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Supervision is an incredibly important part of working ethically with clients in counseling and therapy. It provides a containing and helpful space for professionals to discuss and reflect on case consultation, skills development, professional growth, ethical practice, and provides emotional support for the clinician. It is also an important mechanism to ensure that the best interest of the client is upheld. For these reasons, many regulatory bodies require psychological professionals to attend regular supervision, ranging from 1.5 hours a month to a ratio of 8:1 (ie. for every 8 client hours, one hour of supervision). These supervision sessions may be particularly helpful for counselors and therapists working at international schools.
Types of Supervision and Consultation on Offer
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International School Counselors
Working as a counselor at an international school can be both rewarding and challenging. Understandably, international school counselors and therapists operate in environments that aren't primarily focused on mental health. This can make it challenging to have the appropriate professional support, which may lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Additionally, due to context, some international school counselors may be expected to address a wide range of mental health and interpersonal concerns, some within their expertise and others that may exceed their scope of practice.
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Our supervision can help bridge this gap by providing international school counselors with a dedicated space to bounce ideas around, seek guidance, and reflect on their practice.
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding supervision is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and at-risk populations. It provides professionals with a structured environment to discuss safeguarding concerns, reflect, and receive guidance on managing risks effectively. This type of supervision helps professionals stay alert to potential signs of abuse or neglect, make informed decisions, and navigate complex issues. By offering a space for reflection and support, safeguarding supervision enhances accountability, ensures consistent protection practices, and reduces the emotional burden on professionals dealing with high-stakes situations.
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Mental Health Professionals
For many registered mental health professionals, supervision is a regulatory requirement. This is because supervision is crucial. It provides ongoing support, guidance, and professional development, ensuring professionals deliver the highest quality care. Through supervision, practitioners can reflect on their cases, receive constructive feedback, and enhance their clinical skills, while also maintaining ethical standards. It offers a safe space to discuss complex or emotionally challenging situations, reducing the risk of burnout and preventing professional isolation. Additionally, supervision helps mental health professionals stay up-to-date with best practices and emerging research, ultimately benefiting both the practitioner and their clients.
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Organizational Consultation
Donohue Consulting offers consultation in a variety of circumstances to organizations. However, our specialization is in the context of highly mobile children, adolescents, adults, and families. This may mean doing brief and important work with a school to develop a transitional program for incoming students and families or for final year students leaving the third culture/repatriating. It could also be about strengthening the mental health resources and risk management plans available at an organization. If you are unsure if we are able to help with your specific organizational need, contact us.