Supervision for Trainee Counsellors online or face to face in North Leeds and in Otley.
A supportive space to grow in confidence, reflect openly and develop your unique identity as a therapist
Beginning your counselling journey can be exciting, meaningful and deeply rewarding.
It can also feel overwhelming at times.
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You may find yourself carrying questions that no textbook fully prepares you for.
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Am I doing enough?
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Did I handle that session well?
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What if I miss something important?
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How do I know if I'm helping?
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Why do I feel so anxious before sessions?
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Why does this client stay in my mind long after we've finished?
If any of these questions feel familiar, you are not alone. Almost every trainee counsellor experiences moments of uncertainty, self-doubt and vulnerability as they begin developing their therapeutic practice.
At Towards Tranquility Therapy, supervision is not simply a requirement to be completed.
It is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, learn and grow within a supportive professional relationship.
A place where you do not need to have all the answers.
A place where curiosity matters more than perfection.
Supervision That Supports The Therapist As Well As The Work
Training to become a counsellor involves much more than learning theory and developing skills.
It often involves:
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Learning to trust yourself
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Finding your therapeutic voice
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Managing anxiety and self-doubt
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Developing confidence in your clinical judgement
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Understanding the impact clients have on you
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Balancing study, placements and life responsibilities
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Learning to sit with uncertainty
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Exploring your own strengths and growing edges
This can feel like a lot to hold.
Supervision provides a space where you don't have to hold it alone. Together, we can think carefully about your client work whilst also paying attention to your wellbeing, confidence and development as a practitioner.
You Do Not Need To Be The Perfect Trainee
Many trainee counsellors arrive in supervision carrying a quiet fear that they should know more than they do.
Perhaps you worry that:
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You're not experienced enough
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You're getting things wrong
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Other trainees seem more confident
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You're not helping your clients enough
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You're missing important information
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You don't always know what to say
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You feel nervous discussing risk
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You're bringing "too many" questions
The truth is that uncertainty is a natural part of learning. Supervision is not about proving your competence. It is about developing it.
The most meaningful learning often happens when we feel safe enough to explore what we don't yet know.
Liz & Rachel's Approach To Supervision
The Towards Tranquility approach is nurturing, collaborative, compassionate and curious.
We aim to create a space where you feel supported, encouraged and able to think openly about your work.
Together we may explore:
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Client work and therapeutic relationships
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Ethical dilemmas
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Safeguarding concerns
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Risk assessment and management
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Confidence and self-doubt
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Imposter feelings
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Boundaries
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Professional development
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Personal responses to client work
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Theoretical integration
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Trauma-informed practice
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Neurodivergent-affirming practice
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Working creatively with clients
We believe supervision should provide both support and curious reflections rather than challenge. As well as being a space which encourages growth, reflection and deeper understanding.
Developing Confidence Around Risk
One area that many trainee counsellors find particularly anxiety-provoking is working with risk.
You may worry about:
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Suicidal thoughts
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Self-harm
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Safeguarding concerns
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Complex presentations
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Making the wrong decision
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Missing something important
These concerns are understandable.
Part of supervision is creating space to think carefully about risk whilst remaining grounded, compassionate and relational.
Rather than approaching risk from a place of fear, we can explore how to develop confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of what clients may be communicating through their distress.
You do not need to carry these responsibilities alone and one of the advantages of Towards Tranquility Therapy is that when your Supervisor is away you are able to contact the other supervisor within Towards Tranquility ensuring you are able to contact someone who will be able to support you through your questions and concerns.
A Trauma-Informed and Neurodivergent-Affirming Perspective
My work is informed by an understanding of trauma, attachment, nervous system responses and neurodivergence. Many clients' difficulties make more sense when viewed through these lenses.
Supervision provides an opportunity to explore:
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Fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses
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Trauma adaptations
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Emotional regulation
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Shame and self-criticism
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ADHD and Autism
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Masking and burnout
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Sensory needs
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Relational safety
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Nervous system awareness
Together we can think about how these understandings may inform your work and deepen your confidence as a practitioner.
Bringing Your Whole Self Into Supervision
Whilst supervision focuses on your client work, you are an important part of the therapeutic process too.
Sometimes sessions may include reflection on:
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How the work is affecting you emotionally
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Confidence struggles
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Feelings of inadequacy
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Burnout and overwhelm
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Professional identity
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Self-care and sustainability
Counselling can be incredibly rewarding work. It can also be emotionally demanding. Looking after yourself is not separate from good practice. It is part of good practice.
What Can You Bring To Supervision?
Anything that feels important.
Including:
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Questions
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Uncertainty
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Ethical concerns
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Successes
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Difficult sessions
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Risk concerns
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Placement challenges
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Professional development goals
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Personal reflections
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Celebrations and achievements
There is no expectation that you only bring work you feel confident about. Often the most valuable conversations begin with: "I'm not sure..."
Supervision Sessions
Supervision is available:
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Face-to-face in North Leeds and Otley
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Online throughout the UK
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For trainee counsellors on placement
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For students approaching qualification
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For newly qualified therapists seeking additional support
We can discuss together what frequency of supervision best meets your course requirements and professional needs.
