Certificate in Counselling Supervision
Frequently asked questions
Who is this course for?
This OCN accredited course has been running successfully for fourteen years.
It is for experienced counselling practitioners who wish to train to become counselling supervisors. The course is also suitable for those who would like to see whether becoming a supervisor is right for them.
Applicants must hold a Diploma in Counselling, and have a minimum of 2 years post-qualifying experience or 400 counselling hours.
They also need a letter of support from their counselling supervisor endorsing their suitability & readiness to undertake this training.
What does the course cover?
The course is designed to provide students with a clear framework for setting up in practice as a supervisor.
It covers the key skills and competencies needed to become an effective counselling supervisor. Students are encouraged to identify their existing transferable skills and also the areas in which they need to develop further competency.
The course concentrates on the role and task of the supervisor, and the skills & qualities needed to fulfill this role.
It considers our ethical responsibilities as supervisors and how we will respond to ethical dilemmas we may encounter in our work with supervisees. Students develop a template for a supervision working agreement, and consider which supervision models can guide them in their work as supervisors.
The course considers cultural issues, working with difference, the different contexts in which supervision takes place, as well as the administrative tasks involved in providing supervision.
There is a strong practical element to the course allowing students the opportunity to participate in practice sessions and critique their own performance, as well as receive constructive feedback from course tutors and peers.
The main focus of the course is on supervising individuals, although there is some discussion about supervising groups.
There is the opportunity to attend a follow-on weekend ‘Supervising Groups’.
How do I know if the course is suitable for my theoretical modality?
The course attracts students from a range of theoretical backgrounds and is not modality specific. Previous students have described themselves as Person-Centred, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Integrative, TA trained or using CBT.
During the course students will have the opportunity to work with each other and consider whether it would be appropriate for them to supervise those with different theoretical approaches from their own.
What is the style of teaching on the course?
Whilst there is some theoretical input from course tutors there are also experiential exercises, facilitated group discussions and practice sessions where students receive feedback from peers and tutors.
Is online supervision training effective?
Using Zoom allows us to do everything that we would do if we were meeting face to face, other than mingle at the coffee breaks. We are able to work in smaller groups using virtual break-out rooms. The group size is limited to twelve people and students get the opportunity to mix with each other in smaller groups, during different exercises and practice sessions. Whilst meeting in person can be enjoyable, online students have been able to form good relationships and have appreciated saving on travel time and costs.
How big is the group?
There is a maximum of twelve students on each course. This helps to create a safe space in which to maximise learning and allows tutors to get to know students, and give effective feedback, in order to aid their development.
Do I need to have supervisees when I start the training?
No, you don’t. You can complete the practice sessions for your portfolio with other course students, with counselling colleagues or a combination of both of these.
What's involved in putting the portfolio of evidence together?
The Portfolio of Evidence includes the course handouts, evidence of course activities, feedback sheets from course practice sessions,a 3,000-word essay describing the transition from counsellor to supervisor, 10 x 1 hour practice sessions with feedback sheets, and a Learning Journal which students keep for the duration of the course. Students also submit a one hour recording of a supervision practice session.
The portfolio builds as the course goes along and students have approximately 2.5 months after the third weekend to complete their practice sessions and other assignments. Tutors provide support to students until the portfolio deadline.
What level is the course accredited at?
The course is accredited at Level 5, by the Open College Credit4Learning
Many training courses are longer than three weekends. How can a short course provide adequate training to qualify as a supervisor?
This course is designed to suit those who would prefer a more compact and focused course or who are not able to commit to a lengthier or more expensive training. The course is carefully constructed to gain in momentum and provide a breadth of learning that equips students with a framework to practice safely and effectively as supervisors. Students are expected to supplement their learning with independent reading. Whilst the course may be shorter than others it is every bit as rigorous in its standards. The course has an internal and external moderator to ensure that its’ aims and objectives are met.
