SUPERVISION AND
Consultation
WHAT IS CLINICAL SUPERVISION?
Clinical supervision is a formal and disciplined working alliance that is generally, but not necessarily, between a more experienced and a less experienced worker, in which the supervisee’s clinical work is reviewed and reflected upon, with the aims of: improving the supervisee’s work with clients; ensuring client welfare; supporting the supervisee in relation to their work, and supporting the supervisee’s professional development. Supervision is about providing direction and education to a supervisee on a more continuous basis. The supervisor is responsible for the actions of a supervisee on topics that have been disclosed and discussed during supervision. The ongoing relationship of supervisor/supervisee is about feedback, evaluation and performance reviews. A supervisor is legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees. Thus, clinical supervisors can insist on a course of action, review files, etc. They are expected to document their supervision because they have a fiduciary responsibility and are vicariously liable for the actions of their supervisees.
WHAT IS CASE CONSULTATION?
Consultation may occur for a specific incident or case that that needs support or a different perspective. Consultation is about advice that can be rejected by the consultee. In this case, the consultant is not responsible for the actions of the consultee.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
I charge AUD$220 plus 10% GST per hour for individual supervision and case consultation.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT?
If you are interested in clinical supervision, we can set up an appointment talk on the phone or a video call for a few minutes to see if we are a good fit. If we agree to work together, I will send you a supervision agreement describing our mutual responsibilities. Once this is signed we can meet on a regularly or as often as you need. If you are seeking case consultation, please note that this will not carry any supervision hours.
The individual supervision model has an incredible impact on the development of a supervisee’s abilities because of the full attention one receives. It is a great space to build on strengths whilst growing in confidence and competence. Some things you can expect in and through supervision:
- Tips and techniques to enhance your skills
- An encouraging environment to learn and explore the different facets of counselling.
- Emotional support and a safe reflective space
- Support and guidance for difficult trauma cases for clients with complex presentations
- Guidance in relation to best practice and interventions to adopt
- Ensuring that clients are receiving safe ethical care
- Assistance with professional development
- A tax deduction for the clinical supervision fee
Every therapist needs supervision no matter how experienced and therefore it’s best to view effective supervision as a collaborative process, wherein supervisees take an active role in:
- Choosing what area of their counselling practice needs attention.
- Giving feedback about the supervisory process and relationship.
- For new counsellors, developing their own professional standards.
- Taking responsibility for what they want to achieve through supervision.
- To be honest and disclose things that may be uncomfortable so as to ensure compliance with professional and organizational practice standards.
“The greatest gifts you can give are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”