Heather Swan

I usually take annual leave in August.  Other planned leave will always be negotiated in advance with supervisees and supervision cover offered if necessary.

My way of working is absolutely underpinned by the person-centred core conditions and the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professionals. I am an authentic person, who finds it easy to look for and value what is special and unique in you. I am empathic and will work hard to understand your emotions and concerns in the best interests of your clients.

My work is informed by a supervision curriculum, including clear boundaries, contracts, review and safeguarding. The degree of structure can co-evolve depending on your needs and learning preferences. If preferred, I can offer you a space to share anything you need to pay attention to. Where you think it is helpful, we can explore the functions (Proctor), process (Hawkins and Shotet) and/or cyclical (Page and Wosket) supervision models. We can use Interpersonal Process recall (IPA) and work creatively if you have this preference.

I aim to provide helicopter vision where we can capture any transference and parallel process dynamics including what we always talk about and what do we never talk about.

All issues brought to supervision will be given equal importance (horizontalization). I will give very careful attention so that we can become more aware of the impact of ‘edge of awareness’ aspects that may be impacting the therapeutic relationship. Michael Jacobs suggests the presenting past is ever present in the counselling dynamic.

There is value in reflecting on the ethical framework, any changes in the law and good practice guides once a year.

In summary, I hope, in relationship, we can both be ourselves, increase our capacity to use and accept more aspects of self, to free processes and thoughts that may be damaging and restrictive; to continue to develop and emotional connection to self and others (alone and together); to be emotionally present, open to feelings and safe to hold and share hidden materials in the here and now. Supervision can have elements of training, mentoring and counselling as necessary, most of all I offer an approach that is based on ‘appreciative inquiry’. It is more effective to build on your strengths than focus on weaknesses; to feel affirmed and empowered.

I work from an office in Warwick and also at home in Leamington Spa. I offer supervision to fully qualified counsellors and trainees.

I offer a free initial consultation where we can meet and discuss further how I work as a clinical supervisor and what you need and want from supervision. This can include any external factors that may have an influence on this process including your work context and any training/accreditation requirements.