Supervision For Psychologists
Guiding Your Professional Journey
A Supervisor is someone who supports you throughout your Psychology career and helps you meet the professional standards of being a Psychologist.
The Psychology Board Registration Standards require a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development completed each year. At least 10hrs must be peer consultations.
At Ikigai Psychology Clinic, we have experienced registered supervisors who can support you on your professional journey as a psychologist to help you meet the requirements for continued professional development (CPD).
What is Supervision?
Supporting You Career
Supervision in psychology refers to a structured and collaborative professional relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee that is aimed at enhancing the psycholgists reflective skills, professional development, and overall competence.
Supervision is typically a dynamic and interactive process, with the specific structure and focus varying depending on the needs of the supervisee, the setting, and the theoretical orientation of the supervisor. It plays a crucial role in the ongoing development and maintenance of high standards in the field of psychology.
The primary goal of supervision is to ensure the delivery of high-quality and ethically sound psychological services.
Education and Training
Supervision provides a platform for the supervisee to receive guidance, feedback, and education from a more experienced professional. This can include discussions about theoretical approaches, assessment methods, treatment planning, and intervention techniques.
Reflective Practice
Supervisees are encouraged to engage in reflective practice, which involves examining their own thoughts, feelings, and reactions in the context of their clinical work. This self-reflection fosters personal and professional growth.
Professional Support
Supervision provides a supportive and confidential space for the supervisee to discuss challenges, concerns, and personal reactions to their work. It can help prevent burnout and enhance the overall well-being of the mental health professional.
Common Myths
Common misconceptions about Supervision
1. Supervision is only for inexperienced professionals
Reality: Supervision is valuable for professionals at all levels of experience. Even seasoned psychologists can benefit from ongoing supervision to enhance their skills, stay updated on current research, and address new challenges.
2. Supervision is only about discussing cases.
Reality: While case discussion is a significant aspect, supervision covers a broader range of topics. It includes professional development, ethical considerations, self-reflection, and skill-building. Supervision encompasses various aspects of the supervisee's growth as a mental health professional.
3. Once supervision ends, the learning process is complete.
Reality: Learning is a lifelong process. While formal supervision may have a defined timeframe, ongoing professional development, mentorship, and peer consultation are essential throughout a psychologist's career.
How Supervision Can Help
Skill Development
Supervision is an opportunity for you to develop and refine your clinical skills. This may involve practicing specific therapeutic techniques, improving diagnostic skills, or enhancing communication and rapport-building abilities.
Case Review
Supervision often involves a review of the supervisee's caseload. This allows the supervisor to provide feedback on specific cases, discuss treatment decisions, and address any ethical or legal considerations.
Evaluation and Feedback
The supervisor provides ongoing evaluation and constructive feedback to the supervisee, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement. This feedback is crucial for the supervisee's professional development.
Licensing and Credentialing Requirements
Supervision is a requirement for obtaining and maintaining professional licenses or certifications in psychology. It ensures that mental health professionals meet the necessary standards for competence and ethical practice.
Supervision is typically a dynamic and interactive process, with the specific structure and focus varying depending on the needs of the supervisee, the setting, and the theoretical orientation of the supervisor. It plays a crucial role in the ongoing development and maintenance of high standards in the field of psychology.
"One of the most significant milestones in my professional journey was founding Ikigai Psychology Clinic. Although I was early in my career, I was passionate about creating a practice that reflected my values and approach to care. The name Ikigai comes from my Japanese heritage and is deeply connected to my personal philosophy. While there is no direct English translation, ikigai is often described as a person's reason for being, or the sense of purpose that gives life meaning."
Tunteeya Yamaoka
Psychologist, Supervisor, Director of Ikigai Psychology Clinic
My journey in psychology began after completing my Master of Professional Psychology (5+1 pathway) in Sydney. Although I completed my undergraduate studies in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, I began my professional career following my postgraduate degree, working with children and young adults, assessing and supporting those with ADHD and related challenges. During this time, I also worked as a School Counsellor at a university in Darlinghurst, supporting international students with their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
After gaining registration as a psychologist, I spent several years working across both public and private hospitals and clinics, developing my clinical skills and broadening my experience. I later returned to Brisbane, where I worked in private practice while also consulting as a mental health specialist for large corporate organisations. Although this work was valuable, I found myself drawn back to what I enjoyed most—supporting people in a more personal and meaningful one-on-one setting.
Returning to private practice proved to be a defining moment in my career. I had the opportunity to work alongside psychiatrist Dr Purssey, whose research-informed approach to mental health treatment greatly influenced my clinical philosophy. His focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioural change, and holistic treatment broadened my perspective on mental health care. He reinforced my belief that while medication can be an important part of treatment, it is rarely the complete answer. Lasting change often comes from developing psychological flexibility, meaningful coping strategies, self-awareness, and a life aligned with one’s values.
One of the most significant milestones in my professional journey was founding Ikigai Psychology Clinic. Although I was early in my career, I was passionate about creating a practice that reflected my values and approach to care. The name Ikigai comes from my Japanese heritage and is deeply connected to my personal philosophy. While there is no direct English translation, ikigai is often described as a person’s reason for being, or the sense of purpose that gives life meaning.
Alongside building the clinic, I volunteered with organisations such as CreativeMornings and TEDx, connecting with the broader community and advocating for mental health awareness. These experiences allowed me to build meaningful professional relationships, contribute to important conversations around wellbeing, and strengthen my connection to the communities I serve. Over time, Ikigai Psychology Clinic grew from a solo practice into a group clinic in Brisbane, at one stage operating with a team of five psychologists.
In 2024, I relocated Ikigai Psychology Clinic from Brisbane to Melbourne. While the clinic’s physical location changed, our commitment to supporting clients remained the same. Some of our clinicians chose to pursue their own professional paths, while I now practice in person in Prahran. Dr Tara Crandon works exclusively online, and together we continue providing Telehealth services to support our clients. Today, we continue to work with many of our long-term Queensland clients while also expanding our reach to individuals and families across Australia.
Alongside private practice, I am also a Board-approved Supervisor and work with the College of Professional Psychologists Online, supporting provisional psychologists as they progress towards general registration. My supervision style is warm, collaborative, and supportive while remaining thorough and appropriately directive. I believe effective supervision should not only develop clinical competence but also foster confidence, professional identity, critical thinking, and self-reflection. I am deeply invested in helping supervisees grow into capable, ethical, and compassionate psychologists.
I am currently accepting early-career psychologists and psychologists in training for supervision, both in person and online. If you would like to learn more about supervision or discuss how I may be able to support your professional development, please feel free to get in touch. I would be delighted to be part of your professional journey.
