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
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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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
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.