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?

Our supervisors have an eclectic approach and love to incorporate my favourite elements of each Modality. For example, Sarah loves to integrate ACT, narrative, CBT, EFT tapping, and solution-focused approaches into her counselling and supervision style, and a key part of her approach is also being values focused. Ilda and Fiona are experts in DBT and MI as well, and Ilda has additional experience working with couples and EFT.

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.

Sarah’s style: “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.

All supervisors at Banksia Supervision are Registered Social Workers, Psychotherapists with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and meet the eligibility criteria to provide Clinical Supervision with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). We have many years of experience providing supervision to social workers, psychotherapists and students on placement. We have all completed post-graduate clinical supervisor training and regularly participate in a supervision specifically for supervisors.

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 15-20 minute consultations 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?

At Banksia we offer 20-minute free consults, and you can get a sense of our style by following us on instragram @banksiasupervision

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 our 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.

At Bankisa we offer 2 and 3 hour open groups for psychotherapists and social workers, offered at different times and days each week. We also offer an exclusive 1.5hour Group for Social Workers twice a month.

Structure of Sessions

Group supervision sessions typically range from 1.5 to 3 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? Is it only the supervisor, or do group members also contribute? Clarifying these details will help ensure that the group’s structure meets your needs.

For example, in the 1.5 hour groups, participants have about 15 minutes each to discuss a particular case, challenge, question or concern regarding their practice. Supervisors will 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 or have packages available. Be sure to ask about any available payment options, such as e-transfer or credit card.

At Banksia, we accept both e-transfer and credit card payments through the secure JaneApp platform. We also have a range of packages available offering a discount for multiple sessions.

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.

At Banksia we have a 48 hour cancellation policy for all appointment types.

4. Meeting College Requirements

If you are a RP (qualifying) registrant with 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. https://www.banksiasupervision.com/post/top-5-things-to-ask-to-find-the-right-individual-clinical-supervisor-for-you

If you want to find out if working with one of our amazing Supervisors at Banksia Supervision would be the right fit for you, book a free 20 minute consult now. We can’t wait to see how we can support you to be the best therapist you can be! http://banksiasupervision.janeapp.com/