Silvia Camastral PhD

Article on Clinical Supervision

© Copyright - Silvia Camastral.

In my private practice I offer clinical supervision to counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists.

Why have clinical supervision?

Clinical supervision is an important support process for those in therapeutic and counselling professions.

It is a collaborative process to learn about and improve therapeutic practice and, ultimately, to offer a better service to our clients.

Some Literature quotes about supervision:

Supervision is a working alliance between two professionals where the supervisees offer an account of their work, reflect on it, receive feedback and receive guidance if appropriate. The object of this alliance is to enable the worker to gain in ethical competency , confidence and creativity so as to give the best possible service to clients”. (Inskipp and Proctor , 2001)

Supervision is a place of trust where a healthy relationship gives me a safe place to acknowledge and work with my clinical concerns, stresses, fears and joys (Johnson, 2003)

Supervision is a regular, protected time for facilitated, in depth reflection on clinical practice (Bond and Holland 1998)

The supervision method

A supervisory session is a conversation between myself and the supervisee, looking at challenges that arise with clients.  Sessions may include a variety of approaches, from educational to creative to experiential. 

For example:

• Use of role play to find out where the client might be ‘at’

• Mind mapping surrounding issues (e.g. economic, gender) that impact on a person’s life

• Exploratory ‘unpacking’ of issues and themes

• Finding a systemic view of the client’s situatio

The supervisee’s client, as case study, serves as a focal point throughout the process.

Issues explored

Below are some issues that can be helpful to explore during the session:

• How our belief systems shape our views

• Challenging our belief systems if they create blind spots

• Parallel process issues that want to be addressed

• Identifying the therapist’s role with a particular client

• Looking at surrounding issues belonging to the client: economic, gender, social privileges or marginalisation, educational background, class, sexual orientation, education, race, religion, social status, etc.

Both group and individual supervision sessions are available.

Contact Silvia to find out more