I provide professional occupational therapy supervision to HCPC-registered occupational therapists who are working in diverse roles, non-traditional settings and independent practice, as well as those who are considering a move away from traditional services. I work with a mental health and wellbeing focus, specialising in supporting you with your own wellbeing as it relates to your work. I strongly believe that looking after ourselves is essential if we are to be of best help to our service users.
Why have supervision?
There are many very good reasons to have professional supervision as an occupational therapist, not least of which are that it is required of us by the Regulator (HCPC) and our professional body (RCOT). I personally don't believe that we should engage in occupational therapy supervision simply 'because we have to', but because we want to. I'm passionate about the value of good supervision and, in my experience, it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our practice, to receive constructive feedback, to share ideas and explore whether we are doing things in the best way for our service users.
The HCPC website contains some very detailed information about the benefits on supervision if you are interested to read more here.
According the RCOT Professional Standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics, occupational therapists must ‘…receive and/or provide regular professional supervision and appraisal, where critical reflection is used to review practice…’ and further, that ‘… this may be provided locally or via long-arm support’ (RCOT, 2021, p 37)
The HCPC Standards of Proficiency which came into force in September 2024 emphasise the importance of registrants' mental health and require us to have 'clear strategies for physical and mental self-care' as these relate to Fitness to Practice. Engaging in the type of well-being centred supervision I offer is one way to ensure you are meeting this standard.
References:
- College of Occupational therapists (2015) Supervision: guidance for occupational therapists and their managers. London:COT
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2021), Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics. London. RCOT
Why work with me?
I'm very passionate about being an occupational therapist and the value we bring to the people who use our services. Being able to use our skills and experience to the best of our ability is often a big driver that pushes us towards working in independent practice or non-traditional roles. In my experience, though, while is wonderfully freeing and brings with it many positives, it can also be quite lonely. I’ve been there. I have felt doubtful of my skills and even wondered whether I wanted to carry on being an OT at times.
If you are an OT who sees things differently, who feels they don’t quite fit into the world of the NHS and Social care, then I’m talking to you. Whilst the structures which exist within those statutory settings can sometimes feel restrictive, they also provide us with a lot of support and security. You might call it professional scaffolding. When you work in a setting that doesn’t have this scaffolding in place, you may find yourself experiencing feelings of insecurity at times.
Here are a few questions I invite you to reflect on:
- Are you feeling isolated?
- Are you worried that you may not be maintaining occupationally focused practice?
- Have you lost your way or begun to lose your confidence in your OT skills?
- Would you like to be sure that you are meeting the HCPC standards for registration?
- Maybe you don’t have any specific worries. Would you like to have an opportunity to reflect and develop your practice in creative and innovative ways?
If any of the above resonates with you, then I can help.
Get in touch
So, whether you need help to explore a particular issue in your workplace, gain some perspective on clinical challenges, take a deep dive into your career aspirations, or if you would simply like to engage in regular ongoing supervision, please get in touch.
Thinking of Leaving the NHS/Social Care?
I am often approached by therapists who are thinking of leaving the NHS or Social Care. I recognise that the issues outlined above might also resonate if you are working in mainstream services and so I offer supervision to occupational therapists who may be struggling or considering leaving their job. Sometimes it is very helpful to be able to explore issues with someone who is not a part of the system you are working in. I am happy to offer a no-obligation chat to see if I can help.
Ongoing Supervision in NHS/Social Care
I don't provide clinical case supervision for therapists working in the NHS or social services. However, I can offer a supportive space for you to talk through issues that relate to your personal and professional development on a self-funding basis. Sometimes, it can be very helpful to discuss your needs with someone who doesn't work for the same organisation. Knowing that I don't have any agenda other than supporting you in your development can be very affirming.