- Definition and purpose of supervision
- Supervisor roles and responsibilities
- Historical development
- Supervision versus therapy
- Professional standards and ethics
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Advanced Professional Diploma in Clinical Supervision Across Professions
An advanced live-online professional development programme preparing experienced practitioners for structured, ethical and reflective supervisory roles across counselling, psychotherapy and allied professions.
Advanced Professional Diploma
Advanced Professional Diploma in Clinical Supervision Across Professions
An advanced live-online professional development programme preparing experienced practitioners for structured, ethical and reflective supervisory roles across counselling, psychotherapy and allied professions.
At a Glance
Course Details
110 hrsLive Attendance
90 hrsSelf-Directed Learning
200CPD Credits
13 daysBi-weekly Schedule
Overview
Course Description
The programme integrates contemporary supervision theory with applied practice, ethical frameworks and reflective learning. Participants critically examine developmental, integrative, systemic, psychodynamic and reflective models of supervision, with particular attention to the supervisory relationship as a structured and ethically complex process.
Learners develop practical competencies in reflective dialogue, constructive feedback, assessment of professional development, complex supervisory dynamics and practitioner wellbeing. Ethical and legal considerations are embedded throughout, including confidentiality, safeguarding, professional standards and risk management.
Structured reflection, case analysis and applied supervision exercises support integration of learning. On completion, graduates should be able to deliver organised, ethical and effective clinical supervision aligned with professional and continuing-development standards.
Professional Learning
Learning Outcomes & Course Highlights
- Critically evaluate major models of clinical supervision
- Apply ethical and legal frameworks in supervision practice
- Facilitate effective supervisory relationships and psychological safety
- Assess supervisee competence and developmental needs
- Provide constructive, developmental and evidence-informed feedback
- Manage conflict, resistance, performance concerns and high-risk situations
- Demonstrate cultural competence and inclusive supervisory practice
- Support practitioner wellbeing, resilience and reflective capacity
- Work with transference, countertransference and projective identification
- Evaluate supervision effectiveness and maintain professional accountability
- Integrate theory, case analysis and applied supervision skills
- Prepare for progression into advanced supervisory roles
Programme Structure
Thirteen-Module Course Outline
- Developmental and integrative models
- Systemic and reflective approaches
- Seven-Eyed, Developmental, Discrimination and Cyclical models
- Strengths, limitations and model selection
- Rapport, trust and psychological safety
- Power dynamics and boundaries
- Communication and relational skills
- Conflict management
- Confidentiality and disclosure
- Informed consent
- Dual relationships and boundaries
- Risk management and safeguarding
- Professional codes and legal obligations
- Models of reflection
- Critical reflective practice
- Reflective journaling
- Feedback integration
- Self-awareness, bias and assumptions
- Competency frameworks
- Performance and developmental assessment
- Structured feedback
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Monitoring supervisee progress
- Active listening and effective questions
- Constructive feedback
- Reflective dialogue and coaching
- Managing silence
- Transference, countertransference and projective identification
- Resistance and conflict
- Ethical dilemmas
- Performance concerns
- Emotional responses
- Boundary violations and high-risk situations
- Diversity awareness
- Inclusive supervision
- Cultural sensitivity
- Bias and assumptions
- Adapting supervisory approaches
- Learning styles and developmental stages
- Professional growth and motivation
- Skills progression
- Feedback cycles
- Development planning
- Burnout prevention
- Stress management and resilience
- Supervisor self-care
- Supporting supervisee wellbeing
- Ethical responsibility for wellbeing
- Structuring sessions
- Case discussion
- Role-play and simulation
- Skills practice
- Feedback and performance review
- Integrating theory and practice
- Case analysis and portfolio development
- Case-study submission and skills-assessment preparation
- Demonstrating competence and professional readiness
- Fishbowl skills assessment and group feedback
Assessment Breakdown
Assessment & Course Completion
Your overall course mark is calculated from four assessment components, totalling 100%.
- Class Attendance — 10%: A minimum of 80% attendance at live online classes is required. Attendance is recorded automatically through Zoom and reconciled by the Registry.
- Skills Assessment — 30% (Mandatory): A demonstrated skills assessment is observed by the lecturer. A minimum passing grade of 80% in the skills assessment is required to receive the course award. Learners who do not achieve 80% at their first attempt will be offered a resubmission opportunity.
- Moodle Activity & Lecture Viewing — 20% (Mandatory): Engagement is evidenced through Moodle activity logs, including lecture recordings viewed in full, resources accessed, module tasks completed and consistent weekly participation. Passive enrolment without activity will not meet this requirement.
- Case Studies — Modules 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 — 40%: Six case-study submissions are completed across Modules 5–10, applying course concepts to practice. The six submissions collectively account for 40% of the overall course mark and are assessed against the published marking rubric on Moodle. This is the largest single component of the final grade.
Total Percentage Achievable: 100%. The minimum attendance requirement and mandatory skills and Moodle engagement requirements must also be met.
