Supervision

My Approach to Supervision

I see myself as a fellow traveller, accompanier, and mentor to supervisees - someone who walks alongside you in an empowering and supportive way. I aim to create a relational and safe space where challenge can also be part of supporting you in your practice and growth. Supervision, for me, is a space to support both your ‘being’ and wholeness as you are, and your journey of ‘becoming’ and unique growth path. 

I view the supervisory relationship as a co-created and collaborative process. My supervision style is one of appreciative inquiry, where uncertainty, mystery and curiosity are embraced. I seek to create a space that is fluid and creative to your unique needs as a practitioner.  Rooted in the humanistic tradition, I value relational presence, immediacy, process and experiential work in my approach to supervision. 

My theoretical and philosophical approach as a therapist and supervisor is informed by process-experiential and focusing-oriented approaches within the person-centred tradition. I am also able to draw from across the broader humanistic paradigm, integrating perspectives from Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and Existential therapies, depending on what best supports your needs and growth. 

I have an interest in contemplative and mindfulness approaches to psychotherapy, and the neuroscience supporting such approaches. I have explored working with an awareness of attachment patterns at depth through my years of practice, which I have found to be invaluable. I have an interest in supporting supervisees to find their own approach within the person-centred tribes and humanistic paradigm, with an appreciation that this is unique for everyone. 

I hold an interconnected, transpersonal view of life and relationships. I see supervision as part of a deeper exploration into our way of being in relationships. I offer space to reflect holistically - attending to physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions of your experience. This includes experiences of identity, diversity and intersectionality that may be present for you (and those you work with).

Experience and Background

As well as an experienced therapist, I am also an experienced educator and currently work as a tutor at East Sussex College and Brighton University, teaching within the person-centred and humanistic tradition respectively. It was my love of teaching and holding reflective learning spaces for trainees that led me to train as a supervisor. 

I enjoy reflecting on theory and research around therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on prioritising wisdom over knowledge - allowing our learning to seep into and shape our way of being in the room with clients. In line with the humanistic approach, I appreciate that every person and relationship is unique, which goes for each therapeutic and supervisory relationship.

If you are a trainee, I am aware of the need of receiving supervision that aligns with your modality of training, and can offer this focus to your needs (for example, purely person-centred supervision).  

 

Influences and Models

My supervision work is informed by the Seven-Eyed Model (Shohet & Hawkins), which offers a dynamic lens for understanding relational parallel processes and emphasises systemic context. My favourite writers on supervision are Joan and Robert Shohet, and I am especially drawn to their belief that supervision at its best is dialogue that is techniqueless. I am also guided by Inskipp & Proctor’s framework, which emphasises supervision as normative (supporting ethical practice), formative (supporting growth and skills) and restorative (emotionally supportive).

I also offer creative approaches (such as sand tray work) and am able to work through the lens of the Enneagram for those who find this a helpful map for exploration. I recognise, however, that these approaches won’t be for everyone!

Who I Work With

  • Counsellors and psychotherapists

  • Those working in the helping professions

  • Group facilitators 

I offer one to one, or group supervision. 

Working with me

If my approach resonates with you, please do get in touch to organise an initial session where we can explore working together and decide if we are a good ‘fit’. My fee is £60 for each 50 minute session and £90 for a 90 minute session. 

If you are an organisation looking for clinical supervision for staff please do get in touch by email at abbyperrinscounselling@gmail.com