Do I need to prepare for my OT supervision session?

This is a question that many people ask me.

My answer is yes, but…

Before you know what to prepare, you need to understand what the scope of topics is that you can talk about. At the start of your supervision arrangement, it is essential to agree on the function, aims and boundaries of your sessions. This will relate to your career stage, your organisation, and whether your supervisor is internal or external. Ultimately, what is the purpose of these sessions? We need to agree on this at the beginning. We also need to acknowledge what supervision is not. Setting clear boundaries for these sessions.

For my supervisees, the scope encompasses clinical practice, independent practice, or OT business/service needs, as well as their well-being and occupational balance needs. It is not a counselling session, and if individuals need this, I do recommend that they arrange it separately from supervision. However, it remains a holistic approach.

For others, it may be clinical, managerial or a combination of both. Focus is often on professional skills, and the inclusion of personal skills and needs varies.

Once we understand the scope of supervision, we know what we can discuss in the session, and we can consider whether and how preparation can help.

What to consider when preparing for OT Supervision sessions?

Are there agenda items from previous sessions that were agreed to be moved over to the next session or followed up on? Did you agree to do any work and provide feedback? If so, these items should be reviewed and prepared in advance.

If a group supervision topic has been shared, then supporting information may be provided to supervisees; some require preparation, while others may not.

Will you get more out of the session if you create space to prepare? or do you prefer on-the-spot thinking?

We all communicate and learn differently; it’s essential to understand what works best for you and to communicate this with your supervisor. This helps manage expectations for both parties.

How to prepare for OT supervision?

I have supervisees who email their thoughts and topic list in advance of our sessions, I have others who use my preparation form, I have some who have a clear list for the agenda at the start of each session, and I have those who sit down and talk about the key points that are on their mind.

In my opinion, there is no right or wrong way. It is unique to each person, their style, learning and communication preferences. However, I encourage people to explore different options, to find the best way and to recognise when sometimes preparation can be helpful and when it is not.

Role of the OT Supervisor

Ultimately, it is my role as the supervisor to create a safe space, to ask questions, and to help elicit the information from the supervisee that they want or need to explore. To support them in identifying what the priorities, concerns or blocks are. To encourage them to share some wins in their practice, to 'OT themselves' a little with compassion and understanding of their own unique occupational balance needs. We are all individuals, and OT supervision should reflect this.

OT Supervision Preparation Forms 

I have a supervision preparation form as part of my eBook (download here). Some organisations will have their expectations of supervision clearly outlined, perhaps in the form of a checklist of what to bring. If so, please check and ensure you are meeting these expectations, as required.

Remember, alongside your supervision session notes, any preparation notes can be added to your CPD profile as evidence.

 Takeaway: My quick tips for OT supervision preparation

• Take 5-10 minutes before your session to gather your thoughts
• Identify what is playing on your mind; cases, relationships, dynamics, service needs or projects, OT business needs
• Bring any items that need follow-up from your last session
• Consider any CPD needs, new or ongoing
• Where does reflection fit into your session? Immediate, medium- or long-term views
• What wins have you had?
• What help do you need or want?

I hope you have found this useful today, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I am always happy to have a cuppa and a chat.

Written by Lynsay OT supervisor

Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw Occupational Therapist