Making the most of Supervision for Trainees and Interns

Online Workshop: 2 half-days 7 & 8 February 2024, 9.00am – 1.00pm presented by Fiona Howard

This event will NOT be recorded.

During our early years as trainees and interns one of the most important relationships we have is with our supervisor. The effectiveness of this supervision depends in large part on the quality of the relationship and to some extent how knowledgeable we are about the supervision process. In this workshop we will address how to contribute to developing a safe and trusting relationship as well as being prepared with a good understanding of supervision. We will explore how supervision works, common maps and models, how different methods fit various needs, ethical guidelines, and the process of negotiating a supervision agreement. Also discussed will be power dynamics that may emerge within the relationship and how to navigate potential difficulties. There will also be discussion of managing the many emotional challenges of being a student or intern within an evaluative relationship, whilst also adjusting to a new work role and sometimes-challenging workplace. 

This course is suited to students enrolled in (and about to enter) a placement or internship within a post-graduate psychology course in Aotearoa New Zealand. The course will not provide specific information related to any University course as requirements vary, rather it will address more generic issues of supervision from the trainee’s perspective. The course will provide a confidential and safe forum to learn through reflection, discussion, and practice in small groups. Previous experience of being supervised is not required, however, pre-reading will be recommended closer to the time.. 

PRESENTER: FIONA HOWARD

Fiona Howard is a Clinical Psychologist who works privately, primarily offering supervision, training, and therapy, as well as workshop facilitation for Umbrella Wellbeing Ltd. Previously, she worked at the University of Auckland in the Doctoral Programme of Clinical Psychology. Her key areas of expertise and interest include professional supervision, adult mental health, addictions, positive psychology, self-care and wellbeing, resilience building and leadership for health professionals. She has provided supervision workshops to a variety of professionals in several organisations for over twenty years and taught on the post-graduate professional supervision programme at the University of Auckland. In addition, Fiona has presented at local and international conferences, written articles and chapters and conducted research in the field of supervision. Through her career Fiona has developed a strong interest in the wellbeing and resilience of the health professional and is a firm believer in the need for greater attention to the needs of practitioners by organisations and teams within which they work as well as by practitioners themselves. Fiona believes a central way to maintain wellbeing is through growth-fostering relationships such as supervision, where we can optimise our professional competence, work satisfaction and ongoing sustainability.