'The practice of supervision will become increasingly essential if humanity is going to preserve and develop its ability to care for the most vulnerable members of society, in a time when resources are stretched and challenges are continuously increasing, in size and complexity’
Hawkins and McMahon, 2020, p. 285
Designer
Dr. Nicola O'Sullivan
‘…working therapeutically is always challenging emotionally, as well as challenging of our understanding of, and faith in, life and relationships. It also involves working with ambiguity, uncertainty and an intimate awareness of our own limits’
McMahon,
2014, p. 2

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

Supervision is a dynamic and complex process situated in a wider socio-political context in which the supervisor and supervisee bring aspects of their own professional experience, personal experience, historical supervisory relationships, skills and knowledge. It is these experiences that feed into the supervisory space along with the supervisees casework. When thinking about what contributes to good supervision for me, I take these quotes as my starting place.




My philosophy of supervision draws upon the theory bound model of systems psychodynamic theory and the conceptual seven-eyed model (Hawkins and McMahon, 2020). Working at developing a good supervisory relationship is essential to me, and empathy, friendliness, approachability and humour are important in the space when appropriate. McMahon (2014), suggests four guiding principles for working with the supervisory relationship that I value;

  1. Offer emotional presence and sensitivity
  2. Value both vulnerability and competence
  3. Offer knowledge and experience with humility
  4. Develop a relationship to support continued personal and professional growth

I take an integrative approach to the supervisory space right now drawing from my experience as a supervisee and supervisor. I offer supervision to practitioners and leaders across disciplines both online and in person. I hold a Post Graduate Level 9 qualification in Professional Supervision from DCU.

Dr. Nicocla O'Sullivan Social Worker

Dr. Nicola O’Sullivan

Independent Social Care Consultant and Clinical Supervisor

If you’re interested in joining my waitlist for clinical supervision in 2025, please feel free to email me at info@drnicolaosullivan.ie In the meantime, here are some other clinical supervisors who may be currently available. 

Adrian McKenna

Adrian McKenna

Social Care Professional, Public Speaker, and Consultant

Ado is a frontline social care professional and trained clinical supervisor. He is one of the recipients of the Social Care Ireland ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Care’ award. He has worked for many years with vulnerable people across various settings, including residential care, detention services, mental health services, homeless services, post-adoption, and in the areas of regulation and education. Ado currently balances working with Crosscare in homeless services and providing social care consultancy and support to professionals in the wider health and social care field.

Marie Divilly

Marie Divilly

Clinical Supervisor and Social Care Professional.

Marie Divilly is an experienced clinical supervisor and social care professional. She has worked for over twenty years with children and young people in residential settings, as well as a social care worker in community-based environments. Marie offers in-person clinical supervision in the South-East and online supervision. She holds a Master’s in Therapeutic Child Care and a BA in Applied Social Studies. Additionally, she has a postgraduate diploma in clinical supervision and is currently completing her Master’s Degree.

To inquire about supervision with Marie, please contact her at nurturingprofessionalpractice@gmail.com or (087) 9749614.