Supervision is a tool used by counsellors to ensure a quality, ethical and professional practice. It is an essential part of a counsellor's professional support network and it provides a vital space to reflect on their work, receive guidance, and continue developing professionally. 
 

How much supervision is needed?

The amount of supervision required for each therapist varies depending on their governing body and level of experience with sessions taking place on either an individual level or within a group. 
 

The important role of supervision

Supervision is an ongoing process in which a counsellor meets regularly with a more experienced professional (their supervisor) to discuss their work. Most supervisors offer support and guidance to their supervisees on matters directly relating to a client as well as more general matters that might be affecting their practice. The opportunity to discuss such issues with a supervisor ensures that counsellors continue to provide a high quality of care and helps them determine when a case might be outwith their scope of competence.
 

Supervision to maintain ethical practice

The supervision process is also important for maintaining an ethical practice. Counsellors are responsible for navigating complex, sensitive issues in their work with clients, and supervision helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed. Supervisors can help supervisees navigate dilemmas, assess the risk, and ensure that interventions align with established ethical frameworks. When working with risk, it can be crucial to bring those cases to supervision to ensure that nothing important has been missed.
 

Supervision – a safe place for counsellors

Supervision also provides a safe space to debrief and receive emotional support especially when working with difficult client cases. It also plays a pivotal role in increasing the self-awareness of the supervisee. Counsellors are expected to be emotionally intelligent and self-aware but just like anyone else, they may have personal blind spots and biases. Supervisors help hold up a mirror so that counsellors can reflect on their own emotions and reactions, gaining insight into how these might affect their work. In some instances, a supervisor may also suggest that a counsellor explores particular issues in personal therapy. 
 

Supervision supports continuous learning

Supervisors play an important role in increasing a supervisee’s expertise and confidence in clinical work. This continuous learning process is vital in a field that requires both ongoing education and personal reflection.


Supervision is much more than just a requirement in counselling, it is a vital tool for ensuring an ethical, effective, and compassionate practice. It provides counsellors with the opportunity to reflect, grow, and receive ongoing support in their work. Whether new to the field or a seasoned professional, regular supervision remains a cornerstone of good practice in counselling.