It is more important now than ever before to have some form of supervision while in an online setting. With the pandemic still going on in some parts of the globe, many people are working remotely which requires an adjusted approach to supervision. Although it may seem difficult to manage, there are several benefits to implementing online supervision including building trust, developing relationships and fostering transparency.
And in the field of online therapy or counselling, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term “supervision.” But what is supervision here, and why is it so important?
What is Online Supervision?
Online supervision can be defined as “the process of providing guidance and feedback to employees who work remotely or from different locations via electronic means.” This process can be done through video conferencing, instant messaging, or even phone calls. It is important to remember that online supervision should not replace in-person supervision but rather complement it.
When we put it in the context of counselling, it’s the process whereby a therapist or counsellor consults with a supervisor about their work with clients, using electronic means such as video conferencing or email. This type of professional supervision can be beneficial for therapists who work remotely, or who want to increase their flexibility by meeting with a supervisor outside of traditional office hours. It can also be helpful for therapists who want to explore new modalities of therapy, such as online counselling.
While online supervision shares many similarities with face-to-face supervision, there are also some key differences. For example, online supervisors need to be attuned to the unique challenges that can arise when working with clients electronically, such as managing boundaries and ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, online supervision may require more preparation and planning than traditional supervision, to ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and that both parties have the necessary technology.
Benefits of Online Supervision
Several benefits come with implementing some form of online supervision in your organization. The first benefit is that it builds trust between you and your subordinates. Trust is built when they feel like they can rely on you for support and guidance, even when they are not physically in the same space.
Furthermore, online supervision develops relationships between supervisors and their supervisees. These relationships are crucial for maintaining a cohesive professional environment, fostering communication and addressing conflict. Lastly, online supervision creates transparency within an organization. When all interactions are documented, it becomes easier to hold people accountable for their words and actions.
Also, online supervision is becoming an increasingly popular way for therapists and counsellors to receive guidance and support. There are several advantages to using this format, both for supervisors and supervisees. First, online supervision can be more flexible in terms of schedule and location. This can be beneficial for supervisees who live in rural areas or who have other scheduling commitments that make it difficult to meet in person.
Second, online supervision can provide a greater degree of anonymity, which can be helpful for those who are uncomfortable discussing personal issues in person. Finally, online supervision can be more affordable than traditional face-to-face supervision, since there is no need to cover travel costs.
Who Could They Be?
When it comes to online learning, several different types of supervisors can help guide and support students. In the case of online clinical hypnotherapy certification, for example, students will work with a licensed clinical supervisor who can provide guidance and feedback on their cases.
Other online programs may utilize academic mentors or tutors who can offer support in specific subject areas. In some cases, online students may also have the opportunity to connect with peers to form study groups or receive help with assignments.
Any therapist or counsellor who wants to transition their practice online will need to find a supervisor. In an online setting, the supervisor’s role is to provide guidance and support to the clinician as they learn to use new technology and treatment modalities. There are a few different options for finding a supervisor for these.
One option is to find a supervisor who is already familiar with online therapy and has experience working with clients in this format. Another option is to find a supervisor who is willing to learn along with the clinician. This can be a great opportunity to build a relationship and develop trust. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a supervisor who is supportive and who can help the clinician reach their goals.
How Can I Find a Good Supervisor?
If you’re interested in pursuing online counselling or therapy, chances are you’ll need to find an online supervisor at some point in your career. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the right supervisor for you:
First, make sure they are licensed in your state (if you plan on seeing clients from your state). Second, check out their credentials and make sure they have experience supervising others. Third, read reviews from past or current supervisees. And finally, reach out to them directly and ask any questions that you may have.
Finding a good supervisor doesn’t have to be difficult—but it is important. By keeping these things in mind during your search, you should be able to find someone who meets your needs and who can help support you as you grow in your career.
Tread Lightly, Online Supervision isn’t Perfect
Online supervision is a relatively new phenomenon, and as such, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed.
One of the main challenges is the lack of face-to-face interaction. This can make it difficult to build rapport and trust, and can also make it more challenging to provide feedback. Another challenge is the lack of nonverbal cues. This can make it difficult to gauge reactions and body language, which can be essential for understanding what is being said. Additionally, online supervision can be interrupted by technical difficulties, such as connection issues or technical glitches.
Finally, online supervision can create a feeling of isolation, as supervisors and supervisees are not physically present in the same space. While there are challenges associated with online supervision, there are also many benefits that make it worth considering as mentioned above.
Conclusion
Overall, online supervision is a great option for those in the therapy field. It offers many benefits, such as flexibility and convenience. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction. Despite these challenges, online supervision is a great option for those in the therapy field.