Supervision

I believe that the process of supervision is different from that of counselling in one very important way.

It is perfectly acceptable to come out of a counselling session feeling extremely unhappy.

It is my belief that, although you may be challenged in supervision, overall the experience should be joyful and you should come out feeling up-beat. After all, if nothing else, you have shared your work with someone who shares your passion.

Model

Integrative
Central to my therapeutic model is the belief in an integrative approach. I carry this forward into supervision

being happy to work with counsellors who work with different models which I treat with the utmost respect
enjoying the richness of working with counsellors who have different frames of reference
welcoming the role of facilitator rather than all-knowing expert

My question, as an integrative supervisor is: "Is what you are doing beneficial to the client?" It is not: "To what extent are you following your model."

Relational
In putting the relation at the foundation of the therapeutic process, I believe I am, as Maria Gilbert and Kenneth Evans (2000) say, "Based on the primacy of the psychotherapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change."

Inclusion
My understanding of Martin Buber's concept of inclusion (Buber, 1996) is that it is possible to practice empathy - seeing the situation from another's frame of reference - while continuing to see it from one’s own. Moving back and forth between the two positions gives greater insight into the situation and improves the therapeutic dialogue.

Co-creation
My initial fear of putting myself in the position of expert is to some extent taken away by the concept of supervision being a co-creative process. The supervisor and counsellor both contribute to creating the relationship and together create a narrative that "can be deconstructed and reconstructed in the ongoing process of supervision". Gilbert & Evans (2000, Pg. 6)

Conclusion
Initially I had thought the main focus of supervision was the client. The welfare of the client is fundamental in supervision, but I favour focus that is more weighted in time if not in precedence on the development of the counsellor. Supervision is a place where the supervisee gets space to reflect on his work. As he develops, so an integrative model of supervision will ensure that the supervision develops appropriately.

The role of supervisor provides not only an opportunity to help the counsellor but also a responsibility. There is responsibility to ensure that the counsellor is working ethically, but there is also a responsibility to stimulate, excite and help the counsellor to develop to their full potential. This impacts on their personal development, their development as a counsellor, the development of their internal supervisor and their development of themselves as a supervisor.

Availability
As well as attending supervision session, I am available to my supervisees for advice and off-loading – a service for which I do not charge.

Contract
When I first meet a supervisee, we spend some time discussing a contract, which will reflect their particular needs. One such contract looks like this:

Working Agreement for Clinical Supervision
Between ……………………… the supervisee and ……………………… the supervisor

Logistics
We will meet .... a month on a ....day at .... for .... hour(s). The charge is £ 40.00 per hour and will be shared between members if there is a group.
This will be paid whether or not the supervisee attends but not in the absence of the supervisor.

Accountability
The supervisee is clinically responsible for her clients and decides what she will bring to supervision.

Confidentiality
The supervisor will not discuss what goes on inside the session with anyone outside the session except for his supervisor in which case supervisees will remain anonymous. Similarly supervisees will not identify colleagues or clients to anyone outside the sessions.

Purpose

Normative:

Structure to include a check-in and a daily close.
Handle management issues.
Follow ethical code of BACP
Share information

Formative:

Explore Strategies / perspectives /techniques
Foster growth through challenges
Help become aware of blind spots
Wok with group transference
Share
Develop creative approaches to counselling

Restorative:

Give a sense of direction
Get feedback from tapes
Build confidence
Be validated for the work we do
Help to continue to remain curious
Learn, develop and grow
Support from one another as well as the supervisor

Signed:
Supervisee.......................... Supervisor..........................

Supervisees
Currently I have 8 supervisees including:

Julie Elston
Julie is a passionate, creative and value led counsellor who creates environments where a person’s needs can be sensitively met whilst providing confidentiality and remaining non-judgmental. Apart from a private practice, Julie does a lot of work in schools with children and young people from 5 to 18. Julie has also experience working for Social Services to create Life Story books for children in Adoption or Fostering.
www.staplehurst.counselling.co.uk (opens in new window/tab)

Sue Goode
Sue is a counsellor and accredited supervisor who has three practices in Greater London. She sees counselling as enabling you to recognise what it is you need in order to grow and reach your full potential.
www.londoneastcounselling.co.uk (opens in new window/tab)

Maria Wright
As well as being in private practice, Maria, counsels, supervises and runs the counselling services at MIND in Dartford. Maria sees counselling as enabling you to talk about and explore the problems and difficulties that you have encountered in your life. Maria can help you to look at how you respond to difficulties and explore different ways of dealing with situations.
www.gravesendcounsellingservice.co.uk (opens in new window/tab)