Beginning your journey as a provisional psychologist is both exciting and challenging.
Choosing the right supervision setting can make a big difference, not just for your professional growth, but also for your sense of support and connection as you complete your supervision hours and grow into a Registered Psychologist.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a private practice placement.
1. Find a place and a supervisor where teamwork and connection are valued.
Some private practices are small, with only a few clinicians, which can feel isolating. As a provisional, you will do best when you feel that you belong in a community of caring professionals. Choose a site where you can learn alongside others, share ideas, and feel part of a supportive team.
2. Whenever possible, select an on-site supervisor.
Having a supervisor available in the same location means you can reach out quickly with questions or in case of an emergency with a client. This accessibility helps you feel safe, supported, and held as you take on the responsibilities of clinical work.
3. Choose a supervisor with expertise in your area of interest.
If you want to work with couples, children, or a specific population, make sure your supervisor has training and experience in that area. This ensures you receive guidance that is relevant, grounded, and directly applicable to the clients you serve.
4. Look for a site that offers exposure to multiple approaches.
Supervision is the perfect time to explore and experiment. Being in a setting that uses different therapeutic modalities allows you to glean an overview of how similar concerns can be approached in various ways. This flexibility will also help you clarify your own theoretical orientation and build a practice that feels authentic to you.
5. Prioritize wellness and joy.
Being a Registered Provisional Psychologist can be challenging. Choose a site for your clinical supervision that offers work-life balance, play, and wellness, not just productivity. When your environment is supportive and even fun at times, you’ll feel more grounded, resilient, and able to show up fully for your clients.
At its heart, supervision is about learning through relationship.
Just as our clients grow when they feel safe and connected, Registered Provisional Psychologists learn best and flourish in settings where they feel supported, understood, and encouraged to take things one step at a time.
Congratulations on getting to this exciting next step! You are well on your way to becoming a Registered Psychologist.
I wish you the best in finding a wonderful clinic and supervisor to complete your hours!
Marcella Galizia, MA, RPsych
