Supervision Policy
“Supervision is a regular protected time for facilitated, in-depth reflection on practice. It aims to enable the Supervisee to achieve, sustain and creatively develop a high standard of practice through the means of focused support and development” Bond & Holland (1998;12).

Aims of Supervision:

• To facilitate the growth, professional development and therapeutic skills of the supervisee.
• To facilitate awareness of how internal and external influences may bear on the therapy process.
• To promote awareness of limitations, competence, development and attention to ethical practice.
• To provide a supportive environment for the supervisee and facilitate the important aspect of practitioner self-care.
• To maintain the good reputation of the profession as a whole by giving attention to professional standards and clinical governance.

Ethical Guidelines of Supervision:
All Supervisors should be qualified in psychotherapy and supervision, and be accredited members of ACAP, EAP, ICP or equivalent and have experience working with children.

All Supervisors should regularly attend supervision of their supervision practice.

Supervisors are required to disclose their qualifications when requested, and not to claim, or imply, qualifications they do not possess.
Supervisors are required to disclose their terms and conditions and their method of practice at the outset of the supervisory relationship.

Dual roles, as psychotherapist and supervisor, must be avoided. The supervisor should not undertake supervision with any of their own relatives or friends, nor generally with anyone closely connected with an existing client.
The supervisor should give adequate notice of any changes in the scheduling of supervision and of planned breaks.

A Supervision contract (example in Appendix 1) should be established to provide clear supervision boundaries.
A Supervisor's Report Form (Appendix 2) should be included with the accreditation application form when a member applies for accreditation or reaccreditation with ACAP.

Revised March 2025

1. EAP Guidelines
1.1 Arrange Appropriate Supervision: which involves finding an appropriately qualified and experienced supervisor; forming an explicit agreement about the parameters of the supervision (including frequency, respective roles, goals, confidentiality, costs and accountability); being open about one’s competence and needs from supervision; acknowledging that the purpose of supervision is to enhance the quality of psychotherapy that patient/clients receive; ensuring that the supervision conforms to all national, professional and agency guidelines; etc.
1.2 Engage in Supervision: which involves – engaging in supervision systematically and at an appropriate level and frequency for the nature of the clinical work; demonstrating an ability to utilise the supervision effectively; reviewing the effect of one’s own education, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour on one’s clinical work and patient/client relationships; being reasonably open and transparent about the type and nature of one’s clinical work to supervisor, peers and colleagues; presenting an open and honest account of clinical work; focusing on the most important and relevant material; engaging actively in frank discussions about clinical work; not becoming avoidant, aggressive or defensive; working collaboratively with supervisors (and/or peers); reflecting on the feedback and utilising insights and suggestions in the therapeutic process; actively learning from the supervision, using suggestions and any recommended reading; extending one’s professional learning and development; etc.
1.3 Adapt the Supervision: which involves – increasing (or reducing) supervision in relation to changes in workload; reflecting on the quality of the supervision and whether it is sufficient for one’s personal and professional needs; getting additional specialised supervision when dealing with particularly complicated or unfamiliar clinical work, or if there are additional risks (to patients/clients or to oneself); getting additional supervision in the event of any personal difficulties, conflicts with patients/clients, dual relationships, complaints, etc.; changing one’s supervisor/supervision arrangements if necessary or when appropriate, after suitable reflection and discussion; taking responsibility that one’s professional supervision is at the highest possible standard readily available; etc.
1.4 Engage in Practice Audit: which involves – (where appropriate) identifying suitable criteria and evaluation tools; routinely (at least annually) take part in systematic monitoring, patient/client outcomes, annual reviews (number of sessions per patient/client), percentage of satisfaction questionnaires and follow-up studies; etc.


2. ACAP Specific Guidelines
2.1 Practitioners need to complete a minimum of 150 hours of supervision to become accredited and maintain a ratio of one supervision hour for every four hours of practice during training, one supervision hour for every eight hours of practice during the Pre-Accredited phase.

2.2 It is best practice to change supervisors when training is complete.

2.3 It is recommended that following successful Accreditation practitioners should attend supervision on a minimum monthly basis, while increasing frequency should the need arise in relation to their caseload .

