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.

Who is this training for?

This training is for anyone who would like to know more about supervision; what it is and what it does, how to get the most out of it, and also for those who would like to start learning the basic skills of providing supervision for others. For the latter, there is also a more advanced follow-up course available, providing more opportunities for practicing, with coaching and mentoring provided.

Is prior supervision experience or training necessary?

No, this course is aimed at an introductory level.

What is covered in this course?

This is a one or two day course, depending on the level of information required. There is an introduction to nature and process of supervision, supervision relationship, practical/admin requirements, topics/purposes, preparation, structure and focus of sessions, how to gain the most benefit from supervision, managing conflict, evaluation of supervision and performance reviews. There are exercises throughout, to stimulate, and integrate learning. A more advanced two day course is available as a follow-up.

Auckland 8 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 Phone 09 360 6957 Fax 09 360 6357 Email abacus@acts.co.nz