How to Find the Right Clinical Group Supervision for You

Clinical group supervision can be a valuable experience for Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered or Qualifying Psychotherapists. It offers an opportunity to learn from peers, receive guidance from an experienced supervisor, and reflect on your practice. But with various options available, how do you find the right group supervision for you? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Choosing the Right Supervisor

Modalities and Frameworks for Practice

The first step in selecting the right group supervision is understanding the modalities and frameworks that the supervisor uses. Are they aligned with your practice or the modalities you want to develop further?

I have an eclectic approach and love to incorporate my favourite elements of CBT, ACT, narrative and solution-focused approaches into my counselling and supervision style. A key part of my approach is also being values focused.

Supervision Style and Vibe

Every supervisor has a unique style. Some are more directive and structured, while others may adopt a more reflective or process-oriented approach. Consider what style resonates with you. It can be helpful to ask about their supervision philosophy during an initial consultation.

I love to ask clarifying questions before providing or opening up the discussion for feedback. My vibe is to make supervision feel like a "big supportive hug," where you can be vulnerable and discuss your practice challenges in a judgment-free environment.

Qualifications and Training

Make sure the supervisor meets the qualifications required by your regulatory college. For example, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) has specific requirements for who can provide supervision. It’s essential to verify that the supervisor’s qualifications align with these standards to ensure that the supervision hours will count toward your registration or renewal requirements.

I am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and an approved Clinical Supervisor with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have 6 years of experience providing supervision to RSWs, RPs (Qualifying), and MSW and SSW Students on placement. I have completed a number of post-graduate supervisor training and am part of a monthly supervision for supervisors supervision group.

Finding the Right Fit

The relationship between you and your supervisor is crucial. You need to feel comfortable, understood, and supported. Many supervisors offer a free 15-minute consultation to help determine if you are a good fit for each other. Use this time to ask questions, discuss your goals, and get a sense of the supervisor’s personality and approach. You can also see if your supervisor has a social media presence. Do they have a website or are on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram?

Get a sense of my style by following me on instragram @banksia.clinical.supervision.

2. Understanding the Group Format

Participants

The number of participants in a supervision group can significantly impact your experience. The CRPO limits groups to a maximum of eight participants and a minimum of three.

In my groups, for instance, a 1.5-hour session accommodates up to six participants, while a 2-hour session can include up to eight. No matter the size, groups provide in-depth discussion and individualised feedback, and participants benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences.

Structure of the Group

Consider whether the group is open or closed. Open groups allow new members to join at any time, often offered drop in style, offering flexibility but potentially less continuity. Closed groups have the same members for a set period, which builds community, trust and connection. Also, find out about the frequency of the groups - weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

I offer monthly, closed groups. The connection and community that builds throughout the series is one of my favourite aspects of group supervision.

Structure of Sessions

Supervision sessions typically range from 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s important to understand how the time will be divided. How long will each participant have to share? Will there be time for everyone to receive feedback? Who provides the feedback—only the supervisor, or do group members also contribute? Clarifying these details will help ensure that the group’s structure meets your needs.

 For my 1.5 hour groups, my participants have about 15 minutes each to discuss a particular case, challenge, question or concern regarding their practice. I ask clarifying questions and provide some feedback, before opening it up to the other group members for their perspectives.

3. Fees and Payment

Price and Payment Options

Find out the fee for each session and whether payment is required upfront or if you can pay as you go. Some supervisors may offer a discounted rate for committing to a series of sessions. Be sure to ask about any available payment options, such as e-transfer or credit card.

In my practice I accept both e-transfer and credit card payments through the secure JaneApp platform.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens, and sometimes you may need to miss a session. It’s important to understand the supervisor’s cancellation policy. What is their policy regarding last-minute cancellations? Knowing this upfront can help avoid any surprises and ensure that the supervision process remains respectful of everyone’s time and commitment.

For my closed group supervision series, I require commitment to all, and do not provide refunds for missed sessions. I am happy to provide full flexibility for cancellations with my other supervision options, so if complete flexibility is something you need, I suggest exploring if individual supervision is a better fit right now.

4. Meeting College Requirements

If you are a qualifying member of the CRPO, remember that you can spend up to 50% of your supervision hours in group supervision.

What next?

Choosing the right clinical group supervision is a personal and professional decision that can impact your growth as a therapist. Finding the supervisor and supervision group that aligns with your needs and goals is important so you feel comfortable in sharing, learning and growing.

Take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and trust your instincts to find the best fit for your professional journey. See my top 5 tips for finding the right supervisor for more information.

If you want to find out if working with me would be the right fit for you, book a free 15 minutes consult now. I can’t wait to see how I can support you thrive as the best therapist you can be!