Regular attendance, sustained Moodle engagement and timely assessment submissions support successful progression through the course. If you fall behind or have any concerns about your progress, contact the Registry early for support.
Good to Know
Professional Requirements & Support
Entry Requirement
This advanced programme is for qualified practitioners only. Applicants should confirm suitability and any profession-specific requirements with the Academic Registry Office before enrolment.
Course Format
One live-online day every second week across 13 days, normally 10:00–17:30. The current published commencement date is 9 January 2027.
Accreditation
The page identifies the Professional Development Consortium, Provider of Excellence and CPD Standards Office. Any profession-specific recognition or pathway should be confirmed with Registry against current criteria.
Advanced Supervision Within Professional Scope
Clinical supervision carries significant ethical, relational and organisational responsibility. Participants must work within their qualifications, professional codes, organisational procedures and legal obligations, using consultation and referral where required.
The programme supports advanced professional practice but does not independently confer a protected professional title or authorise practice outside the learner’s existing competence.
Live Delivery
Zoom Delivery
All live online classes are delivered via ICPS College's secure enterprise Zoom platform, providing a stable, professional and confidential environment for lecturer-led teaching, discussion and skills practice. Students are expected to engage fully with live sessions, including breakout room discussions and applied skills practice, to gain the maximum benefit from the programme.
Given the personal and reflective nature of some of the material covered in this course, students are encouraged to attend live sessions from a private, confidential space and to take breaks or seek support where needed. Students experiencing technical difficulties should contact the College promptly so that alternative arrangements can be made where possible.
Learning Platform
Moodle LMS
Students are provided with access to the College's Moodle Learning Management System, where lecture notes, reading materials, module resources and assessment guidance are made available throughout the course. The Moodle LMS supports independent study and allows students to revisit key concepts, review recorded material where applicable, and prepare thoroughly for assessment.
Students are expected to engage regularly with the Moodle LMS as part of their self-directed learning hours. The platform is updated throughout the course to reflect the content covered in live sessions and to support consistent, structured academic progression.
Professional Accreditation & Important Information
Professional pathway and membership options may be available through the Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (ICPHAA) and recognised continuing-professional-development structures, subject to the current criteria of the relevant body. Students should confirm any specific pathway requirements with the lecturer, course leader or Registry Office.
By enrolling, students agree to comply with ICPS College policies, procedures and codes of conduct. Official course/cohort WhatsApp groups are College-moderated. Unofficial or unmoderated course/cohort groups should not be created for College-related communication without prior College knowledge and consent. These arrangements support student welfare, confidentiality, professional boundaries and protection from bullying, harassment, intimidation, exclusion and reputational harm.
Advanced Professional Diploma
Advanced Professional Diploma in Clinical Supervision Across Professions
An advanced live-online professional development programme preparing experienced practitioners for structured, ethical and reflective supervisory roles across counselling, psychotherapy and allied professions.
At a Glance
Course Details
110 hrsLive Attendance
90 hrsSelf-Directed Learning
200CPD Credits
13 daysBi-weekly Schedule
Overview
Course Description
The programme integrates contemporary supervision theory with applied practice, ethical frameworks and reflective learning. Participants critically examine developmental, integrative, systemic, psychodynamic and reflective models of supervision, with particular attention to the supervisory relationship as a structured and ethically complex process.
Learners develop practical competencies in reflective dialogue, constructive feedback, assessment of professional development, complex supervisory dynamics and practitioner wellbeing. Ethical and legal considerations are embedded throughout, including confidentiality, safeguarding, professional standards and risk management.
Structured reflection, case analysis and applied supervision exercises support integration of learning. On completion, graduates should be able to deliver organised, ethical and effective clinical supervision aligned with professional and continuing-development standards.
