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Supervision with Irene

My approach to supervision is grounded in the belief that who we are as therapists—our inner lives, histories, and emotional responses—deeply shapes the therapeutic work. Supervision is not just about refining technique, but about deepening self-awareness, clinical intuition, and ethical, attuned practice.

I am an ACA-registered supervisor (eligible for both ACA and PACFA supervision hours), trained in the Rise Up supervision model, and deeply influenced by Nancy McWilliams’ psychodynamic approach to clinical thinking and supervision.

My supervision style is relational, reflective, and process-oriented. In my view, supervision is not about performance. It's about building a strong, supportive relationship where you, the therapist, can explore, take risks, feel supported, and grow into your own authentic therapeutic identity.

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Here is a framework on how I like to work: 

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Establishing a Secure Base

I prioritise creating a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space. 

Our relationship is a core part of the work—how you feel here often reflects how your clients may feel with you.

We might spend time noticing transference/countertransference and unconscious enactments, including those in the supervision space

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Reflective Process

Our sessions include reflective dialogue on what unfolds both in the therapy room and within yourself as a clinician.
We look beyond events to meaning: exploring emotional responses, somatic cues, and moments of uncertainty.
You are encouraged to bring curiosity over performance; supervision is a space to think, not to prove.

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Case Conceptualisation Over Technique

Rather than focusing on tools or interventions alone, we prioritise dynamic case formulation.
This may include examining history, defence mechanisms, attachment patterns, developmental wounds, and character structure.
Technique arises from understanding, not the other way around. We stay curious about how your client’s story is unfolding in the therapeutic relationship

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Some sessions may focus on conceptual depth, others on ethical dilemmas, impasses, or navigating ruptures. We revisit your learning needs and supervision goals periodically. I encourage attention to your needs, capacity, self-care, and growth edges

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"Supervision is a place where a living profession breathes and learns."

— Michael Carroll

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In our supervision sessions, we cover five big areas:

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1. Clinical Work

Case formulation and assessment

Intervention planning and therapeutic strategies

Reviewing session content and progress

Managing clinical risk and crisis

Working with specific populations or issues

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2. The Therapist’s Internal World

Countertransference and emotional responses

Therapist’s somatic, intuitive, or unconscious reactions

Parallel process in the therapeutic and supervisory relationships

Self-awareness, blind spots, and personal triggers

Ethical dilemmas and value conflicts

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Theoretical Integration & Technique

Application of therapeutic models

Developing clinical reasoning and flexibility

Bridging theory and practice

Understanding change processes

Tailoring approaches to client needs

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Professional & Ethical Practice

Boundaries and ethical decision-making

Informed consent and documentation

Confidentiality and duty of care

Cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice

Navigating institutional or systemic challenges

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Personal and Professional Development

Reflecting on identity as a therapist

Managing workload, burnout, and vicarious trauma

Career direction and specialisation

Building resilience and self-care practices

Exploring imposter syndrome, confidence, and growth edges

Business mentoring

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In addition to clinical supervision, Irene offers business mentoring and is passionate about supporting new therapists in setting up and growing their private practice. Business mentoring can be integrated into supervision sessions or booked as a stand-alone service.

 

In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Irene also facilitates workshops on how to establish and sustain a successful private practice.
 

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©2021 - Numina Clinic

In-person sessions from East Melbourne
worldwide online session

Irene is currently working at Integrative Psychology
Lev 2, 182 - 184 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne

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ID no. 28116

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Numina Clinic acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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Lev 3 - ID no. 19937

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