Supervision for Therapists

Supervision for Therapists

“Martin’s Supervision work has helped the direction of my therapy business. My personal and professional growth has deepened my awareness to meet the needs of different types of clients.” CE.

Thank you for considering supervision with me.

I view supervision as a collaborative relationship that supports both your professional development and your wellbeing as a practitioner. Whether you are a trainee, newly qualified therapist, or experienced practitioner, supervision provides a dedicated space to reflect on your client work, explore challenges, deepen your understanding, and continue your growth as a therapist.

Therapy can be rewarding, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. At times, however, it can also feel demanding, uncertain, and emotionally challenging. Supervision offers a space where we can think together about your work, your clients, your professional identity, and the wider context in which you practise.

My aim is to provide a supportive, ethical, and reflective environment where learning, curiosity, and professional confidence can develop over time.

My Approach to Supervision

My supervision is informed by the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision (Hawkins & Shohet), alongside psychodynamic, relational, attachment-based, systemic, and developmental perspectives.

While client work remains central to supervision, I am also interested in the wider context that shapes therapeutic relationships. This may include:

  • Therapeutic interventions and clinical decision-making
  • The therapeutic relationship
  • Transference and countertransference
  • Attachment patterns
  • Family and systemic influences
  • Ethical and safeguarding considerations
  • Professional identity and confidence
  • Personal responses to client work
  • Self-care, resilience, and wellbeing
  • Business development and private practice issues

Alongside discussing your clients, I encourage reflection on your own emotional responses, assumptions, strengths, vulnerabilities, and blind spots. Often the greatest professional growth occurs when we become more aware of how our own experiences influence our therapeutic work.

Supervision is not a performance review. It is a reflective process that invites honesty, curiosity, learning, and growth.

The Spirit of Supervision

I believe supervision should be both supportive and appropriately challenging.

My role is not to judge your work but to help you think more deeply about it. All therapists encounter uncertainty, make mistakes, and face difficult decisions. Supervision provides a safe space where these experiences can be explored openly and constructively.

I hope to foster a relationship built upon:

  • Trust
  • Respect
  • Professional integrity
  • Openness
  • Compassion
  • Accountability

When difficulties arise within the supervisory relationship itself, I encourage us to discuss them openly. Ruptures, misunderstandings, and differences of opinion can often become valuable opportunities for reflection and learning.

What You Can Expect From Me

As your supervisor, I will aim to provide:

  • A safe, respectful, and confidential environment
  • Honest and constructive feedback
  • Support with ethical and safeguarding concerns
  • Appropriate challenge where needed
  • Respect for your theoretical orientation and professional background
  • Guidance regarding professional development and training needs
  • Reliability, professionalism, and clear boundaries
  • Encouragement of reflective practice and self-awareness

What I Ask From You

To make the most of supervision, I ask that you:

  • Attend sessions regularly and punctually
  • Bring client material and areas for reflection
  • Practise within your level of competence
  • Maintain appropriate professional insurance and membership
  • Engage in ongoing professional development
  • Prioritise client welfare and ethical practice
  • Raise concerns openly if difficulties arise
  • Inform me of significant changes in your practice or circumstances
  • Take responsibility for implementing decisions made within your own professional role

Supervision works best when approached as a shared responsibility and collaborative process.

Six-Month Review

All supervisees are offered an initial six-month review period.

This provides an opportunity for both of us to reflect on whether the supervisory relationship is meeting your needs and supporting your development.

Areas for reflection may include:

  • The usefulness of supervision in supporting client work
  • Client outcomes and therapeutic effectiveness
  • Professional growth and confidence
  • Personal development and self-awareness
  • Awareness of transference, countertransference, and relational patterns
  • Ethical practice and decision-making
  • Business development and private practice goals (where relevant)

Following the review, either party may choose to continue or end the supervisory relationship.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Supervision is confidential. However, confidentiality may be limited where:

  • There is a serious risk of harm
  • Safeguarding concerns arise
  • Disclosure is required by law
  • Serious professional misconduct requires consultation or reporting

I keep brief supervision notes in accordance with GDPR requirements and professional standards. Records are stored securely and retained in line with current legal and ethical guidance.

As part of my professional practice, I engage in my own supervision. Any discussion of your work within my supervision will remain anonymised.

Communication Between Sessions

I welcome contact regarding urgent ethical, safeguarding, or risk-related concerns.

Routine case discussions, professional reflection, and ongoing processing are generally best held within scheduled supervision sessions.

I aim to respond to emails, texts, or telephone messages within 24–48 working hours. Responses may take longer during weekends, holidays, or periods of annual leave.

Fees, Appointments and Cancellations

Supervision sessions are normally held monthly or more frequently depending upon your caseload and professional requirements.

Appointments may be conducted online or in person.

Payment is due before or at the time of the session unless otherwise agreed.

A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations. Missed appointments or late cancellations may be charged at the full session fee.

Ethical Practice

My supervision practice is informed by the ethical frameworks of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH).

All supervisees are expected to:

  • Prioritise client welfare
  • Maintain professional competence
  • Practise within the limits of their training and experience
  • Respect confidentiality
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Work in accordance with their professional body’s ethical framework
  • Engage in appropriate supervision and continuing professional development

Ending Supervision

Either of us may choose to end the supervisory relationship.

Where possible, I recommend a final review session to reflect on the work completed and to bring the supervisory relationship to a thoughtful conclusion.

If supervision ends, responsibility for arranging ongoing supervision rests with the supervisee. Where appropriate, I can provide a brief handover summary to a new supervisor with your written consent.

Pricing

Supervision Online: £70–80 per 90-minute session
(concession available for therapists in training)

Email me to explore what you would like to work on, with a free consultation.

martinhandy@protonmail.com