If you’re a qualified clinical psychologist thinking about becoming a supervisor, you’re not alone. Many psychologists reach a point where they want to give back( to support others) share what they’ve learned, and develop a different set of therapeutic skills. It's not common to feel unsure about where to start, or to wonder whether you’re “qualified enough” to take that next step.

The good news (and possibly rather suprising) is that you don’t need a formal qualification to begin supervising. What is clear is that you need is to work within your competence and develop the skills that make supervision safe, ethical, and effective.

Do I need formal supervisor training?

There’s no single route into supervision.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requires that clinical psychologists are able to “provide appropriate supervision and training” and ensure their practice is “safe and effective within their scope of practice.”

That means you don’t have to complete a certified supervision course before offering supervision, but you do need relevant clinical experience, reflective capacity, and confidence in your professional boundaries. Many doctorate training courses won't allow you to supervise before you have been. qualified at least two years.

NICE guidance also underlines the importance of effective supervision for maintaining standards of care and supporting the delivery of safe, evidence-based therapies (particularly for trainees and e psychologists early on in their career)

How can I develop supervision skills?

There are several ways to grow into the role of supervisor, depending on your experience and interests. It's better to have done some training rather than relying on your own experience alone.

You can complete a supervision skills course through the British Psychological Society (BPS) or another recognised training provider or

• Attend CPD workshops focused on supervision practice and ethics.

• Take an online training course at your own pace to build core competencies.

• Supervise trainees through a DClinPsy programme, many of which provide structured supervisor development and mentorship.

• Join peer supervision groups

  
  

  I recently connected with a consultant clinical psychologist, Paul Grantham, who runs supervision courses for people like you and me, who want to become supervisor. It is one of the only independent courses that offers practitioners the BPS RAPPS supervisor accreditation (you can also get this through other routes such a university programmes). BOOK on here

When am I ready to start supervising?

This is personal and there's not one size fits all. If you’ve been working independently and have developed confidence in your model, client group it might be time. Many psychologists begin by supervising trainees or early-career colleagues within their own specialism. Another alternative would be to offer one consultation in your area of expertise as a way of beginning.

The main things to hold in mind

• Stay within your scope of competence

• Be transparent about what you offer

• Keep reflecting on your practice and learning needs

Supervision is much like therapy:You don't reach a point where you think " yup, done. That's that skill ticked off the list".

Final thoughts

Becoming a supervisor doesn’t have to feel daunting. There are clear professional standards to guide you. There's a lot of accessible training options that don't have to take weeks of your time, and a community of peers who can support you.

If you’ve been considering it, this could be the right time to take that next step. You always list yourself for one off consultation only on supervisor platform.