Beginning the relationship

I think the key to successful supervision is the quality of the relationship between the supervisor and the supervisee.

If you're considering having supervision with me, I will invite you to a free, no-commitment introductory meeting with me. You will be able to tell me about:

• What you want from supervision and what you expect from me. Of course, if you're unsure about either of these, then this could be a good starting point for discussion!
• Your counselling work and level of experience
• The types of client you see
• If you're in training, where you've reached in your studies

I, in turn, will be able to tell you about how I work as a Supervisor and answer your questions. Then, if we wish to work together, we can arrange a first supervision session. If you aren't sure about us working together, you won't need to decide right away. I'd prefer you to go and think about it before reaching a decision.

Who do you supervise?

I supervise counsellors in training and experienced counsellors. I'm happy to work with small groups as well.

How were you trained?

I trained as a person centred counsellor and my supervision training was also person-centred. I supervise others, however, including counsellors in training, who work with different models of counselling. Rather than cause misunderstanding, these differences of perspective seem to add other dimensions to the supervision, enlightening our discussions and adding to our understanding of situations.

Will you be responsible for my work?

I take my responsibilities as a supervisor very seriously, but I cannot be responsible for your work. What I can be responsible for is responding ethically, carefully and competently to whatever you bring to supervision.

What do you offer me as a supervisor?

1. Firstly, I will offer you support and safety. If you don't feel judged or threatened, then it's more likely we can have a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
2. I'll also offer you mutuality. I don't want to be a supervisor who holds all the power. I am interested in us sharing an equal power base.
3. The third element that I offer is respectfully to challenge your thinking. I don't mean all the time! As therapists, we need new insights. I believe that sometimes we need to be challenged in positive and helpful ways for our growth and enhanced understanding.
4. Finally, I try to bring to supervisory relationships a strong sense of me-the-person, with my own memories and experiences of how it is to be a supervisee. This means recalling the hopes and anxieties, as well as the joys and triumphs too.

How should I discuss my clients with you?

You may wish to refer to notes, which you bring to sessions or play taped work. Alternatively, you may have a list of issues, either in your head or on paper, to discuss. Of course, you may prefer the spontaneous approach and raise topics, which are uppermost in your mind when we meet. You may choose not to use one particular approach. Sometimes come prepared and at other times, be spontaneous. Whatever approach suits you is fine with me.

What can I cover with you?

This area can be vast, so I'll outline some often-mentioned topics with which I work. I will:

• Support you to become clearer in your thinking and feelings towards your clients
• Discuss theory
• Explore problems with you; e.g. feeling stuck, "inappropriate" interventions to clients
• Examine ethical issues
• Help with professional issues; e.g. written work, training courses, accreditation, continuous professional development
• Consider career issues with you; e.g. paid agency work, setting up your own practice, how to get a placement

How do I book an introductory meeting?

If you want to book an introductory meeting or if you have any questions, please contact me by phone or e-mail as detailed on my contact page.