In this solo episode, Lynsay, an OT Supervisor with over 30 years of supervision experience, explains why preparing before supervision can make sessions more useful, focused, and reflective. She shares practical ways to prepare, what to include in a prep form, and how preparation helps you spot themes, ask better questions, and capture CPD evidence. This episode is especially useful if you feel too busy to prepare, or if you already prepare and want to compare your approach with a supervisor’s perspective.

Key topics

• Lynsay explains that preparation helps you gather your thoughts before supervision and get more out of the session.

• She notes that not everyone prepares the same way, and supervisors should meet supervisees where they are.

• Preparation helps you look beyond the immediate issue and reflect on what has happened since your last session.

• She highlights how themes can emerge across cases, relationships, and workplace dynamics when you take time to reflect.

• Lynsay encourages you to prioritise the top three things you want to discuss, rather than bringing only the most urgent issue.

• She explains how preparation can help you revisit previous actions, track progress, and bring back evolving practice points.

• She points out that written prep notes can count as evidence for HCPC CPD files and supervision records.

• If you do not prepare, you may end up with muddled thoughts, forget important topics, or feel more challenged by supervisor questions.

• She describes several preparation methods, including reviewing previous supervision notes, using a short form, sending an email, or writing a quick note.

• Lynsay recommends including wins, one case to explore in depth, CPD reflections, and any other thoughts that matter to you.

• She suggests setting aside 10 to 15 minutes before supervision and putting a reminder in your diary.

• She challenges listeners to think about whether lack of preparation is costing them time and depth during the session itself.

Timestamps

(00:00) Why this episode matters for supervision (

01:53) What preparation helps you notice between sessions

(02:49) Spotting themes across cases and practice patterns

(03:44) Prioritising what actually matters most

(04:13) Bringing back previous actions and how practice has evolved

(05:37) Using prep notes as CPD and supervision evidence (06:08) What happens when you do not prepare

(07:04) How unprepared thoughts can stay muddled and narrow

(07:59) Why supervisor questions can feel more challenging without reflection

(09:22) Supervision as a space for thinking, not just getting answers

(09:52) Ways to prepare, from reviewing notes to using a form

(10:51) Email, handwritten notes, or a form - all can work

(11:43) The top three topics to bring into supervision

(12:12) Choosing one case to explore in more depth

(12:52) Why wins belong in supervision too

(13:19) Reflecting on CPD beyond formal courses

(14:41) Leaving space for any other thoughts you want to share

(15:07) Checking priorities at the start of the session

(15:37) Practical takeaways for making preparation easier

(16:06) Voice notes and quick prompts when time is tight

(16:35) Building a diary reminder into your routine

(17:03) If you think you have no time, start with five minutes

(18:03) Final challenge and invitation to reflect on your experience

Takeaways

• Set aside 10 to 15 minutes before supervision to reflect and gather your thoughts.

• Choose your top three priorities and bring one case you would like to explore in more depth.

• Include wins, CPD reflections, follow-ups on previous actions, and anything else you want to discuss.

• Use a preparation method that works for you: previous notes, a short form, an email, or quick handwritten notes.

• If time is tight, start with five minutes and build the habit with a calendar reminder.

If you want a copy of my supervision preparation form, you can download it from my website as part of the “OT Supervision: Getting started” eBook. 

I’d love to hear from you, so please connect with me:

On my website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Or subscribe to my YouTube channel

Please share with colleagues.