Top 5 Things to Ask to Find the Right Individual Clinical Supervisor for You

Finding the right external clinical supervisor is crucial for your professional growth and well-being as a therapist. A strong supervisory relationship helps you feel comfortable, understood, and supported in your practice. Many supervisors offer a free 20-minute consult to help find out if you’re a good fit for each other.

To make the most of the 20 min consult, take some time to explore the supervisor’s online presence beforehand so you can focus on other important questions in the consult call.

Do they have a website? Are they active on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram? This initial research can help you get a feel for their approach and philosophy before you meet.

Once you're ready for the consult, here are the top 5 things to ask to ensure you're making the most of that 15-minute window.

1. Qualifications and Training

It’s important to understand the supervisor’s background and credentials to ensure they meet your professional and regulatory requirements.

Key questions to ask include:

• What are your qualifications and educational background?

• Have you completed specific training in supervision?

• Are you familiar with the regulatory requirements for your college?

For example, at Banksia, all our supervisors meet the supervisor standards required by OCSWSSW and CRPO regulatory bodies and have additional post-graduate training in providing clinical supervision.

2. Modalities and Frameworks for Practice

Every supervisor brings their own therapeutic approach to both practice and supervision. This is your opportunity to ask about their theoretical orientation and how they approach supervision.

Consider asking:

• What modalities do you use in your practice and in supervision?

• Are your approaches aligned with how I work with clients?

At Banksia, our supervisors take an eclectic approach. For Sarah, that includes CBT, ACT, narrative, and solution-focused therapies, with a values-focused approach to her work. Fiona is additionally trained in DBT and MI, and Ilda in DBT and EFT for individuals and couples. Ilda also has extensive experience working with Refugees and MVA clients.

3. Supervision Style and Vibe

Your supervisor’s style can significantly impact the supervision experience. Supervisors may be more directive and structured, or they might take a reflective or process-orientated approach.

Some questions to ask are:

• How do you structure your supervision sessions?

• Do you focus more on practical guidance or reflective exploration?

• How do you handle topics like ethical dilemmas, workplace stress, or professional development?

Some of the areas our supervisors regularly explore with their supervisees include client cases, ethical dilemmas, professional identity, vicarious trauma, and mindset work like overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

4. Structure of Sessions

It’s important to discuss the logistical aspects of supervision, such as the length, format, and frequency of sessions.

Ask your potential supervisor:

• How long are the sessions, and are they virtual or in-person?

• How often would we meet? Monthly, fortnightly, or as needed?

For example, at Bankisa, we offer 30 minute and 50 minute (1 clinical hour) virtual individual supervision sessions, drop in dyadic supervision, and open group supervision. 

Make sure your supervisor’s structure aligns with the requirements of your professional body. For instance:

• The OCSWSSW doesn’t specify a minimum number of supervision hours per year for Registered Social Workers.

• The CRPO requires an average of 1 hour of supervision for every 4.5 hours of client contact for RP (qualifying) registrants and 1 hour to 10 DCC hours for RPs working towards independent practice, with at least 50% in individual or dyadic format.

5. Fees, Payment, and Cancellation Policies

It’s important to discuss the financial side of supervision, as this will affect your long-term engagement.

Here are key questions to ask:

• What are your fees, and what payment options do you offer?

• What is your cancellation policy?

At Banksia, we offer flexible payment options, including e-transfer and credit card. Flexibility is a core value of ours, and we strive to accommodate changing schedules while maintaining clear boundaries around last-minute cancellations.

What Next?

If you’re ready to take the next step, feel free to follow us on Instagram @banksiasupervision to get a sense of our style and approach.

You can also book a free 20-minute consultation to see if working together would be a good fit.

We’re excited to help you thrive and become the best therapist you can be!