Clinical Supervision

Mental health professionals provide care to people experiencing a wide range of challenges. Given the sensitive and confidential nature of the work, it is essential that clinicians receive adequate clinical supervision.

What is clinical supervision?

Clinical supervision is "a process in which an experienced clinician (the supervisor) assists another clinician (the supervisee) in generating, implementing, and reflecting on ethical and clinically sound decisions regarding individual client cases" (APA, 2017).

In other words, it provides a space for licensed mental health professionals to consult with experienced colleagues, to ensure they are providing the highest quality of care possible and feel supported in the work.

Why is it important?

Supervision gives clinicians an opportunity to reflect on their own practice and identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Supervisors offer guidance and support around difficult client cases, and can be a sounding board for new ideas in treatment planning and implementation.

It can also help reduce vicarious traumatisation and burnout, both particularly common among mental health professionals, and is a space to learn different approaches to practice while feeling supported.

Types of clinical supervision

There are two main types: individual and group. In individual supervision, the supervisor meets the supervisee one-to-one - more focused and intimate, helpful for a specific issue or for personalised feedback. In group supervision, the supervisor meets a group of supervisees, who learn from one another and feel supported among peers while receiving guidance from the supervisor.

The benefits

• Improved client care - regular feedback helps you assess and treat clients more effectively.
• Enhanced clinical skills - you learn new techniques and ways of thinking about assessment and treatment.
• Reduced stress - having someone to talk to about your cases helps you feel supported and less alone.
• Improved job satisfaction - feeling supported and growing your skills leads to greater satisfaction overall.