Professional Learning
Learning Outcomes & Course Highlights
- Critically evaluate major models of clinical supervision
- Apply ethical and legal frameworks in supervision practice
- Facilitate effective supervisory relationships and psychological safety
- Assess supervisee competence and developmental needs
- Provide constructive, developmental and evidence-informed feedback
- Manage conflict, resistance, performance concerns and high-risk situations
- Demonstrate cultural competence and inclusive supervisory practice
- Support practitioner wellbeing, resilience and reflective capacity
- Work with transference, countertransference and projective identification
- Evaluate supervision effectiveness and maintain professional accountability
- Integrate theory, case analysis and applied supervision skills
- Prepare for progression into advanced supervisory roles
Programme Structure
Thirteen-Module Course Outline
- Definition and purpose of supervision
- Supervisor roles and responsibilities
- Historical development
- Supervision versus therapy
- Professional standards and ethics
- Developmental and integrative models
- Systemic and reflective approaches
- Seven-Eyed, Developmental, Discrimination and Cyclical models
- Strengths, limitations and model selection
- Rapport, trust and psychological safety
- Power dynamics and boundaries
- Communication and relational skills
- Conflict management
- Confidentiality and disclosure
- Informed consent
- Dual relationships and boundaries
- Risk management and safeguarding
- Professional codes and legal obligations
- Models of reflection
- Critical reflective practice
- Reflective journaling
- Feedback integration
- Self-awareness, bias and assumptions
- Competency frameworks
- Performance and developmental assessment
- Structured feedback
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Monitoring supervisee progress
- Active listening and effective questions
- Constructive feedback
- Reflective dialogue and coaching
- Managing silence
- Transference, countertransference and projective identification
- Resistance and conflict
- Ethical dilemmas
- Performance concerns
- Emotional responses
- Boundary violations and high-risk situations
- Diversity awareness
- Inclusive supervision
- Cultural sensitivity
- Bias and assumptions
- Adapting supervisory approaches
- Learning styles and developmental stages
- Professional growth and motivation
- Skills progression
- Feedback cycles
- Development planning
- Burnout prevention
- Stress management and resilience
- Supervisor self-care
- Supporting supervisee wellbeing
- Ethical responsibility for wellbeing
- Structuring sessions
- Case discussion
- Role-play and simulation
- Skills practice
- Feedback and performance review
- Integrating theory and practice
- Case analysis and portfolio development
- Case-study submission and skills-assessment preparation
- Demonstrating competence and professional readiness
- Fishbowl skills assessment and group feedback
Assessment Breakdown
Assessment & Course Completion
Your overall course mark is calculated from four assessment components, totalling 100%.
- Class Attendance — 10%: A minimum of 80% attendance at live online classes is required. Attendance is recorded automatically through Zoom and reconciled by the Registry.
- Skills Assessment — 30% (Mandatory): A demonstrated skills assessment is observed by the lecturer. A minimum passing grade of 80% in the skills assessment is required to receive the course award. Learners who do not achieve 80% at their first attempt will be offered a resubmission opportunity.
- Moodle Activity & Lecture Viewing — 20% (Mandatory): Engagement is evidenced through Moodle activity logs, including lecture recordings viewed in full, resources accessed, module tasks completed and consistent weekly participation. Passive enrolment without activity will not meet this requirement.
- Case Studies — Modules 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 — 40%: Six case-study submissions are completed across Modules 5–10, applying course concepts to practice. The six submissions collectively account for 40% of the overall course mark and are assessed against the published marking rubric on Moodle. This is the largest single component of the final grade.
Total Percentage Achievable: 100%. The minimum attendance requirement and mandatory skills and Moodle engagement requirements must also be met.
Regular attendance, sustained Moodle engagement and timely assessment submissions support successful progression through the course. If you fall behind or have any concerns about your progress, contact the Registry early for support.
Good to Know
Professional Requirements & Support
Entry Requirement
This advanced programme is for qualified practitioners only. Applicants should confirm suitability and any profession-specific requirements with the Academic Registry Office before enrolment.
Course Format
One live-online day every second week across 13 days, normally 10:00–17:30. The current published commencement date is 9 January 2027.
Accreditation
The page identifies the Professional Development Consortium, Provider of Excellence and CPD Standards Office. Any profession-specific recognition or pathway should be confirmed with Registry against current criteria.
Advanced Supervision Within Professional Scope
Clinical supervision carries significant ethical, relational and organisational responsibility. Participants must work within their qualifications, professional codes, organisational procedures and legal obligations, using consultation and referral where required.
The programme supports advanced professional practice but does not independently confer a protected professional title or authorise practice outside the learner’s existing competence.
Live Delivery
Zoom Delivery
All live online classes are delivered via ICPS College's secure enterprise Zoom platform, providing a stable, professional and confidential environment for lecturer-led teaching, discussion and skills practice. Students are expected to engage fully with live sessions, including breakout room discussions and applied skills practice, to gain the maximum benefit from the programme.
Given the personal and reflective nature of some of the material covered in this course, students are encouraged to attend live sessions from a private, confidential space and to take breaks or seek support where needed. Students experiencing technical difficulties should contact the College promptly so that alternative arrangements can be made where possible.
Learning Platform
Moodle LMS
Students are provided with access to the College's Moodle Learning Management System, where lecture notes, reading materials, module resources and assessment guidance are made available throughout the course. The Moodle LMS supports independent study and allows students to revisit key concepts, review recorded material where applicable, and prepare thoroughly for assessment.
Students are expected to engage regularly with the Moodle LMS as part of their self-directed learning hours. The platform is updated throughout the course to reflect the content covered in live sessions and to support consistent, structured academic progression.
Professional Accreditation & Important Information
Professional pathway and membership options may be available through the Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (ICPHAA) and recognised continuing-professional-development structures, subject to the current criteria of the relevant body. Students should confirm any specific pathway requirements with the lecturer, course leader or Registry Office.
By enrolling, students agree to comply with ICPS College policies, procedures and codes of conduct. Official course/cohort WhatsApp groups are College-moderated. Unofficial or unmoderated course/cohort groups should not be created for College-related communication without prior College knowledge and consent. These arrangements support student welfare, confidentiality, professional boundaries and protection from bullying, harassment, intimidation, exclusion and reputational harm.
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