2.4 A higher ratio of individual supervision is recommended during the pre-accredited phase, though a combination of individual and group supervision is acceptable.

3. Group Supervision

3.1 Group supervision should be facilitated by a qualified supervisor, who has specific experience of working with children. Group supervision generally operates with a maximum of four Supervisees to one Supervisor over a two hour period, with each supervisee allocated 30 minutes presentation time.

3.2 Practitioners attending group supervision must ensure a confidentiality agreement is signed in advance and generally operate a closed group format as much as possible.

4. Confidentiality
Confidentiality within the limits of Child Protection Legislation must be respected within the supervisory relationship. The Supervisor must inform the supervisee prior to commencement of supervision what action they are obliged to take if any concerns occur in the Supervisee’s practice.

5. What if the Supervisor has concerns about the Supervisee?
Where the Supervisor has concerns about the practice of the Supervisee, confidentiality may be broken in order to protect the client and the Supervisee. It is the duty of the Supervisor to inform the Supervisee that they are obliged to make their concerns known to the Supervisee’s line manager/employer, or in the case of private practice, make a report to an external regulatory body, such as their professional association.

6. Record Keeping

6.1 Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a record of supervision, whilst ensuring the confidentiality of the client within their notes. Supervisors are also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the therapist, unless serious concerns arise about their Supervisee. It is best practice for a record of supervision to be agreed, signed and dated. Records will be confidentially stored and only accessible to the Supervisor.
6.2 Under the Freedom of Information Act a Supervisee can request access to their supervision records. Supervision documents need to be held for 8 years post supervision practice. The Supervisee should be informed of such prior to commencement of supervision.

7. Training Requirements for Supervisors

7.1 It is a requirement that the Supervisor has completed specific supervision training; which includes a minimum of 100 hours tutor contact hours, a core theoretic model, as well as exploration of other modalities, skills practice, both written and practical assessments and has provided supervision during training to supervisees external to the course itself.
7.2 The Supervisor must be an accredited member for over two years and be registered as a supervisor with either the same (ACAP) or equivalent psychotherapeutic organisation as the Supervisee. The Supervisor must be maintaining their own practice as a therapist.
7.3 Supervisors must have appropriate insurance to both practice therapy and provide supervision.
7.4 It is expected that a Supervisor’s Report (Appendix 2) be completed by the current supervisor in order to assess the Supervisee’s progress and suitability for Accreditation. Should the Supervisory Relationship be less than six months old then the previous supervisor should also complete a report. It is the current supervisor who signs the Declaration on the Application for Accreditation.
7.5 It is a requirement that the Supervisor has specific experience working with children and preferably using creative, psychodynamic and integrative methods.

8. Documents Consulted in the Development of this Policy Irish Council of Psychotherapy Supervision Guidelines Psychoanalytic Section of the ICP Policy on Supervision 2015
Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy Supervision Guidelines British Association of Child Art Therapist’s Guidelines on Supervision 2002
Bond, M., Holland, S. (1998) Skills of. Clinical Supervision for Nurses. Buckingham: Oxford University Press.
O’Neill, E, 2016: The Effective Use of Professional Supervision

Appendix 1 Supervision Contract
Sample

We agree that supervision is a space where the Supervisor helps the Supervisee reflect on all aspects of the work, where they receive formal and informal feedback on that work and where the welfare of clients and the quality of the service they receive is central.

This is a supervision contract between

Supervisor                                              and Supervisee                            
from                   until its review (or ending) on                             .


We are members of:

(Supervisor’s Association) and

(Supervisee’s Association) and abide by their Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.


Practicalities
We will meet for             hours every                   at a time to be arranged at the end of each supervisory session. We have agreed that each of us will ensure that there are no unnecessary interruptions in the session.
The cost of each session will be                 .


Procedures
We agree that:
The Supervisor will keep supervisory notes of all supervision sessions.



