Clinical Supervision
I offer clinical supervision to trainee and qualified Play and Creative Arts Therapists using a creative supervision model, which incorporates the expressive arts techniques described above.
Supervision sessions include a combination of education, support, and management in relation to the therapeutic work the supervisee is undertaking. This is a collaborative relationship in which the supervisee retains responsibility for their own learning, professional development, and safe practice. The supervisee is expected to prepare for the supervision session, bringing with them issues for discussion and exploration.
The supervisor has responsibility to encourage and support the supervisee to develop their practitioner knowledge and skills, and to challenge personal, professional, or ethical issues arising in the supervisee’s practice.
The frequency of supervision sessions will be held according to the requirements of the therapist’s membership body.
Professional Consultation
These consultations are for Social Workers, Community Care Workers, Teachers, SENCOS, TAs, and other helping professionals working with children, who wish to extend their understanding and skills in using a trauma-informed therapeutic approach, who are seeking specific recommendations in relation to case work, and who wish to invest in their professional wellbeing.
These sessions provide an opportunity to explore specific cases or challenges, understand complex needs, reflect upon relationships, consider the influence of organizational systems, and identify creative solutions and resources. Giving space to attend to practitioner wellbeing and promoting emotional health and resilience is also an essential ingredient of these sessions, to reduce the risks of burnout and the effects of vicarious trauma associated with these roles.
Consultation sessions can be offered 1:1, or in small groups, and can be arranged as a one-off to focus on a specific issue or on an ongoing basis.
“I have developed such a positive relationship with Jess. She has offered expertise, insight, reassurance, challenge, and new perspectives throughout my Play Therapy training. I have found the supervisory support invaluable, and I am so thankful that our paths have crossed.”
-Sarah, Trainee Play Therapist.
“My supervision sessions with Jess have been key in deepening my understanding of my clients and of myself. The creative methods she uses are so effective at exploring other perspectives. She challenges my thinking in the most supportive way enabling me to be honest and open with her. She was warm and friendly from the outset and I could not wish for a better supervisor.”
-Gill, Trainee Play Therapist & Teacher.
A Creative and Collaborative Approach
As well as developing new skills and therapeutic understanding each of the options below incorporate expressive arts techniques: these may include the use of metaphor, storytelling, images and sandtray.
The use of creativity can bring to light what is known from the unconscious; can clarify challenges, find new perspectives, develop resources, and broaden alternatives. Allowing space for creativity, reflection and gentle playfulness affords the opportunity for curiosity and exploration; can enhance practitioner relationships, reduce stress, and take care of practitioner wellbeing.
“Jess consistently provides a safe and enjoyable space to explore all aspects of therapeutic practice with children. Combining a mixture of theory, professional experience and creativity, supervision has supported my training and professional development.”
-Michelle, Freelance Therapeutic Practitioner
Reflective Practice Groups
These groups for professional teams, are offered using the same creative approach but provide an environment in which practitioners can discuss and reflect on their work more generally, without having to share detailed case information. The emphasis is on seeking new understanding and finding fresh perspectives through group reflection, as well as promoting practitioner wellbeing.
Workshops & Short Courses
If you have specific training needs for your team, please don’t hesitate to contact Waymaker Therapies to discuss options.
“…there is an inevitable increase in human disruption, disturbance, distress and dis-ease and where will the human consequences of this be most felt? It will turn up daily in our schools, hospitals, prisons, care homes on the streets and in our workplaces. The helping professions will be at the front line of addressing the human consequences while they will also have to adjust to fewer resources and a greater demand.”
- Hawkins & Shohet (2012)