What is professional supervision?

Professional supervision is a process that allows time, space and the means for a person to reflect critically on their work, for the purpose of personal and professional growth and self-awareness. It is an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from a suitably qualified person, to enhance professional functioning, assist in recognition and prevention of stress, develop skills, and build on strengths.

How does supervision work?

1. Supervision uncovers practical work-related issues of concern to the person being supervised (the “supervisee”)
2. Supervision sessions focus on professional relationships at work to resolve issues that may affect work with clients, relationships with colleagues, managers, or with the organisation itself
3. Supervision assists the supervisee to debrief, strategise, and return to difficult situations with new skills and resources, and have the opportunity to evaluate the results in a safe environment.

Professional Supervision Training - Introductory Level One

A 2 day entry-level module (level one) for those with a view to offering professional or clinical supervision in mental health, addictions, and health and social service organisations in their workplace. It would also be of value for those who wish to gain the most from their own supervision experience. Useful prerequisites for this course would be a relevant qualification or enrolled in studies, and subsequent clinical experience in the addictions or mental health field; for example, social work, psychology, nursing, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy. It would be an advantage if participants have had some experience of their own professional or clinical supervision, however, this is not essential. This module will include concepts of supervision theory and practice, types, processes, administrative requirements, and will also involve some “live” supervision amongst participants, with coaching and mentoring from peers and the course tutor. This module sets the groundwork for learning and understanding supervision and is more suited for those with either little or no previous experience with supervision, but are keen to prepare themselves for being a supervisee, getting the most out of their supervision, and moving on to being a supervisor. Course numbers will be limited. The course will not be examined, but will be interactive and provide an NZQA certificate of attendance and peer/tutor feedback of practice supervision sessions.

Professional Supervision Training - Introductory Level Two

A 2 day introductory module for those wanting to offer professional/clinical supervision in mental health, addictions, and health and social service organisations, in their own workplace. Useful prerequisites for this course are relevant qualifications and experience in health and social services, social work, psychology, nursing, psychotherapy or occupational therapy. Some experience of having professional/clinical supervision would also be an advantage. This module, like level one, sets the groundwork for learning and understanding supervision, but has more emphasis on models and learning styles than level one, and also provides more opportunities to practice giving supervision and have mentoring within the group. It is designed to get participants started in providing supervision, but it is still expected that supervisors will seek out further learning opportunities and will use their own supervision to further their learning and competence as a supervisor. It is not essential to do level one before this course. Course numbers will be limited, in order to ensure participants are able to interact with the rest of the group and take advantage of mentoring opportunities. The course will not be examined, but will be interactive, with constructive peer/tutor feedback of practice sessions. An NZQA certificate of attendance will be provided shortly after completion of the course.