Image of ripples on water.

Regular supervision is an essential part of sustaining good practice during a counsellor's working life. It helps practitioners to develop personal resourcefulness, and provides them with an opportunity to reflect in depth on all aspects of their practice so as to work effectively and ethically.

The BACP stipulates that counsellors must have "sufficient supervisory time in order for them to maintain their wellbeing" (a minimum of 1½ hours per month). In addition, trainees must have at least one hour of supervision for every eight client hours and should have fortnightly contact with their supervisor. The UK Association of Humanistic Psychology Practitioners (UKAHPP) stipulates that trainees must have one hour of supervision for every six client hours.

At Actuality Counselling, I offer supervision (both face-to-face and online) for qualified and trainee counsellors, and for people working in other professions which are emotionally challenging. I have worked as a supervisor since 2007.

Image of books in bookcase.

It is important for supervisees to have a safe environment where they can be themselves (as people and as professionals) and are able to discuss all aspects of their work. I offer a supportive relationship based on acceptance, openness and empathy. Supervision should be professionally challenging and, just as importantly, is a place where supervisees can celebrate their successes. I want my supervisees to feel empowered, listened to, understood and better-equipped to work effectively and ethically.

My work as a supervisor is essentially Person-centred. In casework presentation, which inevitably lies at the heart of supervision, I emphasise counsellor process rather than client content. I also focus on the developmental aspects of a counsellor's work as well as ethical considerations and diversity.

Image of stones.

I endeavour to ensure that trainees meet the requirements of their agency or college and are working to an appropriate code of practice. I also try to ensure that agencies and training institutions are not making demands which may result in counsellors contravening ethical guidelines or accepted practice.

I am also open to working using an Equine-assisted approach if you are interested in more creative ways of working.

I expect supervisees (including trainees) to be members of a professional body such as the BACP, UKCP or UKAHPP.

I have regular supervision for my counselling supervision work.

I work according to the BACP's Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018). As part of the public protection requirement of the BACP Register, the organisation also operates a confidential guidance and information service known as Ask Kathleen. Any counsellor who is concerned about her/his experience of supervision can contact the service via e-mail at ask@bacp.co.uk, online (at www.bacpregister.org.uk/public) or by phone (01455 883344).

You can find a helpful description of supervision in the BACP's information sheet 'What is supervision?' by Sally Despenser.

Tel: +44 (0)7941 488 550

e-mail:actualitycounselling@gmail.com

Image of two people in a supervision session.

" I want my supervisees to feel listened to, understood, empowered and better-equipped to work effectively and ethically."

ARTICLE: What is counselling supervision?

Attending supervision enables counsellors to review their client work, their professional development and anything which might have an impact on their work.

Counselling Resource

Read the full article.

Image of Steve Manning delivering counselling workshop.

Steve delivering a workshop at 1Point in Bolton

Continual Professional Development (CPD)

By undertaking CPD, counsellors demonstrate that they are committed to maintaining professional standards and are practising to the best of their abilities (all counsellors who are accredited with the BACP must complete at least 30 hours CPD each year).

Use the following links to find CPD and training opportunities in Liverpool and the North West:

Brian McMinn

Compass

Counselling North West

Liverpool Empowerment Centre

Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy

Mersey Counselling and Therapy Centre

Mindsite

Red Kite Therapy and Training

You can also find details of CPD and training at the North West CPD Events for Counselling and Psychotherapy Facebook group.