Counselling Supervision History
A Field of Expertise
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The history of clinical counselling supervision as a field of expertise can be traced back to the late 19th century. Around this time, the first theories and practices of psychotherapy were being developed, and one of the pioneers was Sigmund Freud. His mentor, Josef Breuer, is credited with the concept of supervision and wrote extensively on the need for therapists to have regular sessions with their supervisors in order to ensure ongoing professional development and ethical practice.
The field of clinical counselling supervision further developed during the first half of the 20th century.
The field of clinical counselling supervision further developed during the first half of the 20th century. In 1948, psychoanalyst Harry Stack Sullivan wrote his book “The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry”, which is considered the first modern look at the role of supervision. Sullivan argued that the interactions between therapist and supervisor should be focused on more than just technique, but also on ethical and theoretical considerations. He is also credited with developing the idea of “clinical supervision”, which has since become the cornerstone of supervision in the counselling field. In the 1950s and 1960s, the field of counselling supervision continued to evolve. Professional counselling associations began to emerge, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the American Association for Counseling and Development (AACD).
These organisations sought to establish ethical standards and training protocols for counsellors in the field. The 1970s saw the rise of the “person–centred” approach in counselling supervision. This was a shift away from the traditional psychoanalytic and clinical models, and instead focused on developing the counsellor–client relationship without relying on techniques or theories.
Main objectives of counselling supervision
1. To ensure the quality of the counselling services being provided;
2. To provide support, guidance and feedback to the counsellor;
3. To help the counsellor identify and address professional development needs;
4. To help the counsellor maintain ethical standards and professional competency;
5. To monitor client care, including the development of effective therapeutic goals and outcomes;
6. To provide an opportunity for the counsellor to discuss case management issues; and
7. To create a safe environment where the counsellor may explore personal and professional issues.
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Why a Flexible Counselling Practice Supervision?
A flexible counselling practice supervision is a form of professional supervision that involves providing support, guidance and professional development to counsellors who are actively engaged in practice.
It is an individualized approach that takes into account the specific goals, needs, learning styles and experiences of the counsellor, as well as their work setting and client population.
The flexible approach allows for tailoring of the supervision to the specific needs and preferences of the supervisee. In this approach, the supervisor’s role is to assist the supervisee in reflecting, self–evaluating, and taking personal responsibility for their practice.
This type of supervision also encourages counsellors to widen their knowledge base, develop their skills, and think more creatively about their practice.
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