How Supervision Supports Therapist Wellbeing and Prevents Burnout

In this blog I use the term ‘therapist’ to capture qualified (and in-training) professionals who deliver talking therapy such as Clinical/Counselling Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychoanalysts, Systemic/Family therapists, CBT therapists and Counsellors. Many people become therapists primarily to help others, driven by a genuine desire to support those struggling with mental health challenges and to make a positive difference in people's lives (Cruciani et al 2024). This can be challenging work and I will be discussing how clinical supervision is essential for supporting our wellbeing as therapists.

Why Therapist Wellbeing Matters

The therapeutic work we do with our clients is deeply meaningful but it is also emotionally demanding. Irrespective of whether you are a trainee therapist or a highly experienced therapist, it can be challenging sitting with high levels of emotional distress daily. Some of the stories we hear can be harrowing and for some, it can result in vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout. 

Some therapists sit within organisational systems that are stretched, under-resourced or undergoing constant change which can further compound one’s wellbeing. Other therapists, such as those who work solely in private practice, can feel isolated and overwhelmed without an organisational system surrounding them. Against this backdrop, clinical supervision remains one of the most reliable and protected spaces that therapists have to simply pause, reflect, and feel supported.

Research shows that clinical supervision (when done well) can support therapist wellbeing and minimise burnout.

What Burnout Looks Like

The term burnout was introduced by Freudenberger (1974), who described it as a process of physical and emotional exhaustion, fatigue, detachment and self-doubt that people who work in caring and supporting roles can experience (Freudenberger, 1974). So, what does it actually look like?

• Physical and Emotional exhaustion

• Feeling of detachment (referred to as depersonalisation)

• Reduced personal accomplishment or sense of ineffectiveness

• Anxiety and/or Depression

• Indifference

• Irritability and anger

• Lack of motivation or passion

• Cognitive problems (i.e. impaired concentration, attention and memory problems, ‘brain fog’ or cloudy thinking, difficulty in planning or making decisions, as well as feeling confused

Burnout has been identified as a significant work-related challenge for psychologists and psychological therapists (McCormack et al., 2018; Simionato and Simpson, 2018, Vivolo etc al., 2024) and, more generally, in mental health settings, with between 21% and 67% of services reporting high levels (Morse et al., 2012).

It is therefore essential that we build structures which support therapist resilience and wellbeing. One of the most important of these structures is clinical supervision.

The Role and Purposes of Clinical Supervision

Clinical Supervision is collaborative relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee. It focuses on enhancing the supervisee’s skills in therapeutic practice while ensuring client welfare and adherence to ethical standards (British Psychological Society)

 How Supervision Supports Therapist Wellbeing

Clinical Supervision is one of the few spaces where someone else holds the emotional weight with us. There are many ways in which Clinical Supervision supports therapist wellbeing.

1. It Helps Process the Emotional Load

Research shows that the opportunity to reflect on the emotional impact of the work is a key protective factor against burnout (Carter et al., 2022). Supervision offers containment, perspective, and validation; all of which reduce emotional exhaustion.

1. It Enables Reflective Rather Than Reactive Practice

Supervision slows us down. It helps clinicians reconnect with curiosity, formulate more thoughtfully, and identify the personal factors shaping their therapeutic stance. This reflective space reduces cognitive overload and enhances resilience.

1. It Counters Professional Isolation

Many therapists work independently and clinical supervision provides connection, normalisation, and a sense of belonging. Feeling part of a professional “micro-community” improves perceptions of organisational support and climate (Powell et al., 2024).

1. It Strengthens Confidence and Reduces Self-Doubt
   Talking through complex cases, ethical dilemmas, or clinical uncertainty increases competence and self-efficacy. Several studies show that perceived supervision effectiveness is linked to lower burnout and greater professional confidence (Martin et al., 2021; Edwards et al., 2024).
   
   

2. It Supports Healthier Boundaries and Work–Life Balance

Supervisors can gently challenge patterns of over-working, perfectionism, or excessive responsibility-taking. This promotes sustainable working habits and protects wellbeing over the long term.

What makes clinical supervision effective

• Regular, protected time in a protected space

• A trusting supervisory relationship

• Space for the therapist’s emotional experience

• A balance of support and challenge

• Reflective practice, not just case management
  
  

What can undermine Clinical Supervision

• The space is dominated by administration or risk

• Irregular or rushed supervision

• Supervisor-Supervisee mismatch

• Lack of psychological safety

• Lack of time (especially in group supervision formats)
  
  

Conclusion

Working therapeutically is profoundly rewarding work, but it also asks a great deal from those who deliver it. As discussed in this blog, Clinical Supervision is more than a requirement. When it is prioritised and done well, it can protect a therapist’s wellbeing, strengthen our therapeutic presence with out clients and prevent burnout. Investing in supervision is, in the end, an investment in ourselves.

To book supervision with Maria you can contact her here

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REFERENCES

Cruciani, et al. (2024). Res Psychotherapy, 6, 27(2):808. https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2024.808

Freudenberger, H. (1974) Staff Burnout. Journal of Social Issues, 30, 159-165.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1974.tb00706.x

McCormack HM, MacIntyre TE, O'Shea D, Herring MP, Campbell MJ (2018). The Prevalence and Cause(s) of Burnout Among Applied Psychologists: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol. 16;9:1897. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01897.

Marco Vivolo, Joel Owen, Paul Fisher, Psychological therapists’ experiences of burnout: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis, Mental Health & Prevention,Volume 33

Morse G, Salyers MP, Rollins AL, Monroe-DeVita M, Pfahler C (2012). Burnout in mental health services: a review of the problem and its remediation. Adm Policy Ment Health. 2012 Sep;39(5):341-52. doi: 10.1007/s10488-011-0352-1.

Carter, M., Bell, K., Scott, H., & Ward, B. (2022). Psychological therapists’ experiences of burnout: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Clinical Psychology Review.

Martin, R., Lizarondo, L., Kumar, S., & Snowdon, D. (2021). Impact of clinical supervision on healthcare organisational outcomes: A mixed-methods systematic review. BMC Health Services Research.

Simionato GK, Simpson S (2018). Personal risk factors associated with burnout among psychotherapists: A systematic review of the literature. J Clin Psychol. Sep;74(9):1431-1456. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22615.

Edwards, L., Kumar, S., Martin, R., & Snowdon, D. (2024). Clinical supervision effectiveness in NHS nursing, medical and allied health professionals… Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Powell, B., Miller, C., & Kovacs, E. (2024). Managers’ micro-communities matter… Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research.