What is Clinical Supervision?

“Clinical supervision is a contractual, collaborative process which monitors, develops and supports supervisees in their clinical role. In clinical supervision the central focus is on both the optimum treatment outcome for the client and the professional development and self-care of the supervisee.  The process of clinical supervision is seen to encompass a number of significant components, including a formal agreement between supervisor and supervisee. It is an opportunity for the supervisee to present relevant material regarding their clinical practice via case discussion, recordings of client sessions, role plays, etc., allowing a space for reflective review by the supervisee and feedback by the supervisor. The supervisory relationship and process of supervision are congruent with the developmental needs of the supervisee.” (PACFA website pacfa.org.au)

School counsellors often work in isolation. Their work is sometimes misunderstood by school staff. Their enormous responsibility to attend to case notes, safety, appropriate liaison with family, staff and outside of school health care professionals is of paramount importance. Their commitment to work professionally is sometimes compromised by the busyness of schools and competing agendas.

Without regular clinical supervision, school counsellors are at dire risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burn out.

Working with me, a PACFA accredited clinical supervisor, will aim to increase your understanding of your responsibilities. It will assist to provide a safety net for you, your clients and your school. It will assist to alleviate compounding stress and anxiety associated with the demands of this role. It will build your capacity to continue to do the very important work you do. It will facilitate an ongoing reflective practice, nourished by evidence based approaches.

Clinical supervision occurs 1 on 1, on your school campus, or walk and talk in person in local settings or online via zoom and meets the supervision requirements with the ACA, PACFA and AASW.