Professional supervision

What is professional supervision?

Professional supervision is a respectful and collaborative relationship in which an AHPRA-approved supervisor provides support to other psychologists and counsellors.

It is an essential part of the qualification process for those in 4+2 and 5+1 pathways, but it also offers a range of personal and professional support mechanisms.

This support can come in the form of help guiding and refining therapeutic practice, offering continuing professional development. It is also an opportunity to examine concerns and challenges within diverse work contexts, and to experiment with innovative approaches. 

Supervisors offer intellectual rigour and practical guidance to improve skills and accountability according to professional ethics and boundaries. Supervision also offers a vital self-care support mechanism, which will remain important throughout your career.

The benefits

  • Meet registration requirements

    Because psychology is a registered profession, those from 4+2 and 5+1 pathways must have their work and supervision approved by the Psychology Board of Australia.

    If you are seeking endorsement in a particular field, you must have supervision from a psychologist who is both endorsed in that field and an approved supervisor.

  • Build knowledge and consolidate skills

    Receive supportive and constructive feedback about your strengths and areas for improvement. This lets you reflect on your performance and gain objective insight into the skills you need to develop.

    This is an opportunity to learn and practise new techniques and explore new ways of working with clients.

  • Monitor and maintain ethical standards

    Ethical dilemmas invariably arise as part of clinical practice.

    Guidance and support from a supervisor is helpful in determining the most ethical course of action and helping you adhere to codes of conduct while prioritising your client’s safety and wellbeing, your own.

  • Gain personal support

    Self-care as a psychologist is essential. Supervisors can help you process difficult or distressing material before it affects you too deeply.

    They are skilled in reading the early warning signs of stress and burnout, and can intervene to support you on a personal level.

Our team of AHPRA supervisors

  • Our practice principal and founder Michael MacDonald has been an approved AHPRA supervisor for 15 years.

    He is a clinical supervisor at the University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University and Sydney University, and regularly consults with schools, the family court, professional, medical and community organisations such as Lifeline, and the Association of Independent Schools.

    Michael is an AHPRA-Board-approved supervisor for:

    • Pathway: Higher Degree program

    • Pathway: Registrar Program Area of practice: Clinical psychology Supervisor type: Principal & Secondary

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Principal

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Secondary

    • Pathway: Registrar Program Supervisor type: Secondary

  • Our senior associate psychologist Sekneh Beckett offers clinical supervision for skilled medical and community practitioners in private practice both nationally and internationally via video call.

    She also offers supervision for staff and students at Macquarie University; for managers in the Department of Education, Department of Juvenile Justice, NSW Health PANOC, ACON; and for teams within SWSAHS, SEAHS and the non-government sector.

    Sekneh is an AHPRA-Board-approved supervisor for:

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Secondary

    • Pathway: 5+1 Internship Supervisor type: Principal

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Principal

  • Our senior associate psychologist Lorraine Cushing-Kleber offers clinical supervision for a variety of professional and clinical backgrounds.

    She currently provides supervision for people in the education sector (school principals, deputy principals, heads of welfare/wellbeing and year coordinators), professionals in the legal sector, and healthcare professionals.

    Lorraine specialises in supporting people to manage vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burn out.

    Lorraine Cushing is an AHPRA-Board-approved supervisor for:

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Secondary

    • Pathway: 5+1 Internship Supervisor type: Principal

    • Pathway: 4+2 Internship Supervisor type: Principa