When you’re starting out as a student therapist, supervision can feel a little overwhelming at first. There’s group supervision, one-to-one supervision, peer feedback—it can almost feel like you’re spending more time talking about your work than doing the work itself! But here’s the thing: finding a balance between group supervision and individual supervision can be incredibly beneficial, not just while you’re training, but even as you progress in your career as a qualified therapist.
Both group and one-to-one supervision offer something different, and when you combine the two, they can work together to provide a well-rounded experience that really supports your growth. Let’s start with group supervision. There’s something really powerful about sitting in a room (or on Zoom) with a group of fellow therapists, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the table. Whether you’re a student or have been practicing for years, that shared space can be a real game-changer. It’s like having a community that gets what you’re going through. There’s a sense of solidarity, and it’s incredibly reassuring to hear that others are facing similar challenges. You might think you’re the only one feeling stuck with a particular client, and then someone else in the group says, “Hey, I’ve been there,” and suddenly it feels less isolating.
In a group setting, you’re not just getting feedback from your supervisor, but also from your peers, and that’s a huge advantage. Everyone’s bringing something different to the table—different training backgrounds, different client populations, different ways of seeing the same situation. So, you get this diversity of thought that can really expand the way you approach your work. Sometimes a fellow therapist will ask a question or make an observation that you’d never have thought of, and it shifts your perspective in a way that helps you grow. Plus, let’s be honest, group supervision can be a lot of fun! The camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the supportive atmosphere create a space where learning doesn’t feel like such hard work.
But where group supervision shines in diversity and community, one-to-one supervision is where you get that deep, focused attention. It’s just you and your supervisor, diving into the specific challenges you’re facing, exploring the nuances of your work, and getting tailored feedback that’s all about your individual development. There’s something incredibly valuable about having that dedicated time where the conversation is all about you and your clients. It’s like a mirror being held up to your practice, where you can really look closely at your strengths, your blind spots, and your growth areas. In one-to-one supervision, you can bring up things you might not feel as comfortable sharing in a group, whether that’s personal reactions to a client, doubts about your approach, or anything else that feels vulnerable.
The real magic happens when you combine these two types of supervision. As a student therapist, it’s almost like having the best of both worlds. You get the wide-ranging input and support from a group, but then you also have that personal, in-depth space to process things on a more individual level. You can take something you’ve learned or explored in group supervision and bring it to your one-to-one sessions for deeper exploration. Or vice versa—maybe there’s something that comes up in your individual supervision that you want to hear other perspectives on in the group. It creates this back-and-forth rhythm that allows for a richer learning experience.
Even as a qualified therapist, combining group and individual supervision can keep you sharp and reflective. You might not “need” supervision in the same way you did as a student, but there’s always room for growth in this field. Group supervision keeps you connected to the larger community of therapists, which is especially important if you work in private practice or a setting where you don’t have daily contact with peers. It’s a way to stay in touch with the latest ideas, techniques, and trends, and to continuously challenge yourself. At the same time, one-to-one supervision can still provide that personalized space to explore more complex cases or areas of professional development that are specific to your practice.
Ultimately, it’s not about choosing one over the other, but about using them both in a way that complements your needs as a therapist. As a student, you’re laying the groundwork for your future practice, and this combination can help you build a solid foundation. And as a qualified therapist, it ensures that you’re always growing, always evolving, and never getting too comfortable in one way of doing things. Whether you’re just starting out or have been practicing for years, the blend of group and one-to-one supervision creates a dynamic, supportive environment that keeps you learning, reflecting, and connected to the therapeutic community. And that’s something we all need, no matter where we are in our careers.