Supervision for acupuncturists
In many of the caring professions, supervision and mentoring has been established as a valuable and effective tool for professional development.
It provides an opportunity for practitioners to explore and resolve any issues that may be affecting their satisfaction and to create the working life they want by giving themselves the support and guidance they routinely offer to others.
Sally Blades is an expert facilitator. Her understanding and listening skills are informed by ten years’ experience of both giving and receiving supervision. Today, she works with complementary health practitioners and those in the NHS, both in groups and one-to-one. She also co-leads a national supervision training course.
Facing challenges
Along with the satisfaction and excitement that practitioners experience, there are particular challenges to contend with when working with people who may be troubled or having problems. Plus there are the everyday pressures of building a practice, whilst managing a business, time and money.
In particular, those moving into practice from the supportive environment of training may encounter many and varied unforeseen issues.
For example, when practitioners work alone it is all too easy to become isolated. Whilst those working in a clinic or other group setting may face challenges of a different type as they manage relationships with colleagues and other staff members.
As practitioners become busier and more experienced, taking on too much work is not uncommon and this can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue. Other issues that frequently arise include those around roles and boundaries, ethics, time management, and – on a more personal front – lack of confidence.
All practitioners, be they acupuncturists, coaches, homeopaths, doctors, midwives, osteopaths (and others), can benefit greatly by having somewhere to take their professional needs.
Moving forward
Supervision and mentoring provides a safe non-judgemental environment in which to gain greater understanding of yourself as a practitioner, to work through any difficult issues and move forward – with support from your peers. In short, it gives you the opportunity to create the working life you really want.
Supervision and mentoring is more than a process that looks at ‘difficult’ issues. In supervision, you’ll be continually developing as a practitioner, whilst increasing your confidence, your self-esteem and your communication and practice skills. This enables you to build a successful and enjoyable practice.
Greater fulfilment
Many people who enter supervision feel immediately relieved, supported and excited as they reconnect with their ‘alive-ness’ and enthusiasm.
To know that you are not alone, and that you can ‘say the unsayable’ whilst constantly learning and adding to your own resources is key to the success of the process and to the wider picture of living, communicating and feeling fulfilled in life.
For groups and individuals
Supervision and mentoring is available in small groups and individually.
Groups usually meet monthly, whilst individual sessions are arranged according to need and availability. Individual sessions can take place either face-to-face or by telephone.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Sally >>
Sally also offers supervision for coaches >>