Clinical Supervision for Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists

Regular supervision is a requirement for every practitioner registered in the mental health industry.

“Supervisory relationships are a complex blend of professional, education and therapeutic aspects”. (Geldard, & Geldard, 2001, p.377)

"It is widely accepted that all counsellors, whether experienced or just starting out, will benefit from having regular professional supervision. A supervisor acts in a mentoring role, providing emotional support as well as information and guidance.

"Counsellors working within helping agencies will hopefully have supervision sessions built into their work schedules, but it may be overlooked by those working in other organisations or in private practice. While recognising its value, some beginning counsellors may feel threatened by the idea of someone “judging” their effectiveness and avoid seeking supervision if it is not part of their work situation."

Source: The importance of Counselling Supervision

It is important to remember that Clinical Supervision is not only a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, it is also mandatory for registration with professional bodies such as ACA and PACFA.

Clincial Supervision is an invaluable support, especially for clinicians in private practice who may often feel alone. Having a supervisor available as a mentor will often provide reassurance, affirmation and perhaps a different perspective of some aspect of practice.

Supervision is available to the following Mental Health Practitioners:

• Counsellors
• Psychotherapists
• Psychologists
• Students/Trainees of a mental health modality

Supervision is offered either online using secure meeting room or face to face in Crows Nest and Erina NSW.

As a supervisee you may need help with:

• Identifying a particular challenge with a client
• Discussing and receiving support on particular concerns in your counselling work
• Developing more effective strategies when working with a client
• Sharing concerns about a session with a supervisor who may be able to offer a different perspective
• Receiving validation for work accomplished as a result of previous supervision sessions

Requirements for registration with some professional member associations are listed below:

Supervision requirements for PACFA members

Supervision requirements for ACA members

About the supervisor

Christine Bennett has been practising counselling and psychotherapy for over 20 years to individuals, couples and families. During that time she has also offered supervision to practitioners and students of counselling, psychotherapy and psychology.

Christine is a PACFA Accredited Supervisor and works within the framework of the supervisee's method of practice rather than being limited to any one model.

Christine is also a PACFA registered Mental Health Practitioner and as such qualifies to provide supervision for other PACFA Mental Health Practitioners.

The Australasian Association of Supervision (AAOS) defines supervision as "a contractual, relational, collaborative process, which facilitates the ethical and professional practice of the supervisee."

"Supervision is an opportunity for the supervisee to reflect on their practice to gain a broader perspective, opening up the space to undertake new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The supervisor provides a space to ensure the supervisee is accountable to the personal and professional standards of their profession."

Source and further information:Australasian Association of Supervision.