Supervision.

Working under supervision means that a counsellor uses the services of another more experienced and qualified counsellor to review their counselling practice with clients. Supervision also considers the ethical professional development, and often the personal development, of the counsellor. Supervision is a professional service which encourages the counsellor in the process of self awareness whilst facilitating self-learning which results in ongoing professionalism. The supervisor, in this relationship, acts as a consultant.

The quality of the relationship between the Supervisor and the Supervisee is an important, although complex, one. The approaches to Supervision are varied. It is vital that the approach works for the Supervisee. This important aspect determines the effectiveness and success of the Supervision and the relationship between the two parties. The elements necessary in the relationship are:

• Warmth
• Trust
• Genuineness
• Ethical boundaries
• Confidentiality
• Respect

Supervision involves maintaining a relationship as well as giving attention to the skills and process of the Supervisee.

All counsellors and those involved in the area of ‘people helping’, regardless of experience, need Supervision. It is an area which assists the Counsellor with the development of skills, meaning, personal health and professional growth.
Those who receive Supervision include:

• Counsellors
• Student Counsellors
• Ministers and Clergy
• Chaplains
• Business professionals
• Social Workers
• School Teachers

Supervision exists for three reasons. These reasons are fundamentally to protect clients, to improve the ability of counsellors to provide value to their clients and to monitor the self-care of the Counsellor or health Care Professional.

Confidentiality is an indispensable requirement of therapy as all issues are of a sensitive nature. Knowing that confidentiality is an internalised ‘norm’ in the counselling profession, clients enter the therapeutic process in safety. A confidential therapeutic relationship assists to alleviate shame and stigmatisation within the counselling process

When –

• action is needed for suspected abuse
• the client may pose a danger to themselves
• danger is likely to others
• health risks have occurred
• counselling groups, family, minors and the legally incompetent
• the court has ordered disclosures
• counsellors are involved in personal defence

Personal Supervision (one-on-one)

Peer Supervision – a process of supervision where members supervise each other. The process and structure is negotiated within the group, and limited to well qualified counsellors

Group Supervision – a regular meeting of supervisees with a designated Supervisor. This is a working alliance between professional and/or student counsellors and provides a venue for learning.