You Are Already Learning More Than You Realise
It can be easier at times during training to focus on everything you still need to learn.
Growth is rarely as visible from the inside as it is from the outside.
Every session.
Every reflection.
Every uncertainty explored.
Every conversation in supervision.
All help you become the therapist you are growing into.
You do not need to be perfect.
You do not need to know everything.
You simply need a space where you can continue learning, reflecting and developing safely in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Ready to Explore Supervision?
If you are looking for supervision for trainee counsellors in Leeds that is supportive, collaborative, trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming, Liz and Rachel would be delighted to arrange an initial conversation.
Together we can explore whether supervision with Towards Tranquility Therapy feels like the right fit for this stage of your professional journey.
LIZ MASKEW
Face to Face in Leeds or online,
Nurturing Person-centred and integrative supervision for trainee and qualified counsellors looking for a collaborative, supportive space to think, reflect, enjoy the wins and untangle the complicated bits.
Humour included. Swearing welcome.
Experience in neurodivergence, trauma, clinical risk, working with children and supporting parents. I enjoy working creatively and drawing on different perspectives, approaches and interventions rather than expecting everyone to work in the same way.
Available for one-off supervision when you need another perspective, or ongoing regular supervision.
07882 851013
RACHEL TANDY
Integrative supervisor, trained in the seven eyed model of supervision and able to deliver supervision online, via telephone or in person in Leeds.
Experienced in working with trainee and qualified supervisees, navigating issues such as working in and for organisations, setting up in private practice, managing placements and working with children and young people.
Available for 1 off supervision or regular supervision as needed.
07933 868828
Frequently Asked Questions About Supervision for Trainee Counsellors in Leeds & Otley.
Do you supervise trainee counsellors?
Yes
What is supervision for trainee counsellors?
Supervision is a professional relationship that provides a dedicated space to reflect on your client work, explore ethical and safeguarding considerations, develop your skills and support your wellbeing as a trainee counsellor.
Whilst supervision is a requirement of counselling training, it is much more than a course obligation.
Good supervision offers a safe, supportive and reflective space where you can think openly about your work, learn from challenges and grow in confidence as a therapist.
Why do trainee counsellors need supervision?
Counselling can be incredibly rewarding work, but it also brings responsibility, uncertainty and emotional demands.
Supervision helps trainee counsellors to:
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Work safely and ethically
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Reflect on client work
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Explore therapeutic relationships
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Develop confidence and clinical judgement
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Discuss safeguarding and risk concerns
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Understand personal responses to client work
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Continue developing professionally
Supervision helps ensure both you and your clients are supported throughout the therapeutic process.
What is your approach to supervision?
Liz & Rachel's approach is compassionate, collaborative and curious.
Aiming to create a space where you can bring your uncertainties as well as your successes. Together, we'll think about your client work through a relational, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming lens whilst holding ethical responsibilities, professional standards and your own wellbeing in mind.
Supervision with Liz or Rachel is not about judgement or criticism. It is about thoughtful exploration, shared reflection and supporting you to grow in confidence and authenticity as a practitioner.
Liz & Rachel both work Integratively with a strong person centred base and welcome therapists from a variety of theoretical backgrounds.
Rather than expecting you to fit a rigid model, supervision focuses on understanding your way of working, your clients' needs and how we can think creatively and ethically together.
If you're unsure whether your modality would be a good fit, please get in touch to discuss this further.
How often should I attend supervision?
The frequency of supervision depends on several factors, including:
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The requirements of your training course
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Professional body guidance
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The number of client hours you undertake
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The complexity of your work
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Your own professional needs
We can think together about what arrangement feels most appropriate for your practice.
What can I bring to supervision?
You can bring anything related to your therapeutic work and development.
This may include:
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Client work
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Ethical dilemmas
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Safeguarding concerns
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Risk assessments
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Questions about theory
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Confidence struggles
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Imposter feelings
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Difficult therapeutic relationships
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Challenges within placement settings
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Personal responses to client work
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Professional development goals
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Successes and achievements
Many trainee counsellors worry they need to arrive with solutions. In reality, supervision is often most valuable when you bring the questions you don't yet have answers to.
What if I feel nervous about supervision?
Feeling nervous about supervision is incredibly common, particularly during training.
Many trainees worry about being judged, criticised or appearing inexperienced.
Our aim is to create a supervision relationship where you feel safe enough to be honest about uncertainty, ask questions and explore difficulties openly.
Supervision is not about catching mistakes or testing your knowledge.
It is about learning, reflection and development.
You do not need to be the perfect trainee to benefit from supervision.
How often should trainee counsellors attend supervision?
The frequency of supervision depends on several factors, including:
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Your training course requirements
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The number of client hours you are completing
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Professional body guidance
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The complexity of your client work
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Your individual learning needs
We can discuss your specific requirements during our initial conversation and agree on an arrangement that supports both your course expectations and your development.
Do you supervise trainee counsellors around working with risk?
Yes.
Many trainee counsellors feel anxious when working with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, safeguarding concerns or complex emotional distress.
