Changing Supervisor…eek

“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” – Japanese Proverb

As therapists no matter what level we are at in our career, our supervisors are such an important part of our support system for ourselves and our clients as they guide us and support us in the work we do.

What happens if your Supervisor retires or becomes unwell and reduces their caseload?…..this can leave us feeling somewhat lost or even vulnerable if we have been working with them a long time.

What if you feel you have outgrown your supervisor but you don’t want to offend them by moving on?

What if you are starting out and have no idea what kind of supervisor will be best for you?

These are all questions and indeed situations I have had professionally and personally both as a supervisee and supervisor. It’s something we need to navigate and face the realities or questions about ourselves that may be a bit challenging. Is my people pleasing side showing up when I can’t challenge my supervisor or move on as our work feels like it has run its course? Are we apprehensive that another supervisor may judge us or not understand us, has this attachment been there longer due to fear of change, what if I can’t go back, if I don’t gel with another supervisor.

I think sometimes we fall into supervision because we are recommended someone at training level and we are then too worried to change! sometimes its the opposite and we are perfectly happy with our original supervisor, but of course we don’t know any different!

I think a good way of checking out your development on this and dip your toe…. is to potentially seek additional supervision from supervisors who may be happy to support certain aspects of your work, or work with you for a time limited period, this may allow us to see what a fresh perspective looks like and try another pair of shoes if you like! This can be especially helpful if you have started focusing on a new area of practice or have had additional training in new areas of practice. In fact recently I added another supervisor to support my work and it has been so enriching to have the benefit of two perspectives in my clinical work, both supervisors bringing their own specialisms and approaches.

Supervision is of course a relationship too, one of trust, mutual respect, challenge and support. Its hard sometimes to try on other shoes, but its also exciting to see how that feels and gain a wider lens on your work, your self and see new shoots of growth no matter how long you have been practising!

Warm wishes,

Gayle

Gayle is a Clinical Manager, Supervisor and Therapist based in Tring Hertfordshire.