Don’t Panic - Plan
I wonder how your second week of online practice has been? NCS Registrant Suzie Mosson, a director of Online Training for Counsellors, has some expert advice for practitioners making this move. Whethe...
What is Supervision in Counselling?
Supervision in counselling is a formal, collaborative process where a counsellor regularly meets with a more experienced practitioner, known as the supervisor, to discuss their work. The supervisor provides guidance, support, and feedback, ensuring that the counsellor maintains ethical standards and effective practices. Supervision is required for all counsellors who are on the Accredited Register and is essential for the counsellor's professional development.
Why is Supervision in Counselling Important?
Supervision plays a critical role in ensuring that counsellors deliver safe, ethical, and competent services. It allows counsellors to “check in” with a senior practitioner to:
Maintain Ethical Boundaries: Supervision ensures that counsellors stay within professional and ethical limits, which protects both the client and the counsellor.
Gain Knowledge and Skills: Through regular supervision, counsellors can deepen their theoretical understanding and improve their practical skills. Supervisors offer valuable insights from their own experiences.
Receive Emotional Support: Counselling can be emotionally demanding, and supervision provides a space where counsellors can talk through their own feelings and experiences, preventing burnout and promoting self-care.
Benefits of Supervision in Counselling
Professional Development: Supervision helps counsellors develop their knowledge and skills. Whether working with specific groups, such as children or trauma survivors, counsellors benefit from the expertise of their supervisors, who guide them in handling complex cases.
Accountability: Supervisors ensure that counsellors remain accountable for their actions and decisions, which is crucial for maintaining client trust and upholding the standards of the profession.
Crisis Management: During supervision, counsellors can discuss concerns and receive advice on handling difficult situations. Supervisors also provide clear guidelines on what steps to take during crises or emergencies.
Self-Care: Counselling can take a toll on mental health, and supervision offers a safe space for counsellors to process their experiences and emotions, which helps to prevent burnout.
Guidelines for Supervision in Counselling
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) recommends that counsellors in full-time practice receive at least 1.5 hours of supervision per month. However, the amount of supervision required may vary based on the counsellor's experience, the type of work being done, or the client group they work with. This should be discussed with the supervisor and adjusted accordingly.
Keeping Records of Supervision
It is advisable for counsellors to maintain an up-to-date record of their supervision hours. This documentation may be required during audits, when applying for upgrades to registrant levels, or when seeking counselling placements or jobs.
Finding a Supervisor
The NCPS provides a directory of qualified supervisors via the Counselling Directory, where counsellors can search for supervisors based on their specific needs, including options for reduced fees for trainee counsellors.
For further guidance on supervision, counsellors can refer to the NCPS Code of Ethics or access additional resources in the members' area of the NCPS website.
