Supervision
'I think I interpret mainly to let the patient know the limits of my understanding.'
Donald Winnicott
Having been the lead tutor (2011-2022) of the Diploma in Integrative Supervision of Individuals and Groups at The Grove in London W1, I have experience of training many therapists, coaches, mental health workers, medical doctors and psychologists.
What is key to getting the best supervision is the relationship itself. It is essential that you have a supervisor with whom you can be honest, a supervisor will enable you to learn from your mistakes, and is also someone with whom you will want to celebrate your achievements.
The main pay-off for me as a supervisor is seeing people grow into their own authority. I supervise experienced psychotherapists, counsellors and coaches, and also those at the start of their career. What is common in my approach is a respect that their work is their's.
Since the supervisor never gets to meet the clients or patients it requires that they tune into themselves, the work and the supervisee in a very subtle way, it means developing an (over) sight and sensitivity to what might otherwise go unnoticed or overlooked.
'And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.'
Friedrich Nietzsche
THE SCOPE OF SUPERVISION
Supervision is much more than just presenting clients and patients, it can broadly be described under four main areas:
- Overseeing the supervisee’s clinical work with clients/patients, which may include their own supervisees.
- Resourcing the supervisee, whether it be offering knowledge, insight or direction in an area where they've not yet had experience.
- Facilitating the supervisee’s personal and professional development and maturation as a therapist or coach.
- Offering appropriate support regarding the supervisee's professional goals.
I’ve been a supervisor since 2005. I've taught on, and led numerous courses in psychotherapy, supervision and counselling in the UK and Europe. I supervise individuals and groups, including people working together as teams in the same organistaion.
I supervise face to face, and remotely via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and by telephone. Frequency and length of sessions are open to discussion. The standard supervision time is an hour, longer sessions can be arranged schedule permitting. If you and one or more colleagues would like group supervision, please enquire, this may be possible - again depending on my schedule.