Module 9 Overview

Many clinical supervisors work in private practice, where time spent supervising may reduce the number of client hours available, which may impact revenue.  While financial considerations are a part of any private practice situation, supervisors are often drawn to this role not solely for financial reasons but because of a deep commitment to the counselling profession. Most aspire to give back, nurture the development of new counsellors, and inspire them to make a meaningful difference in their clients’ lives and, by extension, in society. 

It is important to recognize the different contexts in which clinical supervision occurs, as these impact both the business and ethical aspects of supervision. For example, clinical supervision of trainees in the process of becoming counsellors often takes place within educational institutions and community practice placements. In these settings, universities typically prohibit financial compensation for the trainee’s work during their internship. Any fees charged for services rendered by the trainee are typically directed to the agency, and the supervisor’s compensation usually comes as part of their employment or contractual agreement with the agency. Occasionally, trainees may seek specialized supervision outside of these academic arrangements, in which case, the supervisor and trainee must negotiate payment directly. Similarly, if clinical consultation services are provided outside of a formal supervision relationship, the consultant and consultee must negotiate the financial arrangements directly.  Note that while clinical supervision and consultation can appear similar in format, they differ in purpose and responsibility. As noted throughout this course, supervision typically involves an evaluative and hierarchical relationship, often with accountability to a regulatory body or training institution. In contrast, consultation usually involves a more collaborative relationship and is non-evaluative, where the consultee retains full responsibility for their clinical decisions. 

While supervisors may approach this work with altruism and passion, they are still entitled to fair compensation for their services (see BCACC Fee Guide). Providing supervision is a professional role that includes tremendous responsibility; thus, seeking payment for it is both reasonable, appropriate, and, in many (all) instances, expected. That said, supervisors must navigate ethical and legal complexities when determining how to structure and charge for their services, including considerations related to context, transparency, dual relationships, and maintaining professional boundaries. 

In this module, you will explore practical, financial sustainability, as well as ethical and legal challenges that accompany the business aspects of supervision. You will identify ways of managing the challenges that honour and advance the needs and aspirations of both supervisee and supervisor. “While this module focuses on private practice supervision, it’s important to note that different considerations may apply in agency or employment-based settings, which are addressed elsewhere in the course.