As a provisional psychologist, having great supervision is important for your professional development. At COPP, we have worked with psychology interns and their supervisors for over 30 years. To help you on your journey, we have put together a summary of how to best navigate psychologist supervision, including how to build a strong relationship with your supervisor.

Set clear expectations

As a provisional psychologist, setting clear expectations at the beginning of your psychologist supervision arrangement is important. Don’t leave this task solely to your supervisor. Instead, take the lead and initiate a conversation around your goals and what you hope to achieve through the working relationship. It’s also a good idea to clarify your expectations and theirs. This can lead to a more productive working relationship as well as a more focused and beneficial experience.

Be open to feedback

Embracing constructive criticism isn’t always easy, however being open to feedback can make your supervision experience productive. Consider the feedback that you are being given carefully. Can you embrace it as an opportunity for growth? Approaching feedback with a growth mindset can help you excel. Of course, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you need it.

Prepare for your sessions

Prepare for your psychologist supervision sessions in advance. Be sure to arrive at your supervision meeting with questions, case notes or topics that you want to talk about. Being prepared shows your supervisor that you are committed. It also helps you to get the most out of the time you spend together.

Maintain professional boundaries

Building rapport with your supervisor is essential, however it is important to maintain professional boundaries. Having good boundaries allows you both to ensure a respectful and constructive dynamic. Building a strong supervisory relationship is foundational for your development as a psychologist. By actively engaging in the process, you can ensure a supportive and enriching experience. 

Take time to reflect

Wherever possible, take time to reflect on your practice and the feedback you have received. After each supervisory session, ask yourself how you can apply your supervisor’s feedback in your practice. Reflecting on feedback is essential to developing your skills as a psychologist.

Talk to us today to find out about our comprehensive Psychologist Registration Programs, including our 5+1 program and our bespoke 4+2 completion program.