What is clinical supervision in counselling?
Clinical supervision is a professional relationship where counsellors can reflect on their client work with a qualified supervisor. It supports safe, ethical practice, professional development, and client wellbeing.
Who is clinical supervision for?
Clinical supervision is for:
- Qualified counsellors
- Trainee counsellors
- Psychotherapists and mental health professionals
- Organisational supervision
How often should I attend clinical supervision?
Frequency of supervision depends on your workload and professional body guidelines. Many counsellors attend monthly as the BACP and other governing bodies state a minimum of 1.5 hours per calander month. If you have a heavy work load you may choose to have more supervision to support you and your practice while trainees may require more frequent sessions.
Student counsellors on placement need to have a minimum of 1.5 hours per calendar month. Ratio of 8 hours counselling to 1 hour supervision, with supervision every two weeks. If you are seeing more that 4 clients a week you will need to add more supervision to be able to include the hours in your placement log.
This can be a mix of one to one or group supervision. Qualified facilitator are needed for group supervision. Peer supervision is not acceptable for students.
Do you offer supervision for trainee counsellors?
Yes, I offer clinical supervision for trainee counsellors, providing a supportive space to develop skills, confidence, and ethical awareness.
What happens in a supervision session?
In a supervision session, you can:
- Reflect on client work
- Explore challenges
- Discuss ethical issues
- Develop your therapeutic approach
Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your needs.
Do you offer online clinical supervision?
I offer online clinical supervision via Zoom as it is a secure video platform, as well as telephone and in-person sessions in Hornchurch, Essex.
How long are supervision sessions?
Supervision sessions are flexible and shaped around your individual needs. For qualified counsellors, this may include 90-minute monthly sessions, or shorter sessions (45 or 60 minutes) on a fortnightly basis. We can also adjust the length or frequency of sessions to ensure you feel fully supported in your work.
For student counsellors, I offer fortnightly 45-minute sessions as a starting point, with the option of longer sessions depending on your client hours and training requirements.
How much does clinical supervision cost?
Fees are discussed transparently and depend on session length and frequency. Please see the Availability & fees page or get in touch for current pricing.
What is your supervision approach?
I offer integrative clinical supervision, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches to support your practice, reflective development, and professional growth. My aim is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, appropriately challenged, and able to develop confidence in your clinical work.
My approach is flexible and responsive to your individual needs, level of experience, and the setting in which you work.
I work using the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision, a holistic framework that looks beyond the client work alone. It helps us explore the therapeutic relationship, your internal responses, and the wider systemic context, supporting a deeper understanding of your practice.
I also draw on the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM), which recognises that practitioners grow and evolve over time. This allows me to tailor my supervision style offering guidance, support, or challenge depending on your stage of development.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are available:
- In person in Hornchurch, Essex at my office in Fairkytes Art Centre
- Online
- By telephone
Is clinical supervision confidential?
Yes, supervision is confidential and conducted within ethical and professional guidelines, with the usual limits relating to safety and legal obligations.
Is clinical supervision confidential for trainee counsellors?
Student supervision is generally a confidential, supportive, and private professional relationship. Confidentiality is not absolute and may be limited in situations involving risk, safety concerns, or professional misconduct. It is a place to work and practice on your counselling skills as they develop. Being a student counsellor can feel daunting as you are working outside the comfort of the class room and working with clients for the first time.
During your placement, there is typically a three or four way agreement between you as the trainee counsellor, your training provider, the placement organisation, and your clinical supervisor. This agreement ensures safe practice, establishes clear boundaries, and outlines responsibilities relating to supervision and client work.
During your placement, your training provider will ask you to complete clinical supervision reports at regular intervals and at the end of your required hours. A qualified clinical supervisor submits these reports to verify your counselling hours and to support your clinical safety, ethical practice, and professional development.
What happens if I need help in between supervision sessions?
I offer supervisees the option of a brief telephone call up to 10 minutes when needed, providing timely support if something arises between sessions.
I see myself as part of your team and aim to be approachable and responsive. If you need support in between sessions, I’m here to help particularly with safeguarding concerns or ethical challenges, where talking things through early can make a real difference.
How do I get started with supervision?
Contact me to arrange an initial consultation to discuss your needs and see if we are a good fit for working together.
Supervision can be a place where a living profession breathes and learns
Hawkins and Shohet