365 – When Is It the Right Time to Train as a Supervisor?

Creative Supervision – Talking to Clients About Being a Trainee Counsellor

In Episode 365 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics:

Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we ask: when is it the right time to train as a supervisor? Rory and Ken, joined by Paul Cullen, explore motivations, timing, and expectations for moving into this advanced professional role.

Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Sally-Anne Armitage, who returns to share creative supervision techniques that can enrich both supervisory and client practice.

And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken respond to a common concern from placement practitioners – how to talk to clients about being a trainee counsellor while maintaining confidence and clarity.

When Is It the Right Time to Train as a Supervisor? [starts at 03:16 mins]

Rory and Ken explore the motivations, readiness, and expectations around becoming a clinical supervisor, including when it is the right time to train as a supervisor.

Key points discussed include:

• The decision to become a supervisor may stem from necessity, professional growth, or a desire to support others.
• Although UK ethical frameworks don’t legally require formal training, professional standards are shifting toward qualification.
• BACP guidance suggests supervisors should have a minimum of two years post-qualification experience and 400+ hours of practice.
• Effective supervision involves understanding ethical standards, developmental models, and legal responsibilities.
• Transitioning from therapist to supervisor requires new skills and often a more directive stance.
• Paul Cullen shares his personal journey into supervision, highlighting the transformation and responsibilities it entails.

Creative Supervision [starts at 37:00 mins]

Rory speaks with Sally Ann Armitage about how incorporating creativity into supervision can bring depth and insight to the process.

Key points from this conversation include:

• Creative supervision uses tools such as imagery, objects, and metaphor to explore supervisee dynamics and client relationships.
• Techniques like using cards, sand trays, or imagined roles help access material just beyond awareness.
• Creativity is a universal human capacity – not a test of artistic skill – and can ease defensiveness.
• These methods encourage richer supervision conversations and often lead to deeper emotional insight.
• Sally shares examples of how creative approaches brought clarity and transformation in her own practice.
• Practitioners are encouraged to explore creative methods gently and with supervision before introducing them to others.

Talking to Clients About Being a Trainee Counsellor [starts at 1:01:54 mins]

Rory and Ken address how to discuss your student status with clients while maintaining professional presence and self-assurance.

Key points include:

• It is an ethical requirement to inform clients of trainee status – but how this is framed makes a difference.
• Using language like “placement counsellor” rather than “student” may reduce bias and increase trust.
• Clients are often more focused on their own concerns than on the practitioner’s status.
• Confidence grows when students remember they were carefully assessed and deemed fit to practise.
• Placement provides strong layers of support: agency filtering, supervision, and ongoing training oversight.
• Framing this stage as the final phase of supervised professional development can reinforce your competence and role.

Links and Resources

Counselling Skills Academy

Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision

Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide

Counsellor CPD

Counselling Study Resource

Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide

Counselling Tutor Training and CPD

Facebook group

Website

Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide

Online and Telephone Counselling Course