It all depends on what your preference is as both can be equally effective they are just different. Some people prefer the focus of one-to-one supervision, where you have the full attention of your supervisor and others enjoy discussing their work in a group situation and getting input from colleagues as well as their supervisor. Some people choose to have both and there is always the option to change from group to individual supervision or visa versa.

Supervision sessions are confidential and whether you meet face to face or remotely, it will always be in a confidential place, free from interruption. Sign language interpreters and other communication professionals form a small community and if you are working with a Supervisor from within the interpreting or lip-speaking profession they will be explicit about what they will put in place to maintain boundaries and ensure confidentiality.

Most Supervisors offer a free initial consultation, and this offers you the opportunity to meet a few before choosing one that you feel is a good fit. When you first meet your Supervisor, you will discuss and agree how you will work together and where you will meet. Your Supervisor will explain what you can expect from supervision and guide you through the process.

Individual sessions are often 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your needs. You decide how long you want the session to be and this can be negotiated with your Supervisor. Group supervision sessions are often between 2-3 hours depending on the number of supervisees.

Yes, supervision sessions can take place face to face, or via a remote platform such as Zoom or Skype. You may wish to see a supervisor from outside of your area and remote supervision allows for this.

Experienced practitioners will have a wealth of knowledge and experience, however, the role of a professional supervisor is complex and multi-faceted and requires its own core skills, knowledge and attributes in order to work effectively and ethically. In-depth training is vital to develop the necessary skills, self-awareness and careful judgment required of the role.

When you first meet your supervisor you will discuss and agree how you will work together and how often you will meet. You can expect to see your supervisor for approximately an hour every 4-6 weeks.

You decide what you want to discuss in supervision and can bring anything that relates to your practice. Practitioners often bring issues they may have with co-workers, clients, agencies and other professionals. This may include maintaining professional boundaries, managing conflict, and the emotional impact of certain jobs.

NRCPD Supervision: A requirement for all TSLIs to monitor progress throughout training. NRCPD supervisors provide the NRCPD with a record of meetings and are responsible for signing development plans.

Professional Supervision: An opportunity to explore and reflect upon the issues, emotions and dilemmas that originate from work. It is supervisee-led and focuses on maintaining well-being throughout an interpreter’s career.

Supervision is a highly effective way for you to take a step back and reflect on your practice at any stage. Understanding our own personal responses to emotionally demanding assignments can increase resilience and reduce work-related stress, trauma, and burnout.

Peer support can be unwittingly ‘collusive’ as challenging close colleagues can be difficult. Professional supervision is a contracted, objective professional relationship. A Supervisor is trained to offer support and invite you to consider your working practices in a supportive yet challenging way.

Whilst supervision effectively addresses dilemmas, it is also used for ongoing reflection, learning, and development throughout your professional life.

Supervision is different to therapy as it is primarily a forum to address professional practice, not personal concerns. A supervisor supports you with the emotional impact of the work, but will signpost you to therapy if issues go deeper into personal history.

Supervision costs can vary and you can expect to pay £40 – £60 an hour. A professionally qualified supervisor will have undertaken considerable additional training and will be accessing their own regular supervision.

Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to. Look for Supervisors who have completed either a Diploma in Supervision or a PGCert in Supervision. These courses provide the depth of theory and practice necessary to become an effective Professional Supervisor.