Supervision
I love supervision. To me, space to reflect and collegial support is critical for therapists, enabling us to understand more deeply how we operate, and to work through issues we might encounter.
Why supervision?
When we are in the therapist–client relationship, it can be difficult to sit back and actually view what’s happening: which of our own patterns we’re playing out. Part of supervision is having someone who knows us – who, from a broader perspective, can help us explore what’s potentially going on.
Supervision safeguards client welfare by maintaining professional standards and upholding ethical conduct.
But, on another level, it’s about nurturing our professional selves: cultivating an awareness of ourselves as therapists – which ultimately benefits our clients.
Supervision with me
Others have described my supervision as supportive and encouraging, with a sense of being held and present. I try to create a sense of spaciousness in which dark spots are allowed to come to the surface, to be seen, and wondered about, with time to reflect on what is beneath the surface. My role is to help you grow – sometimes through pain, struggle and challenge – and at times to celebrate. I want you to come out lighter, instilled with confidence, feeling acknowledged, feeling whole.
Wherever you are in your trajectory of therapeutic experience, we will reflect together on your work: exploring what you do and why, your therapeutic relationships, and how you feel about your work, clients, and the process.
Perhaps you are hungry for reassurance that you are ‘doing it right’, or suggestions about tools and techniques; or you might simply need a space to bring up challenges you’re grappling with, and a sensitive outsider’s perspective about what might be happening.
Sometimes I will invite you to make art or use cards; other times we just talk. I generally allow you to guide that aspect of the process.
Supervision services
I do supervision in my rooms, via Skype, or I can visit your organisation to do supervision sessions on your premises.
My training and qualifications
With a the Wheel of Supervision training from the Centre for Existential Practice, I have extensive experience over 15 years, supervising practising art therapists and LaTrobe University art therapy students, as well as many other mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, youth workers, and residential workers).
