Igniting Potential: How supervision can energise your OT Journey
As an occupational therapist, I have always valued supervision and mentoring support and have been grateful for the amazing mentors who have guided me through my journey as a paediatric occupational therapist and business owner over the years. Supervision was never solely about discussing challenging cases, it is also an opportunity for me to debrief, explore ethical challenges and stretch my learning to consider different approaches or ways of building relationships with my clients and colleagues. It was good to know I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, excited, or energised was validating.
The OT landscape has changed so much since I graduated back in 2001. When I first started in private practice as a sole trader, there were only five private practices in my local area! Now, I couldn’t even guess how many there are. The exciting thing about change is that it provides an opportunity for growth and exploration. Whether that is staying as a sole trader working with clients that align with your interests and values or building a group private practice where you can nurture other occupational therapists to reach their professional potential or as an employee who can find a place where they are supported and encouraged to develop their clinical competence or leadership skills. The opportunities are boundless in our profession and so is the access to amazing supervisors and mentors.
Having a supervisor that encourages an open and psychologically safe space for growth and reflection can enhance our growth as professionals, improve our therapeutic relationships with our clients and nurture our interests and strengths so that we continue to add value to our profession.
Over the years, I've heard some occupational therapists are engaged in more managerial supervision sessions where the focus is on operational processes and performance management. These sessions often leave occupational therapists feeling micromanaged and unsupported for several reasons, such as insufficient attention to professional development, limited opportunities for reflective practice, and an emphasis on meeting billables rather than nurturing growth.
You may be thinking that your supervisor isn’t currently meeting your needs and what you can do to change this. Here are some practical actions you can take:
Open Communication: The first step is to speak with your supervisor and discuss your needs and concerns regarding the current supervision process. Ensure you express yourself and your emotions using “I” statements to avoid judgemental or confrontational language.
Seek Clarification: Ask for clarification around the expectations of the supervision sessions. Discuss your specific needs and goals that you would like to include in the supervision session and keep that dialogue open.
Connect with Peers: Look at speaking with a trusted colleague or peer informally or join a peer mentoring group in your area. In Australia, if you are a member of OT Australia, there are special interest groups that you can join. Facebook also has lots of closed groups where you can connect with peers.
Reflect: Take some time to reflect on your professional goals and how your current supervision aligns with them. This can help you advocate for your needs and open the dialogue when speaking with your supervisor.
Seek External Supervision: If you still feel that your professional goals and needs are not being fully met, consider investing in external supervision where the supervisor can tailor sessions to meet your goals and current needs.
Supervision and professional growth are an investment in yourself. It not only supports your professional growth, but it also enhances your confidence when supporting clients to achieve their goals. To make the most out of your supervision and mentoring, you need to take the lead by being prepared for supervision with an agenda and keep a record of your actions and reflections.
If you wish to discuss your supervision needs and how to maximise your professional growth, you can book a free 20-minute connection meeting with me.
Feel free to email me at: rachel@nurturingconnectionsot.com.au or book online: https://nurturing-connections-ot.splose.com/booking