Clinical Supervision

Contents:

• Introduction
• Definition
• Clinical Supervision Requirement
• Type of Clinical Supervisor
• Format of Clinical Supervision
• Duties/Responsibilities of the Clinical Supervisor
• Quantity of Clinical Supervision
• Complaints
• Supervisor for Clinical Supervisors
• Ending/Transition of Supervision
• List of IPTA approved Supervisors

Introduction:

Good quality and quantity of Clinical Supervision is central and necessary for the profession of Play Therapy. This section defines what clinical supervision is clarifies IPTA’s requirements on clinical supervision.

Play Therapists are required to receive regular and good quality supervision that is in line with IPTA’s standards. This document has been developed by IPTA  in accordance with the standards set out by BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists) and the CFA (Child and Family Agency) 2014.

Definition of Supervision:

Clinical Supervision in Play Therapy is defined as;

“A formal meeting between two Play Therapists where by one therapist is significantly more experienced in Play Therapy, with the necessary training which enables them to engage in a supervisory relationship”.

Supervision aims to provide:

• Support
• Learning and Development
• Future Planning

Clinical Supervision Requirement:

 IPTA’s requirement for safe practice in Play Therapy states;

• All Play Therapists and Supervisors must be receiving regular supervision
• Supervisors have a responsibility to have the necessary training to supervise in Play Therapy.
• Supervisors are responsible in overseeing the safe practice of their supervisees¸ thereby protecting clients from harm.
• The supervision where at all possible is provided by a qualified and more experienced Play Therapist. If there is no such supervisor in the geographical area it is the supervisee’s responsibility to provide evidence of their Supervisors experience and qualification in working therapeutically with children and families.
• Face to face supervision is the required except in circumstances where contact has been agreed between the supervisor and the supervisee (due to distance etc). Email and other written contact are not acceptable.
• All Play Therapists must maintain adequate supervision in line with their contact hours in Play Therapy.
• 1 contact hour relates to any direct work/contact with the child, parent/carer and others in a therapeutic fashion.

Type of Clinical Supervision:

The requirement for all full members is as follows:

Qualification:

Clinical Supervision is provided by an approved Supervisor. Where IPTA members/supervisors are not available exceptions can be made. However, the supervisee must provide evidence of qualification and experience of their supervisor for the approval of IPTA.

Clinical Experience:

Clinical Supervisors must have a significant amount of greater experience then their supervisee. Significantly more experience equates to a minimum of two years more experience. Supervisors must be receiving their own adequate supervision.

Format of Clinical Supervision:

Clinical Supervision should always be face to face. Phone supervision and Skype is acceptable where geographic distance is an issue.

Group Supervision:

Group supervision will not include more then 3 supervisees. The supervision session will constitute an extra ½ hour onto the 1 hour required in a 1:1 supervision session.

Peer Supervision:

Peer supervision occurs between two equally qualified and experienced Play Therapists with a minimum of 3 years experience each.

Regular 1:1 supervision must occur alongside group and peer supervision.

Responsibilities of the Clinical Supervisor toward the Supervisee:

• To develop and agree/consent a supervisory contract with the supervisee.
• To act within the limits of their experience, training and competence.
• Not harming the supervisee physically or emotionally.
• Not giving damaging advice/recommendations.
• Agreeing to and clarifying the limits of confidentiality.
• Ending the supervision arrangement and referring to another supervisor in a fair and transparent way.
• Maintain a duty of care to the supervisee and his/her clients.
• Maintain a level of confidentiality but maintain the right to breach this agreement if there are child protection concerns in line with Children’s First.
• Undertake appropriate training and CPD.

Duties of the Clinical Supervisor towards the Supervisee:

• Facilitate the supervisory relationship.
• Provide clear and accurate information on a contract including- frequency, time, location and a supervision fee.
• Feedback on aspects of practice and performance.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Guide and monitor new skills.
• Identify training needs.
• Help the supervisee distinguish between supervisory issues and personal therapy.
• Ensure the supervisee’s practice is safe, ethical and appropriate.

Quantity of Clinical Supervision:

Level 1: 1-5 children = 6-8 hrs supervision in any 12 month period

Level 2: 6-10 children = 12 hrs supervision in any 12 month period

Level 3: 11-15 children = 15 hrs supervision in any 12 month period

Level 4: 16-20 children = 25 hrs supervision in any 12 month period

Complaints:

Complaints regarding a Supervisor’s practice will be processed in accordance with IPTA’s complaints procedure.

Endings and Transitionary Arrangements:

It is important that the integrity of the supervisory relationship is maintained when it ends and a new one is possibly beginning. A 3 way meeting is recommended between the Supervisee, Supervisor and proposed new Supervisor. An agreement should be reached with regard to what information will/should be transferred to the new Supervisor. The old supervision file is then closed and a new one opened by the new Supervisor.

This document has been developed in line with the supervision standards set down by BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists) and the CFA (Child and Family Agency) 2014.

List of IPTA approved Supervisors: