Supervision for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Professionals

“Before healing others, heal yourself”

Laozi

Supervision has a long history in helping professions to maintain professional registration and is a mandatory requirement for counsellors, psychotherapists and other medical professionals. However in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), supervision is not obligatory which is surprising due to the emotional demand’s Complementary therapists experience. My role as a CAM supervisor is to assist therapists to develop and maintain his/her/their independent practice, whilst supporting, through understanding and shared knowledge, continued professional development (CPD) (Mackereth;2005).

Findings from my 2021 published research study on ‘What do Complementary Therapists understand about self-care and the importance of self-care’ showed that over half the Complementary Therapists who participated in the study, would access supervision if available by a CAM trained supervisor.

The benefit of participating gives you, as a therapist, an opportunity to share your work experiences, especially if you work in isolation, in a safe, confidential, relaxed space with a CAM supervisor who fully understands your role, and if in a group setting with other Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapists who share a common ground. Together, as an individual working with the CAM supervisor or as part of a group, you will explore both strengths and difficulties your practice may bring you, using ‘personal resources’ to develop ways of working with clients more effectively enhancing the therapeutic relationship. How to identify ‘blind spots’ which can be areas of concern unknown to the therapist, as well as share self-care practices to prevent symptoms of burnout, a common condition suffered by those in the care giving service.

For more information about Supervision or to book Supervision with Sophia, please contact MBH Training on 07957 113425 or email: info@sophiakupse.com