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May get out-of-date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 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.