The Core Competencies:
Domain 9: Use of Supervision, (Peer) Intervision and Critical Evaluation
A European Psychotherapist is competent to: -
- §9.1: Undertake Routine Evaluation of Practice
- 9.1.1: Arrange Appropriate Supervision: which involves – finding an appropriately qualified and experienced supervisor (or peer supervision [intervision] group); forming an explicit agreement about the parameters of the supervision / intervision (including frequency, respective roles, goals, confidentiality, (where appropriate) 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 / intervision conforms to all national, professional and agency guidelines; etc.
- §9.1.2: 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; focussing 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.
- 9.1.3: Adapting the Supervision: which involves – increasing (or reducing) supervision in relation to changes in work load; 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 / intervision is at the highest possible standard readily available; etc.
- 9.1.4: 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 (of number of sessions per patient/client), percentage of satisfaction questionnaires and follow-up studies; etc.
Footnote:
[1] All these Core Competencies should be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the EAP Statement of Ethical Principles (see Appendix 6 (see here) or the EAP website (see here)
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