To maintain Board-approved supervisor status, psychologists must undergo refresher training every five years by completing a Board-approved master class. ORS’ competency-based workshop entails at least six hours of direct/live training.
As a Board-approved training provider, ORS is thrilled to be able to provide this essential training. We have current places in our exclusive master class courses. Our comprehensive training aligns with the regulatory requirements for Board-approved supervisors. Experienced supervisors lead classes, and these sessions will equip supervisors with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their professional practice.
We sat down with ORS’ National Internship and Supervisor Manager Karen Lograsso and Learning and Development Manager for Psychology Dr Joyce Man, two of our Board-approved supervisors conducting our training, to reflect on their roles as supervisors and discuss the upcoming masterclasses on offer at ORS.
What motivated you to become a supervisor?
Joyce: I think back to my early days of training as a psychologist and how crucial my supervisors were to my professional learning. Good (and bad) supervision experiences can leave lasting marks on you when you are just starting out in your craft. I was blessed with a few brilliant supervisors who have been instrumental in building my professional competence and confidence as a psychologist who I continue to have lasting relationships with. I hope I can do the same for the next generation of psychologists. It’s so rewarding to see your supervisees grow and it’s such a privilege to be part of their professional journey.
Karen: I have always had a passion for leading and guiding others. I can remember my positive experience as an intern, where the invaluable guidance and support from my supervisor played a pivotal role in my professional development and growth throughout my training. I believe that effective supervision is essential in fostering competence, confidence, and growth in supervisees. The supervisor has such an important role to play in the development of the psychologist, and I am motivated by the opportunity to pay it forward and support the next generation of psychologists in their professional journey.
Why evidenced-based supervision?
Joyce: We emphasise so much in our formal training the need to be scientist-practitioners. We often talk about this in relation to the delivery of psychological assessments and interventions, but what about how supervision is provided? Supervision models have shifted to a competency-based model which lends itself to more standardised and consistent ways to build and assess for competency in our supervisees. As supervisors, we should also be examining and reflecting on our competencies and how we can continue to improve.Â
Karen: Implementing evidence-based supervision practices ensures that supervisory techniques are grounded in research and proven to be effective. By incorporating evidence-based practices into supervision, it creates a structured and effective learning process that can be measured against a standard. This approach leads to better outcomes for both supervisors and supervisees by promoting professional growth, enhancing performance, and ultimately improving client care.
Why supervise psychologists in the disability sector?
Joyce: I feel that those who have been in the disability sector prior to NDIS have an obligation to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation of psychologists working in NDIS. This field is growing rapidly yet the number of clinicians from the ‘olden days’ continues to dwindle. Working in disability can be tough but also extremely rewarding. I love to inspire psychologists to work in this field as my experience is they gain some extremely well-rounded skills in assessment, working with systems, complex case formulation, and exposure to a wide range of clinical presentations and co-occurring conditions you would not necessarily see in other settings.
Karen: Supervising psychologists in the disability sector ensures that individuals with disabilities receive high-quality care and support. There is a great need for psychologists in the NDIS system and the disability sector. Providing supervision to those who are in the disability sector helps enhance the skills and knowledge of psychologists who look after these clients, who can have very specific and complex needs. Effective supervision in this field is crucial for promoting inclusivity, empowering individuals with disabilities, and ensuring that their unique needs are met.
What is different about supervising psychologists working in high-risk populations?
Joyce: Let’s face it. The best of us have experienced professional burnout at some point in our psychology careers. When you add working with high-risk groups into the mix, this creates additional hurdles and stress, particularly for inexperienced psychologists. Supervisors not only have an important role in safeguarding the wellbeing of the community with the clients being serviced by their supervisees, but they are also instrumental in preventing burnout and undue distress to their supervisees. Accessing risk can be tricky business and comes with it huge responsibility. Supervisors can do a lot to support their supervisees in this process.
Karen: Supervising psychologists working with high-risk populations involves unique challenges and considerations. These populations may face complex issues such as trauma, substance abuse, or severe mental health conditions. It is an area in which psychologists can be exposed to vicarious stress and trauma. Supporting supervisees in self-care and reflective practice can ensure the well-being of both the psychologist and the client.
Thank you Dr Joyce and Karen for your time with us today.
If your Board-approved supervisor status is nearing expiration, we highly recommend you join us to complete the refresher training, so book your spot here today as spaces will fill up quickly.
