As solution focused hypnotherapists, we all want to do our absolute best for our clients. One of the ways we can maintain this high level of professionalism, while continuing to develop our skills and career, is through supervision.
In this blog, I’ll take a closer look at how the supervisory process works for us hypnotherapists, and how it benefits our clients, our careers and yes, ourselves.
What is supervision for hypnotherapists?
Supervision involves regular reviews between the hypnotherapist and their supervisor, who is an accredited and more experienced professional. It’s a supportive process, intended to give the hypnotherapist the opportunity to reflect on their work in a safe and confidential way. By evaluating our work, we’re continuously developing our approaches and skills – supervision helps us be the best hypnotherapists we can be.
The supervisor’s role is a supportive one, to prompt and encourage to help you to work through issues, rather than a directing role. Sometimes you might appreciate and need the benefit of somebody more experienced to give advice, but generally as solution focused hypnotherapists, we understand the value of setting your own goals and finding your own solutions!
Why do hypnotherapists need a supervisor?
Professional bodies set supervisory requirements for their members. Under National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) regulations, hypnotherapists need to undertake a minimum of six hours’ worth of supervision per year. I find it so helpful, professionally and personally, to be able to reflect on my work with a fellow hypnotherapist.
So while there’s a regulatory aspects (and you can read more about this on the NCH website), supervision is also a supported way to evaluate and manage your own development as a therapist. Ours isn’t always an easy role, and it can be essential to take time to reflect – and simply to talk – in a confidential and ethically appropriate space.
Supervision is also a space to talk about your practice and your business goals, such as client retention, or advertising and marketing activities.
How do you find a supervisor?
Hypnotherapists find their supervisor through their professional body – for example, the NCH has a directory of approved supervisors for you to choose from. Your professional supervisor doesn’t have to be the same person who trained you, although you can choose to ask them (some of my supervisees are former students of mine, others aren’t).
You can change supervisors – you don’t have to stay with the same person. The important thing is to find someone you feel you can build a rapport with – and who has the mandatory training and accreditation.
What are supervision sessions like with Great Minds Clinic?
I offer a choice of individual and group sessions (both count towards your supervisory hours, which is typically six hours’ worth a year). An individual session lasts around 50 to 60 minutes while the group sessions run for two hours. Both are held over Zoom. There are daytime and evening slots to work around your hypnotherapy sessions and other commitments.
During the sessions, you can talk about any aspect of your professional life that you want to – just remember that this is about you. if you have any questions in between sessions, you can email or phone me.
Find out more about my supervision for hypnotherapists sessions on the Great Minds Clinic website.
Find out more about supervision for hypnotherapists with Great Minds Clinic
For continuous professional development and an experienced listening ear, please get in touch with me for a confidential chat about your supervision options.
