What should the first supervision session involve?
There's a lot to be discussed in supervision in terms of the AHPRA requirements, client presentations and your plan for the internship. However, what is a priority? How do you know where to start as a new provisional psychologist (or new supervisor)? Lots of ideas are below:
Well, we're here to the rescue with some ideas:
1) Supervision Agreement.
You should come to an agreement with your supervisor about what supervision involves. What time is billable? Is there support between sessions? When are log books reviewed? Some supervisors prefer to do this between sessions. Need a supervision contract? We have you covered here.
2) Task planning
There's a lot to know so why not be organised from the beginning. Discuss what tasks are required when. What is sent to AHPRA? What isn't? What needs to be completed weekly? You should discuss what should be completed in the first 6 months, second etc.
3) Develop a plan for addressing main learning needs
Discuss and prioritise learning needs with your supervisor.. For example, new graduates especially need to develop skills in risk assessment. They need to know what questions to ask. What forms to use?
4) Discuss the log book requirements
The importance of this can't be overstated because starting early means you don't fall behind. Discuss what constitutes direct client work, client related and how you like the log book to be completed.
It helps that there's a totally amazing log book here put together by Psychology Squared to potentially save you hundreds of hours and much heartache.
Soon thereafter, ensure you discuss
5) The Professional Development Learning Plan
A professional development plan should be established at the first supervision session. This should include a plan for the year, including any courses you might want to do, or conferences and events you may wish to attend. Any resources that your supervisor can provide are also invaluable in helping you become a better clinician. There AHPRA professional learning plan is here under the 4+2 section:
https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/Forms.aspx
6) Start looking at practice documents
This helps to ensure that the quality of your written work up to a professional standard. Discuss and review the documents that you have written so far (e.g. your case notes, emails to professionals and reports). It is important to understand what is good practice and what should be avoided.