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    College of Professional Psychology in Black and Blue 2
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    College of Professional Psychology in Black and Blue 2

    What You Need from a Board Approved Supervisor

    Having a Board Approved Supervisor to oversee your development as a provisional psychologist is one of the most important parts of becoming a registered psychologist in Australia.

    Supervision allows interns to begin to foster their own sense of professional identity and to examine their own beliefs and attitudes regarding clients and therapy. Supervision is an ongoing requirement of a provisional psychologists’ registration program, and the more you make use of this unique opportunity the better prepared you will be to enter independent practice upon completion of your program.

    Recommended schedules

    According to the AHPRA Guidelines, it is recommended that supervision occur on a weekly basis while the provisionally registered psychologist is practising. 

    A minimum of 80 hours of supervision must be provided. The Board Approved Supervisor may vary the frequency and duration of supervision meetings during the internship according to the needs of the provisional psychologist and practice context, provided there is regular direct supervision for the entire duration of the program and the overall supervision hours are met. 

    At least 70 hours must be direct. Direct supervision is defined as real-time verbal communication between the intern and supervisor, conducted either together in the same room or through videoconference, including Skype, or telephone. However, supervision should primarily use visual mediums where each party can clearly see the other’s facial expressions and body language. Therefore, no more than 20 hours of supervision for the internship may be by telephone or other direct non-visual communication. 

    Up to 10 hours of supervision may be indirect (asynchronous) supervision such as providing written feedback. 

    Individual Supervision

    Fifty hours of the total supervision hours must be direct, one-on-one supervision by the principal supervisor. Individual supervision must: 

    • be direct (real-time verbal communication between the provisional psychologist and the supervisor, conducted either together in the same room or through videoconference, including Skype, or telephone)  
    • include direct observation of the provisional psychologist’s practice with clients 
    • be provided frequently throughout the internship when practising (excluding leave periods), regardless of the number of hours per week of psychological practice completed.
    • predominantly be at least one hour per session (up to 10 hours may be claimed for shorter supervision sessions) 
    Other Supervision

    The remaining 30 hours of the supervision requirements may be provided by the principal supervisor or by one or more secondary supervisors. It may be completed as individual supervision, and/or group supervision and/or asynchronous individual supervision.

    Asynchronous Supervision

    Asynchronous individual supervision of up to a maximum of 10 hours may be counted towards the 30 hours of ‘other supervision’. It may involve use of email or other asynchronous electronic communication between a provisional psychologist and supervisor. This may include submitting draft reports to the supervisor who reviews and provides written feedback and directions (such as track changes and comments in a written document).

    Find a Board Approved Supervisor

    Effective supervision involves the supervisor assuming a mentoring and tutoring role in overseeing the professional development and ethical behaviour of the psychologist in training. As part of the COPP 5+1 Registration program you will be matched with a Board-approved Supervisor to oversee your training and mentor you into independent practice. 

    Our network of supervisors are all Board-approved, highly qualified, current practitioners with a range of backgrounds and experience. Supervisors take on responsibility both as mentors to developing professionals, and as Board-approved supervisors under the National Law. Many COPP supervisors are alumni of the College and all are active in their work across the discipline and sector. Supervision at the College will provide you with a professionally stimulating and supportive opportunity for growth as you start your career.

    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.