This self-access class explores supervision of supervision as a central part of safe, ethical and effective psychosexual supervisory practice.
Participants will consider how supervision of supervision provides a reflective space in which supervisors can examine their practice, emotional responses, professional authority and decision-making. The class explores the complex relational material that may arise around sexuality, intimacy, trauma, identity, power and diversity, alongside the risks of professional isolation, ethical drift, burnout and vicarious trauma.
Particular attention is given to reflective practice, the use of self, parallel processes and the relationships between the supervisor, supervisee and service user. Participants will also consider contracting, safeguarding, professional boundaries, cultural responsiveness and the use of non-defensive, accountable language when exploring difficult or uncertain aspects of practice.
These sessions are being developed as part of a wider pathway to supervision. At present, each self-access class can be purchased individually, either as professional development for those working towards supervision or as continuing professional development for existing supervisors. We will release further information about the pathway, including how the sessions fit together once the associated competencies and wider framework have been finalised.
Class Structure
- The purpose and value of supervision of supervision
- Reflective practice, emotional containment and the use of self
- Professional authority, responsibility and accountability
- Parallel processes, transference and countertransference
- Ethics, safeguarding, boundaries and professional decision-making
- Contracting, expectations and the supervisory frame
- Relational dynamics between supervisors, supervisees and service users
- Listening, language and culturally responsive practice
- Professional governance, sustainability and ongoing development
- Reflective exercises and an end-of-class assessment
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this self-access class, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of supervision of supervision in ethical and effective practice.
- Recognise how relational dynamics and personal responses may influence supervisory work.
- Reflect on the use of power, authority and professional responsibility within supervision.
- Identify the importance of clear contracting, boundaries and safeguarding processes.
- Use reflective and non-defensive approaches when exploring uncertainty or ethical dilemmas.
- Consider how supervision of supervision can support professional wellbeing, accountability and continuing development.
About the Trainer
Professor (Dr) Divine Charura is a Professor of Counselling Psychology. Divine is a counselling psychologist, registered and licensed as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in England (UK).
Divine’s research interests are on the psychotraumatology and mental health in family and diverse community systems across the lifespan.
He has co-authored and edited numerous books. These include Love and Therapy: In relationship [co-edited with Stephen Paul] and with Professor Colin Lago co-edited Black Identities + White therapies: Race respect and diversity, (2021). His latest books are the Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies. Power, politics, change (co-edited with Dr Laura Winter in 2023) and Trauma Demystified (2024) (Co-edited with Dr Mark McFetridge and Dr Emma Bradshaw).
