
Supervision Agreement
This is an agreement between you as the supervisee, and myself as the supervisor which serves to protect you and your clients and enable me to provide you with a professional service and define the boundaries of our working relationship. By appointing me as your supervisor and accepting my offer of services in exchange for the agreed fee, we agree to the following:
The primary purpose of our sessions will be to focus on you and your client work. I will strive to provide you with meaningful, ethical supervision to enable you to benefit from our sessions and enhance your work with your clients. We will work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework (2018), BACP Supervision Competence Framework and BACP Good Practice Guidance.
My role and responsibilities as your supervisor are to offer you the following requirements of supervision:
• To provide you with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment to discuss your work.
• To provide you with an opportunity to reflect in depth on all aspects of your practice as a counsellor.
• To provide you with appropriate teaching and support for your ongoing professional development.
• To monitor, challenge, suggest, advise, encourage, and support you appropriately in relation to your client work.
• To raise any concerns about your client work I may have as and when they arise, to discuss these concerns and work with you to address them
• To model good practice to you in my own work as a counsellor
• To learn from you and your client work as part of my own ongoing professional development
• To be available in emergency / urgent situations for supervisory support
• To maintain confidentiality regarding yourself and your clients.
• To keep accurate records of our supervision sessions in accordance with data protection requirements
• To work collaboratively in the best interests of your clients and your own wellbeing.
Your role and responsibilities as a Supervisee are:
• To work according to the BACP or your own professional Ethical Framework
• To bring whatever you feel is appropriate to supervision 2
• To be open to explore and expand your work in supervision
• To be open to look at areas of learning and development
• To be open and honest in supervision and draw attention to any significant difficulties or challenges you may be facing in your work
• To be open to look at your own self in relation to your counselling process and therapeutic relationship with your clients.
• To contact me as your supervisor if you have any doubt or worry about your clients
• To be accountable for your own practice and take responsibility for ensuring that your client work meets professional standards
APPOINTMENTS
We agree to give each other at least 24 hours’ notice regarding cancelled or changed appointments. Consideration will be given to illness and personal emergencies. CONFIDENTIALITY Everything you disclose to me during our sessions remains confidential. I have my own supervisor with whom I regularly discuss my supervision work. However, I will not disclose any of your details or that of your clients that will enable you or them to be identified. My supervisor is bound by the same BACP ethical code of practice as myself.
ENDINGS & COMPLAINTS
If you have any concerns about my practice as a supervisor, I ask that you first address them to me. For the process of supervision to be effective we need to be open and honest with each other. If we are unable to resolve a particular issue, if you are unhappy with the service I am providing or have difficulty with our professional relationship, then you are free to end this agreement. I would just ask that you inform me of your decision so that can end our relationship ethically and professionally. If necessary, if you have a concern about my professional practice, you may lodge a formal complaint with the BACP.
INSURANCE & LEGAL PROTECTION
I have professional liability insurance with Towergate Insurance as a counsellor and supervisor and have enhanced DBS clearance. The work being undertaken is in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. You are protected by the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
REVIEW AND REVISION
This agreement can be reviewed and renegotiated at any time at the request of the supervisee and supervisor.
Final Thought
In the words of John Rowan, a respected psychotherapist, "There is no spiritual being who can be so useful as a good human supervisor."
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Counsellor Penzance Truro Falmouth Cornwall Cardiff Edinburgh London
