From Lived Experience to Supervisory Practice | Counselling Supervision for Trainee & Experienced Counsellors

I grew up in a large, blended family of 11 siblings and multiple parental figures — a system that brought both richness and complexity. That environment shaped my ability to observe closely, listen carefully, and make sense of interpersonal dynamics in real time.

Positioned somewhere in the middle of what often felt like a “Brady Bunch” family, I moved between roles — sometimes the younger, sometimes the older; at times the underdog, at others carrying responsibility. This fostered a flexibility in how I relate to different personalities, perspectives, and emotional states.

Over time, I came to understand how easily systems can become chaotic, and how coping strategies — both helpful and maladaptive — develop within close relationships. My own therapy later deepened this understanding, allowing me to reflect on and unlearn patterns I had internalised.

Most importantly, this background cultivated a strong capacity for curiosity, openness, and relational attunement. With 11 siblings, I learned early that no two people experience the same environment in the same way — a perspective that continues to inform my work.

This lived experience underpins my supervision practice: an ability to hold complexity, notice relational dynamics, and remain open to the many layers present in both individuals and systems. It also shaped a deeply ingrained non-judgemental stance — understanding behaviour in context rather than at face value.

Nurturing growth through counselling supervision, the image depicts a silhouette filled with rain clouds and flourishing plants, symbolizing personal and professional development.

Clinical Supervision That Deepens Practice

I believe supervision is a reflective, relational space where we explore carefully the complexity of our work: the subtle dynamics of transference and countertransference, the ethical tensions that don’t have straightforward answers, and the moments where we may feel stuck, unsure, or pulled in different directions with our clients, and the times that we may feel burnout.

Supervision offers space to pause and notice what might otherwise go unseen — including our blind spots — and to explore these with curiosity rather than judgement. It a place for creativity and collaboration, bringing fresh perspective to our client work.

Importantly, supervision holds the practitioner as well as the practice. It acknowledges the emotional weight of holding others’ experiences and offers a space where you are supported, rather than always being the one who supports.

Good supervision doesn’t just offer guidance — it expands perspective, supports emotional processing, and often brings new creativity into the therapy room. When supervision works well, it doesn’t just support your practice — it deepens it.

Finding the Right Supervisor

Finding the right supervisor is as important and nuanced as finding a counsellor. Beyond professional expertise, it’s about relational fit.

The supervisory relationship needs trust, connection, and a sense of safety. Feeling seen — and able to show up fully — is what allows meaningful learning to take place.

A good supervision space allows you to say:

• “I’m not sure what to do here.”

• “I think I got that wrong.”

• “This client is really affecting me.”

  
  

.....…without fear of judgement.

I feel fortunate to have experienced supervision that consistently deepens my thinking. It was through this that I fully understood how transformative supervision can be. After supervision, I feel reassured, inspired, focused, connected and full of ideas — as though my edges have been sharpened.

There is a ripple effect: what happens in supervision directly influences the depth and quality of client work.

My aim as a supervisor is to offer that same experience — a collaborative, reflective space where practitioners feel emotionally supported, appropriately challenged, and able to grow. I aim to be both a relatable human being with a steady professional presence.

My Approach

My approach is integrative, relational, and responsive to each practitioner. No two therapists are the same, and my supervision reflects that.

I draw on models such as the Seven-Eyed Model and the Three-Function Model, using them flexibly— whether that calls for structure, reflection, or deeper clinical exploration – I will work towards your learning style, personality and you and your client’s needs.

In our work together, we may explore:

• Client work and therapeutic relationships

• Your identity as a practitioner

• Ethical decision-making

• The emotional impact of the work

• Confidence, uncertainty, and professional growth

Supervision in South Devon and Online

I offer clinical supervision face to face for counsellors and psychotherapists in Kingsbridge, South Devon and Online across the UK.

I also offer one off consultations for those wishing to set up private practice.

Whether you are newly qualified or experienced, supervision can offer a space to think more deeply about your work and continue developing with clarity, balance and confidence.

So, returning to the start of this blog, and in the spirit of reflection, it seems that growing up in a ‘Brady Bunch’ family was, without my realising it at the time, early preparation for becoming both a therapist and a supervisor. I didn’t always recognise it then, but I am now more grateful for my lived experience.