Whether you are a trainee counsellor starting out in the profession, or a seasoned practitioner, highly experienced in the field, regular supervision is an essential support. I view supervision as an ongoing process. For as long as we practice there is always room to develop and enhance our work, enabling us to meet client needs to the very best of our ability. There will always be unusual situations and unexpected dilemmas to explore with our supervisors. As I write this, I am remembering Covid, and the challenges of working solely online.

As we become more experienced in our practice, what we need from supervision naturally changes and evolves. I have taken this into account as I offer my suggestions.

Introductory meeting

Ask prospective supervisors for a preliminary meeting, either online or in-person. This is an opportunity to discuss working together and to ask any questions. It also allows you to get a deeper sense of each other, and whether you would be a good fit.

The relationship with your supervisor

Supervision is most effective and enjoyable when you feel at ease to be self-reflective and to explore your work openly. Often the initial meeting can give you an intuitive sense of whether this is the right person for you to work with.

The feeling that you could form a strong bond or connection is not always easy to define. However, certain qualities indicate potential for a warm, trusting and productive relationship. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

Empathy, attentiveness and interest in what you are sharing during the initial meeting.

Openness, honesty, warmth, acceptance and respect.

Solidness and non-defensiveness, someone you can trust to handle difficult conversations.

Level of experience, professional attitude and boundaries.

Meeting your supervisory needs

When meeting a prospective supervisor, you can often discern whether they can meet your immediate supervisory needs. However, it is more difficult to foresee how well they will support you in the future because our needs tend to change as we develop.

To learn more about their supervisory approach, you can introduce topics that you consider important into the conversation. My own experience is that people seeking supervision, particularly more experienced practitioners want to know whether they will be challenged in a way that feels useful, meaningful and encouraging of their professional growth.

Practical areas

Location - Check that the supervisor’s location, whether face to face, online, or a combination is practical for you.

Fees - Information about fees can often be found on the supervisor’s website. Some offer a reduced fee for trainee and voluntary counsellors. If this is not specified, it is worth asking.

There may be a fee for missed and cancelled sessions which should be explained and included in your contract or working agreement.

Availability - Establish whether the supervisor’s availability meets your needs and requirements. Availability includes the days and times when you can book an appointment, and whether you can contact the supervisor between sessions with work-related concerns.

My own position as a supervisor, is that while I cannot guarantee immediate availability outside of sessions, it is important for supervisees to feel that they can approach me, especially if there is an emergency. I will always respond as soon as possible. I appreciate that when starting out on your counselling journey, and even later, it might not be clear whether you are facing an emergency.

The supervisor’s qualifications and experience

If you are a trainee counsellor, it is important to ensure that your supervisor’s qualifications, counselling approach and experience fulfil the course requirements.

Consider whether you prefer to work with a supervisor who is experienced in a particular field. Examples are young people, addictions and bereavement.

If you plan to apply for counsellor accreditation and if you are starting a private practice, you may want to work with a supervisor who can support you in these areas.

The supervisor’s counselling modality

If you are a trainee or newly qualified counsellor, I recommend working with an individual supervisor whose therapeutic modality is in tune with your own. This consistency between training and supervision avoids confusion that can occur when the two are not aligned. Your supervisor can clarify areas of theory and practice when helpful and their general attitude naturally reinforces your core theory, practice and way of being.

For experienced counsellors, this is more a matter of preference. A supervisor who is familiar with your own modality, while practicing differently in their own work can offer opportunities to explore client material from a fresh angle. You may gain valuable new perspectives that enhance your work and professional development.

I have written this blog from my own position of being both a supervisee and a supervisor. A person who both receives and offers support and guidance in their work. I am deeply appreciative of the personal and professional growth that I gain in both situations.