Clinical supervision part 2: the bits nobody taught you

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What we cover

A second conversation on the practical side of supervision: who keeps the notes, what good contracts cover, supervision of supervision and what to do when the relationship does not feel right.

• Training and accreditation for supervisors
• Supervision records and contracts
• Supervision of supervision
• Recognising when supervision is not working

What practical arrangements need to be clear in supervision?

The second conversation with Dr Paul Grantham considers training and accreditation, supervision records, contracts and supervision of supervision. These practical arrangements affect how the work is understood and who holds responsibility for different parts of it.

Questions such as who keeps notes and who may see them are easier to address before a problem arises. A clear agreement can support transparency while still being reviewed as roles, work or professional requirements change.

What can a supervisee do when the relationship is not working?

The episode examines markers of good supervision and the difficult situation in which a supervisee feels that something is not right. Discomfort does not by itself explain the problem, but it is information that deserves attention rather than automatic dismissal.

The contract, feedback and appropriate outside support can help the supervisee consider what needs to be raised or changed. The conversation also recognises the potential for harm, reinforcing that supervision relationships require accountability as well as goodwill.

Related listening: Start with What's the Point in Clinical Supervision? Part 1 for the foundations of what supervision is for and how therapists can use it well.