What is clinical supervision?

There is a strong tradition in psychiatry, psychology and social work of clinical supervision, but it is less common in general practice. Clinical supervision at its core is a one on one relationship with a senior colleague who is able to help a clinician manage the challenges and stresses of their work.

In general practice, there is a rich tradition of peer supervision, with Balint groups being the most common structure. Supervision tends to focus on the relational side of GP work, exploring why some consultations and interactions are so difficult.

Understandably, clinical supervision overlaps with individual psychotherapy and coaching. So how to you choose someone to help you manage the complexities of your role? Consider these questions:

1. Do you want to think more about your personal (inner) life, your career trajectory, or the therapeutic relationships you manage? All three types of interaction (psychotherapy, coaching and supervision) do all three but the focus on different aspects more deeply

2. Do you prefer to work online or face to face? Some people prefer to work with a person who is not local to them, particularly in rural towns where you are likely to have complex relationships already,

3. Do you want to work with a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker? GPs will obviously know your context, but may not bring the psychodynamic depth of psychiatrists, or the psychological techniques of the psychologists, or the relational depth of social workers.

What about me?

You are most welcome to reach out to me. I have worked with many clinical supervisors in the past, in a few different disciplines. I may or may not be the right person to work with, but I can certainly have an initial consultation with you to clarify your goals.

You are welcome to book a time if you want to meet me online.