Published 2026-02-17 • Category: Supervision • Author: CounsellingPlacements.co.uk
Supervision is a core part of counselling training and ongoing practice. It is the place where you can explore what went well in client sessions, talk about what you found difficult, and leave with a clearer sense of what to do next.
Supervision is there to keep both you and your clients safe. It offers a regular opportunity to pause and step back from your work, providing space to reflect and see things from a fresh perspective.
Types of supervision: individual (1:1 with your supervisor), group supervision (learning from peers' experiences), and peer supervision (mutual support between practitioners).
BACP membership guidance requires supervision at a ratio of one hour of supervision for every eight hours of counselling practice, with a minimum of 1.5 hours per calendar month, at least fortnightly. Some placements include supervision as part of the role; others expect you to arrange and fund external supervision independently.
To get the most from supervision, come prepared with notes or reflections from your sessions, be open about what you find challenging, and take time after to reflect on what was discussed.