PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION AGREEMENT
This agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and professional standards governing the supervision relationship between the Supervisor and Supervisee.
1. Purpose of Supervision
Professional supervision is a formal and collaborative process designed to:
1.1 Protect Client Welfare
Monitor and promote the wellbeing and safety of clients seen by the Supervisee.
Ensure ethical and competent practice.
1.2 Support Professional Development
Facilitate the development of the Supervisee’s professional identity.
Strengthen clinical competence, reflective capacity, and ethical decision-making.
1.3 Meet Accreditation Requirements
Fulfil supervision requirements for accreditation or membership with the
Australian Counselling Association or other relevant professional body.
2. Context and Structure of Supervision
2.1 Individual Supervision
Conducted at the Supervisee’s office (where appropriate), online via secure video platform, or by phone as agreed.
Sessions may be scheduled regularly (e.g., monthly) or as agreed between parties.
For the Supervisor to be considered the Primary Supervisor, the Supervisee must attend regular individual supervision for a minimum of ten (10) sessions per year.
If less frequent individual supervision sessions are attended this will make the supervisor the Secondary Supervisor.
In crisis situations impacting client welfare, additional sessions may be arranged as soon as practicable.
2.2 Group Supervision
Provides opportunities for case consultation, peer reflection, and shared professional learning.
Group supervision complements but does not replace individual supervision with a primary supervisor.
2.3 Supervision Framework
A range of methods may be used, including:
Case discussion and formulation
Skills review and role play
Reflective practice models
Ethical decision-making frameworks
Exploration of transference and countertransference
Review of documentation and action planning
3. Evaluation and Feedback
Constructive feedback will be provided throughout the supervision process.
Where appropriate, feedback will be given at the conclusion of sessions.
Progress toward professional goals and accreditation requirements may be reviewed periodically.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Responsibilities of the Supervisor
The Supervisor agrees to:
Encourage ongoing professional education and development.
Provide a safe, respectful, and professional supervisory environment.
Challenge and support the Supervisee to validate their therapeutic approaches and techniques.
Monitor and develop micro-skills, advanced skills, and awareness of transference and countertransference.
Offer alternative clinical perspectives where appropriate.
Intervene where client welfare is at risk.
Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards.
Provide consultation and support in complex or high-risk situations.
Discuss administrative procedures, private practice development, and marketing strategies if requested.
4.2 Responsibilities of the Supervisee
The Supervisee agrees to:
- Uphold ethical guidelines and professional standards.
- Prepare for supervision with relevant case notes and reflections.
- Present cases honestly and comprehensively, particularly where risk or ethical concerns arise.
- Be open to feedback and alternative methods of practice.
- Implement agreed recommendations in subsequent client sessions.
- Consult the Supervisor (or designated contact person) in emergencies.
- Maintain commitment to supervision, continuing professional development, and the counselling profession.
5. Procedural Considerations
Written case notes and action plans may be reviewed during supervision.
Professional conduct and development matters may be discussed when relevant.
Significant clinical, ethical, or risk-related issues must be raised within a reasonable timeframe. Failure to do so may constitute a breach of this agreement.
This agreement may be revised by mutual consent at any time.
6. Cancellation Policy
48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.
Group Supervision
Fees already paid are non-refundable if cancellation occurs within 48 hours.
Individual Supervision
Supervisees may reschedule once within 24 hours of cancellation without forfeiting payment.
If the session is not rescheduled, payment will be forfeited.
If payment has not been made yet, an $80 cancellation fee applies.
The Supervisor reserves discretion in extenuating circumstances.
7. Contact Outside Scheduled Sessions
Brief phone consultations under ten (10) minutes will not incur a fee (within reasonable limits).
Phone consultations exceeding ten (10) minutes will be charged pro rata at the standard hourly supervision rate.
8. Confidentiality and Privacy
Supervision is confidential and subject to Australian Privacy Laws.
Supervisees may request access to their supervision notes, subject to legal limitations.
Confidentiality may be breached where:
Required by subpoena or court order.
There is a reasonable belief that the Supervisee or another person is at immediate risk of harm.
There is a mandatory reporting obligation under State law (e.g., reasonable belief that a child under 18 is experiencing sexual abuse).
Written consent has been provided to share information with another professional (e.g., GP, lawyer, employer).
In the event of the Supervisor’s death or incapacitation, appointed administrators will manage business closure and notify supervisees. They will not access confidential supervision content beyond necessary contact details.
9. Group Supervision Guidelines
All participants are entitled to safety, respect, and equal opportunity to contribute.
Client identity must remain confidential and de-identified at all times.
Participants must maintain confidentiality regarding cases shared by other members.
Group supervision is not suitable for in-depth exploration of highly sensitive or complex individual cases.
Supervisees must not promote their services (e.g., coaching, supervision, business services) unless invited by the Supervisor.
10. Counselling Students on Placement
Student counsellors receiving external supervision must comply with this agreement.
University-required reports or assessments completed by the Supervisor will incur additional fees, discussed and agreed upon in advance.
11. Use of AI-Assisted Documentation (Heidi AI or Novo note)
At times, Heidi AI or Novo note may be used to assist with documentation by transcribing and summarising supervision discussions to create accurate and comprehensive notes.
All information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy regulations.
Privacy and confidentiality remain paramount.
By continuing in supervision, the Supervisee acknowledges and consents to this process.
Any concerns regarding AI usage should be discussed with the Supervisor.
12. Professional Relationship and Indemnity
The Supervisee is not an employee of the Supervisor.
The Supervisee retains full professional responsibility for their clinical practice and agrees to indemnify the Supervisor against legal claims arising from their client work.
13. Communication and Email List
The Supervisee’s email may be added to a mailing list for session availability and professional updates.
Unsubscribing is available at any time.
All communication can be via email or mobile phone call or text
Agreement
I agree to uphold the guidelines outlined in this Professional Supervision Agreement and to engage in supervision in accordance with the ethical principles and Code of Conduct of the Australian Counselling Association or Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation of Australia or other relevant professional body.