Clinical Supervision

'Reflection is much more than a cognitive or abstract process- it involves emotions, intuitions, sensations, and bodily experiences that resonate with the heart as well as the head' (Brockbank & McGill 1998)

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA)

To meet industry training standards, Clinical Supervisors must be Clinical Members of PACFA for a minimum of 5 years and have completed specific supervisor training.

Specialised professional bodies such as APTA have additional requirements for Registered Play Therapy- Supervisor registration. In addition to this, Supervisors have ongoing Supervision on their supervision practice. As well as separate professional development on counselling supervision.

It is best to choose an experienced Supervisor who can meet your specific developmental, learning and supervision needs. Clinical supervision should be a satisfying experience and an important element to this is finding a supervisor who is a good fit.

Each Supervisor will have a slightly different approach to how they facilitate supervision depending on their training and experience. I utilise a person-centered approach to supervision, as well as incorporating symbol work, which involves the use of imagery and metaphors as a way of accessing the wisdom and creativity of the right hemisphere of the brain. Through this creative approach, we are able to bring awareness to what might be occurring on an unconscious level, which often requires delving beyond words.

ABOUT ME AS A SUPERVISOR

As a Supervisor, I have met the criteria relating to qualifications and experience to meet the requirements for Supervisor level with PACFA and APTA. I am a Registered Play Therapist with over a decade of experience working in schools, organisations and private practice. I have a background in psychology, neurobiology of trauma and play therapy which spans many years. I work hard to keep my knowledge and practice current, by staying up to date with the latest research relating to clinical applications for positive therapeutic outcomes. I have a love of learning and enjoy sharing my insights with my supervisees. My belief is that supervision should support, teach, challenge and grow us as practitioners.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CLINICAL SUPERVISION?

Clinical supervision is such an important element of professional practice. This is because it provides time to stop and explore the issue on a deeper level with a more experienced practitioner. Through a person-centered approach, as well as through the use of images and symbol work, it can provide further awareness, learning and growth. As therapists, we all need supervision and as a result of professional dialogue with a supportive, and experienced practitioner, your capacity, knowledge and skills increase in a safe learning environment. This means your clients can benefit and have improved outcomes.

What is the role of Clinical Supervision?

Clinical supervision is a professional relationship with agreed roles and responsibilities.
The role of the Supervisor is to create a safe learning environment and to help you identify your learning needs and explore the challenging aspects in your client work.
Usually Supervision has a guiding, educative, supportive and administrative function to ensure accountability to clients and the profession.
Clinical supervision includes confidentiality and informed consent when working with client issues.
Best practice is based on the codes of ethics of the relevant professional body.

What is the Supervision process?

The process of supervision is dynamic and changes as you grow and develop in your skills and practice.
Different approaches and models of supervision match the task required and the supervisee’s stage of development.
Symbol work, imagery and metaphors allow for deeper reflection.