Will I be eligible to apply for BACP individual supervisor accreditatation after undertaking this training course?
BACP does not currently require applicants to have undertaken a formal supervision training course in order to apply for accreditation. Applicants are asked to demonstrate that they have undertaken at least 90 contact hours of supervision with counsellors/psychotherapists over a minimum of two years and they are also asked to list the CPD they have undertaken in the past 12 months. In the reflective practice criteria they are asked to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and competence as a supervisor which includes describing their approach to supervision and the theory/knowledge base that underpins their supervision practice.
Feedback from students, online course commenced September 2022:
“Course delivery was exemplary, well structured, professional, and not overwhelming while reaching objectives. One of the best training courses I have attended for a long time right down to safety, the timing and structure.”Nikki
“Comprehensive, relevant, and easy to understand. Not deluged with too much information. Good balance of experiential and discussion group-based learning.” Kate
“Both tutors delivered the course with efficiency, great boundaries, and wonderful humour. There have been no areas unexplored. I got everything I needed and could go as far as to say my expectations were exceeded. Probably the best course I have taken.” Debbie
“The course was delivered in a way that was easy to understand. It was very enjoyable. Lisa was very approachable and encouraging She made things very clear throughout the course. I loved so many things about the course. Things were succinct and not dragged out on to things that were irrelevant as happens with some courses. I also loved the fact that the time keeping was great.” Fiona
"This course has more than met my expectations. It was balanced well with skills, theory, and self-awareness. Growth was evident over the weeks, and I thank you very much for the excellent learning opportunity. This was delivered in such a warm inclusive way. Even though delivered remotely, I feel nourished from the connection with the tutors and my fellow students.” Chris
“Course was very well structured and covered a lot of information, including additional handouts. Lisa is very knowledgeable and an experienced practitioner that came across during the course, really explained well.” TH
“Through the course and exploration of the material, and generally focussing in more on the role of a supervisor, my confidence has grown, and I am starting to feel more prepared for the role of supervisor.” Justine
“The course is delivered very well even before the start of the first weekend with handouts and information right up to having a tutorial; it’s encouraging and very well organised. The course is very well structured and thoroughly explained by Lisa. Also, the programme felt in the right order to introduce and discuss; it flowed and was not confusing. The content felt enough to learn what is necessary to be a supervisor.”Kim
“The mix of practice sessions and feedback, group exercises and discussions and the tutors’ ability to teach and share knowledge as well as expertise was the best I’ve encountered on an online course. The course exceeded my expectations. Having attended a few online courses that barely met their objectives, this course met all its objectives and exceeded mine, giving me enough knowledge and reassurance that I could begin this journey from counselling into supervision.” PR
“I felt the course was full of valuable content and very informative. The admin side of the course and worksheets and hand-outs were distributed at the appropriate times, and I very much liked the balance between Lisa and Sharon and the roles they each had, and they both delivered in a very natural and warm manner :) There was nothing that Lisa or Sharon couldn’t answer, and so the knowledge and expertise was really impressive and informative:)”CA
“Lisa is very knowledgeable and experienced and never faltered at any point when explaining content or being asked questions. She answered and delivered with warmth, kindness and reassurance.” Alliee
“I would highly recommend this course. Lisa adopts a pragmatic /common sense approach to learning with the right mix of theory and practise. I came away feeling fully ready to embrace the role of supervisor and that all bases were covered. The course is good value for money. Lisa has an eye for detail and follows up on questions and additional information in a way that makes you feel supported and equipped. I felt fully engaged through every weekend. I never had a moment of ‘boredom’ or ‘oh no another group exercise’. The work outside of the weekends is manageable, and relevant and helps underline our learning. Very professional but able to hold that lightly to be accessible. Never delivered with arrogance or superiority. Challenges were gentle but clear. Warmth and humour present too.” DK
Contact
If you would like further information about this course please see upcoming courses page or contact Lisa to discuss your training needs.
Phone: 0777 300 78 94
