Does a supervisor have to be qualified longer than the supervisee?

The quick answer is no… With time and experience comes a greater pool of experiences on which to draw, however the qualities of a good supervisor are present from very on early on in our careers. 

Many psychologists now study supervision models as part of clinical training, which equips us well to enter into the post-training world ready to supervise. Whilst it may seem naturally appealing that a clinical supervisor would have more clinical experience, this does not always follow. Having a flexible, accommodating approach with the right skill set for supervision, is more important than how many years of experience a supervisor has. 

This is of particular importance when supervision is being sourced in a new clinical area or therapeutic modality for the supervisee. Experienced clinicians can sometimes move into a new area of practice and seek a supervisor who has more experience in this area. A supervisor with the right experience with a sound knowledge of the required areas is going to develop the supervisee’s skills and confidence more than someone in a more senior role but with less relevant expertise. However, that is not to say that experience counts for nothing, as often a supervisor can draw on their own experiences of a similar situation or dilemma in the supervision and this can lend a new perspective. 

Discussing levels of expertise and experience in the context of expectations whilst forming the supervisory contract is a good way to explore how a supervisor should bring their experience to bear. 

What the BPS & HCPC say

The vital function of supervision to provide space for reflection and development is highlighted in both the BPS Supervision Guidance for Psychologists (2024) and the HCPC Supervision Standards, (2024). Further, both guidance documents reference a requirement for a supervisor to be suitably trained. The BPS holds a list of approved training courses that hold their charter mark. However, as mentioned above, the attendance of a formal training course is not a prerequisite and covering supervision models whilst on clinical training provides many psychologists with the skills they need.

The BPS guidance also states that supervisors should provide supervision that is safe, effective and within their scope of practice. A culture of openness is of equal importance. The BPS guidance also considers concepts of power dynamics, individual compatibility and equality and diversity, further suggesting that psychologists may receive some supervision from Experts by Experience in addition to Practitioner Psychologists. This broad approach to supervision is welcome and although the document is to advise all branches of practitioner psychologists, not only clinical, it provides a helpful watermark of what to look for in a supervisor. 

So, I suggest, opening up our perspectives on supervisors and their experience can lead to invigorating new experiences within supervision and is a hallmark of the evolving and fluid nature of our roles!   

Research links

https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/supervision-guidance-psychologists

https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/meeting-our-standards/supervision-leadership-and-culture/supervision/

-Jenny

You can arrange supervision with Dr Jenny Cropper here

Website here