This article was first published in the March 2024 Communiqué
Previously, the standard suggested receiving one hour of clinical supervision for every 4.5 direct client contact hours for Qualifying registrants, and every 10 hours for RPs working toward independent practice. CRPO received feedback that these ratios are unrealistic and costly.
Clinical supervision is an important component of CRPO’s public protection mandate. The updated commentary for Standard 4.2 Practising with Clinical Supervision, is meant to be feasible for practitioners while ensuring adequate oversight. The revised commentary emphasizes the importance of shared judgment between supervisee and supervisor based on relevant factors such as the supervisee’s experience, clientele, and other supports in place. It encourages setting regular meetings in advance. It recommends that a newer practitioner such as an RP(Qualifying) registrant receive approximately one hour of clinical supervision per week while a more experienced practitioner such as an RP working toward independent practice should receive a minimum of approximately one hour every two weeks. Again, this could vary depending on the circumstances.
We hope this guidance will allow supervisors and supervisees to make arrangements that are achievable and beneficial to client care and the supervisee’s professional development.