Understanding Clinical Supervision with an Art Therapist
- Chloe
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6
On the table: some paper, soft pastels, and a small stack of case notes. A supervisee exhales as they sit down, shoulders still carrying the weight of the last client session.
We pause.
Sometimes, we talk first. Sometimes, we draw. Occasionally, a supervisee chooses to collage the dynamic they’ve been holding all month.
This is supervision, a place to think, feel, and process.
And to ensure that those who hold so much are held too.
What is Art Therapy Clinical Supervision?
Clinical supervision is a professional and reflective space for therapists. It allows them to explore their client work, develop skills, process emotions, and safeguard ethical practice.
For art therapists in Manchester, supervision is not optional—it’s a legal requirement set by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). This means that qualified art therapists must receive regular supervision to maintain safe and ethical standards for the people they support.
This protects clients by ensuring therapists practice safely, ethically, and with ongoing reflection.
Unlike other titles such as “counsellor” or “psychotherapist,” which are not legally protected terms (meaning anyone can use them), “Art Therapist” is a protected title. Only HCPC-registered professionals who have completed accredited postgraduate training can call themselves an art therapist.
Knowing your supervisor is HCPC-registered ensures you are being supported by someone trained to uphold high standards of professional care.
What Does Supervision Look Like?
Supervision can take many forms. In my own practice at heyfromwithin.co.uk, we might:
Talk through the themes that have emerged in client sessions.
Make art together to explore dynamics, attachment patterns, or countertransference.
Reflect on the supervisee’s professional development goals.
Review ethical dilemmas and discuss possible next steps.
The sessions are curious, creative, and collaborative—not a place of judgment, but of deeper understanding.
Why Therapists Have Supervision
Supervision is not just about compliance; it is about connection and care. Attachment theory reminds us that we thrive when we feel seen and supported. Supervision offers this for therapists, enabling them to then offer it to their clients.
Research in art therapy supervision highlights how creative reflection can deepen insight and support emotional processing (McNiff, 2016).
I have seen supervisees grow more confident and grounded, becoming more attuned to both their own needs and those of their clients.
Who I Offer Supervision To
I provide clinical supervision for art therapists and trainee art therapists, as well as reflective practice sessions for professionals working with children and young people, including support workers, social workers, and teachers.
For those working with developmental trauma, supervision can be a vital space to process the emotional weight of the work and find sustainable ways to keep showing up.
Sessions are available in-person in Manchester or online. Frequency and structure can be adapted to meet the supervisee’s needs.
Considering Clinical Supervision?
If you’re curious about starting supervision with me, we can begin with an introductory session to explore your hopes and goals for the space.
This might include:
Professional development.
Ethical reflection.
Supervision reviews over time.
🧰 A Toolbox for Reflection
Supervision is not just about talking; it’s about discovering new perspectives, finding space to breathe, and resourcing yourself so you can continue your work well.
In my sessions, I often invite supervisees to bring in images, experiment with creative materials, and explore what their body might be holding through sensorimotor art therapy approaches.
If you’d like to explore some of the tools and ideas that often inform my professional practice, you can visit my🔗 Resources page here.
These are the books, articles, and creative approaches that I return to often and many supervisees find them inspiring starting points for reflection between sessions.
Whether you are a qualified art therapist, trainee, or professional seeking reflective practice, supervision can be a place to feel supported, resourced, and reconnected.
The Importance of Supervision in Art Therapy
Supervision plays a crucial role in the development of art therapists. It is a space where therapists can reflect on their experiences, gain insights, and enhance their skills. This process is vital for personal and professional growth.
Art therapy is a unique field that requires a deep understanding of both artistic expression and psychological principles. Supervision helps therapists navigate the complexities of their work, ensuring they remain effective and compassionate practitioners.
Building a Supportive Community
Engaging in supervision fosters a sense of community among therapists. It creates a network of support where professionals can share experiences, challenges, and successes. This community aspect is essential for combating feelings of isolation that can arise in therapeutic work.
Enhancing Client Outcomes
Ultimately, effective supervision leads to better outcomes for clients. When therapists are well-supported, they can provide higher-quality care. This not only benefits the therapists but also enhances the therapeutic experience for clients.
In conclusion, clinical supervision is an integral part of being an art therapist. It is a space for reflection, growth, and connection.
If you are considering supervision, I invite you to reach out and explore how we can work together to support your journey. Get in touch for an initial call,
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