Sometimes, Trauma…

Helicopter Views and “Super Vision”

I began my training as a supervisor 15 years ago, qualifying as a supervisor in 2012. It seems strange to think that I began the training reluctantly: organisational need meant that another supervisor was required to work with trainee therapists at the rapidly growing Swan Project, Bristol. I loved group and one-to-one work so much; I thought supervision would feel secondary relationally and be a drain on my energy.

My colleague Veronica Aaronson (the Project Founder) insisted I would love it and to say I was wrong is an understatement! I quickly found that developing deep and vulnerable relationships with therapists, (both student and experienced/qualified therapists), is something that I treasure. I also learned that one can feel passionately engaged in the progress and journey of a client that you only meet in your “helicopter” role as supervisor. This “helicopter” view is anything but dispassionate.

Since 2011, I have worked with well over 130 therapists, from witnessing first tender sessions to seeing people work full-time in flourishing Private Practices. I prefer to working in longer-term relationships with my supervisees, where I can see the real development of practice and know enough about the person’s own struggles and victories to really feel the dual poetry that takes place in the bravery of both therapist and client. I hold my roles as “supporter” and “challenger” with passion, care and a huge respect for anyone who offers themselves to this type of client work.

Whilst I currently don’t have any one-to-one spaces, I am hoping to start up two supervision groups for up to four therapists meeting once a month for two hours. If you are interested in joining either of these groups, please feel free to get in touch with me. See the Fees page for more information and please complete the Enquiry Form below.