Supervision provides a space to think carefully about risk, develop confidence in your decision-making and explore appropriate responses in a supportive and reflective environment.
Rather than approaching risk from a place of fear, we can work together to develop confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of what clients may be communicating through their distress.
Can supervision help me build confidence as a counsellor?
Absolutely.
One of the most common themes trainee counsellors bring to supervision is self-doubt.
Many worry that they are not doing enough, don't know enough or are somehow "behind" other trainees.
Supervision can help you:
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Recognise your strengths
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Build confidence in your clinical judgement
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Understand your therapeutic style
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Explore areas for growth
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Develop trust in yourself as a practitioner
Confidence rarely comes from having all the answers. It often develops through reflection, experience and supportive supervision.
What if I make mistakes with a client?
Every counsellor, regardless of experience, encounters moments they wish they had handled differently.
Supervision is not about proving that you never make mistakes.
It is about creating a space where we can think together about what happened, what can be learned and how best to move forward.
Some of the most valuable professional growth comes from reflecting openly on situations that feel difficult or uncomfortable.
Do you supervise trainees from all theoretical approaches?
Yes.
Liz and Rachel work integratively with a core person centred base and welcome trainee counsellors from a variety of theoretical backgrounds.
Whilst your course may emphasise a particular modality, supervision can provide a space to explore how theory translates into practice and how you are developing your own therapeutic identity.
If you're unsure whether my approach would suit your training, please feel free to get in touch for an informal conversation.
What is a trauma-informed approach to supervision?
A trauma-informed approach recognises the impact that trauma, attachment experiences and nervous system responses can have on both clients and therapists.
Within supervision, this means creating a space that values safety, collaboration, curiosity and compassion. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or behaviours, we consider the experiences, needs and adaptations that may sit beneath them.
This perspective can be particularly helpful when working with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, self-harm, emotional dysregulation or complex life experiences.
Do you offer neurodivergent-affirming supervision?
Yes.
Yes we aim to provide supervision that is respectful of different ways of thinking, processing and experiencing the world.
This includes supporting therapists who are:
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ADHD
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Autistic
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AuDHD
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Dyslexic
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Dyspraxic
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Exploring neurodivergence
We can think together about communication styles, sensory needs, executive functioning challenges, masking, burnout and ways of working that support both your wellbeing and professional development.
Can supervision help with placement challenges?
Yes. Placements can be wonderful learning environments, but they can also bring challenges.
You may find yourself navigating:
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Confidence issues
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Organisational expectations
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Difficult client work
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Time pressures
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Ethical dilemmas
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Placement relationships
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Endings and transitions
Supervision can provide a reflective space to explore these experiences and identify supportive ways forward.
What happens during the first supervision session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and explore what you are hoping for from supervision.
We may discuss:
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Your training course
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Your placement
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Current client work
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Previous supervision experiences
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Areas you would like support with
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Your hopes and goals for supervision
It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and decide whether the supervisory relationship feels like a good fit for you.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
The supervisory relationship is one of the most important professional relationships you will have as a counsellor.
It is important that you feel comfortable, respected and able to bring your authentic self into supervision.
Liz and Rachel offer an initial conversation so that we can explore whether working together feels right for both of us. Liz & Rachel encourage you to trust your instincts and ask any questions you may have before committing to ongoing work together.
A good supervision relationship should leave you feeling supported, encouraged, thoughtfully challenged and more connected to your growth as a practitioner.
Can newly qualified counsellors continue supervision with you?
Yes.
Many therapists choose to continue working with the same supervisor after qualification, particularly if they value continuity and have built a strong supervisory relationship.
The transition from trainee to qualified practitioner often brings new challenges, and supervision can continue to provide a valuable source of reflection, support and professional development.
Do you offer supervision in Leeds, Otley and online?
Yes.
Supervision is available:
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Face-to-face in Leeds
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Face-to-face in Otley
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Online throughout the UK
This flexibility allows you to access support in a way that best suits your needs, location and schedule. Trainee Counsellors often are required to have at least 51% of their supervision Face to Face. Some courses also require Supervision to happen for 45 minutes every 2 weeks whilst others can have a full 1.5 hrs once a month. Training providers requirements can vary so it is good to have an understanding of your training providers requirements when looking for a Supervisor.
Liz & Rachel would be delighted to have an initial conversation with you to explore whether working together feels right.
LIZ MASKEW
Nurturing, person-centred and integrative supervision, based in Moortown, Leeds and available face-to-face, by video or telephone.
I work creatively and draw from a wide range of perspectives, interventions and skills, giving us space to explore what works for you, your clients and your way of practising.
Experienced in supporting trainee and qualified counsellors working with children, young people and adults, with particular experience around neurodivergence and clinical risk.
Humour included. Swearing welcome.
Available for one-off supervision when you would value another perspective, as well as ongoing regular supervision.
RACHEL TANDY
Integrative supervisor, trained in the seven eyed model of supervision and able to deliver supervision online, via telephone or in person in Leeds, & Otley.
Experienced in working with trainee and qualified supervisees, navigating issues such as working in and for organisations, setting up in private practice, managing placements and working with children and young people.
Available for 1 off supervision or regular supervision as needed.