Definition of Supervision
BACP –
“The primary purpose of supervision is to ensure that the counsellor is addressing the needs of the client”
Inskipp and Proctor
- describe supervision as a working alliance between a supervisor and a counsellor in which the counsellor can offer an account
or recording of her/his 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, and creativity so as to give her best possible service
to her/his clients.
Supervision is a process
of facilitating via a collegial interaction that has been negotiated in order to protect the interests
of and serve the needs of the client. It further enhances and enables practitioner development in direct relation to their
current practice.
Why Supervision?
Ethical requirement
(BACP, organisations, agencies etc)
Ensures accountability
among Counsellors, Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Social Workers and others in the caring professions.
Many professionals
work in isolation and solitude and the work can be exhausting creating vulnerability.
Without supervision a therapist:
Can burn out
May get out-of-date
May lose insight of values
Own issue may get in the way
Can
become hardened to work
Can sometimes be left confused
May exploit clients
unintentionally
May use
inappropriate interventions
May fail to recognise
need for referrals
Maintain
consistent and appropriate boundaries
The practitioner is supported and challenged by the supervisor
to offer their best service to the client.
What do Supervisors do?
Enable insight
Monitor and
Evaluate
Support and challenge
Evaluate theory
and practice
Facilitate personal
development
Monitor blockages and blindspots
Facilitate professional development
Highlight strengths and weaknesses
Monitor and evaluate
content and process.
Monitor fitness
to practice and observe ethics
Monitor conditions
in which practice takes place
Monitor and evaluate strategies and interventions
Encourages exploration
of new ideas & techniques
Support and challenge professionals
in direct relation to current practice
Recognise personal and developmental needs of the counsellor/professional
Supervision
is offered at the practice premises in Ellesmere Park, Eccles, Manchester. Contact Sharon on 0161 789 0547 for further details.