Non-attendance at a supervision session without 24 hours notice will incur a cancellation fee of

If there is a need for extra supervision

Where there are disagreements, disputes, conflict areas between supervisor/supervisee/s

In the case of an Emergency


Responsibilities

We agree that as Supervisor I will take responsibility for:
• Creating a safe place
• Time keeping
• Monitoring the supervisory relationship
• Giving feedback
• Monitoring ethical issues of psychotherapy and supervision
• Keeping notes of sessions confidentially
• Drawing up the final supervisory reports
• Informing and supporting in relation to any arising Child Protection Concerns We agree that as Supervisee you will be responsible for:
• Preparing for supervision
• Presenting in supervision
• Your learning (objectives); applying learning from supervision
• Feedback to self and to supervisor
• Keeping notes of supervisory sessions confidentially
• Raising and seeking support on any arising Child Protection concerns

Evaluation and Review


We have agreed that we will review the work every               sessions.
Formal evaluations will take place every                   or as requested by either Supervisor or Supervisee. We will agree on criteria for evaluation of Supervisee together.
Formal reports will be sent to                           and can be viewed by
                     .


Re-negotiation of Contract

At any time either party (Supervisor or Supervisee) can initiate discussion around re-negotiation of the contract or any part of it. This will be done in advance so that there is preparatory time available.

Insurance
We both declare to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance for our work.

Signed:                                                   (Supervisor)

Date:                     

Signed:                                                   (Supervisee)

Date:                   

Applicant’s Personal Details
Name: Address:
Email:
ACAP Membership Number:

Appendix 2 Supervisor’s Report Form

Supervisor’s Details
The Supervisor must fulfil ACAP requirements and training in Supervision, https://acap.ie/supervision/supervision.html.
Name: Address:
Phone Number:
Email:
Qualifications in Psychotherapy:
Qualifications in Supervision:
Experience in Supervision of Psychotherapy:
Professional Memberships:


How long have you been supervising the applicant?
Individual:
From (dd/mm/yy) To (dd/mm/yy)r:

Group:
From (dd/mm/yy) To (dd/mm/yy)r:

How often do you meet the applicant for individual supervision?
Frequency:
Length of Sessions:

How often do you meet the applicant for group supervision?
Frequency:
Length of Sessions:
How many group members?
Does the applicant present his/her work regularly in the group?


Has the applicant completed the required 400 clinical practice hours (500 hours are required for ACAP Accreditation under Grandparenting)? Yes/No

And the required minimum of 150 supervision hours? Yes/No


What is the current method/model of supervision?

Do you consider that the applicant has received sufficient training, knowledge and experience for accreditation as a Child Art Psychotherapist?


Please describe the applicant’s ability to work in a psychodynamic way and apply theory to practice:


In your experience, please answer the following:
The applicant’s ability to engage in the process of supervision:

The applicant’s openness to feedback:

The applicant’s ability to express doubts, difficulties and concerns:

The applicant’s development of their own ‘Internal Supervisor’:


Ethical Issues:
Does the applicant understand and have good knowledge of the ACAP Code of Ethics and Guidelines? https://acap.ie/about2/acap-code-of-ethics.html
Does the applicant have an ability to deal with and an understanding of practice issues?
Is the applicant competent and confident in carrying out reviews and determining when it might be necessary to refer clients on?
Does the applicant have the ability to critically evaluate and review their clinical work and competence?


Self Development:
In your experience can you describe the following:
The applicant’s self-awareness and self-knowledge:

The applicant’s development of autonomy and competence:

The applicant’s ability to be fully present in the therapeutic relationship while retaining a sense of self:

The applicant’s ability to hold clients when there are high levels of stress:


Attunement to themselves and the ability to deal with blocks and blind spots:

Awareness of self-care, stress management, balanced workload and possible burn-out:

Do you believe that the applicant is committed to ongoing professional and personal development?


Are you recommending the applicant for accreditation?

Any other comments?


Signature of Supervisor:                                               Date:                 

Please Note, this report is to be completed by the Supervisee’s current Supervisor for the purpose of accreditation. Should the Supervisory Relationship be less than six months old, then a report from the previous Supervisor must also be submitted.

It is the applicant’s current Supervisor who must also sign the Supervisor’s Declaration on the Application for Accreditation Form.