Frequently Asked Questions
What is (pastoral) supervision?
Supervision is often described as reflecting on the past in the present, for the future.
It involves regular meetings between the supervisor and their supervisee. Each session involves a conversation in which the supervisor helps the supervisee develop insight, resilience and awareness.
Reflection can assist in realigning ministry practice with God's truth as revealed in Scripture, as we take time to notice our lives, our relationships, our habits and our blind spots.
Pastoral Supervision provides a safe and supportive space with guidance and encouragement to:
Debrief the day-to-day complexities of ministry work.
Untangle your thoughts and emotions and take on a wider-angle view.
Reflect in a way that leads to insight and action, reduced stress and improved wellbeing.
Identify gaps between your theology and your actions leading to growth and development.
Ministry supervision is a powerful catalyst for growing such self-awareness that will help you remain in ministry for the long haul.
What is the difference between supervision and coaching?
Ministry supervision and coaching both play important roles in personal and professional development.
Ministry supervision involves guided reflection on your work, focusing on spiritual and emotional growth to boost resilience and well-being. It seeks to align your actions with core theological principles.
Coaching has a stronger focus on identifying and achieving specific goals through improved skills and strategic planning.
Both supervision and coaching are valuable for professionals in care-oriented roles, as they strive to integrate their faith into their work and serve others effectively. Combining short-term coaching with long-term supervision can also offer significant benefits in certain contexts.
How do I choose a supervisor?
Establishing rapport with your supervisor is really important. Our supervisors welcome the opportunity to arrange an obligation-free conversation to explore supervision options and suitability. You can contact our supervisors here or contact us if you have any questions.
What accreditation do PSA supervisors have?
Our team are members of the Australian Association of Supervisors (AAOS) and are bound by AAOS Values, Guiding Principles and Professional Standards for Ethical Practice as well as annual professional development and personal supervision requirements.
Do you supervise any denomination?
Yes. Our supervisors are from a range of Protestant backgrounds, who confess to the Nicene Creed, and are comfortable working with clients from other denominations. In many situations, it can be an advantage to work with a supervisor from outside your immediate context.
Do you supervise clients from professions other than ministry?
Yes. Our supervisors have experience working with parachurch organisations, education and beyond.
Is supervision online or in person? Where are you based?
Our team members are based across several Australian states and so we prefer online supervision. Our supervisors are well practised in this method of delivery and are happy to accommodate online (including interstate and overseas) or in-person wherever possible.
How much does supervision cost?
1:1 supervision fees depend on your personal situation and supervisor. Sessions are one hour.
Group Supervision is a lower fee option. Sessions are typically 1.5 hours.
How long is the supervision commitment?
A typical commitment is a session every 4 - 6 weeks, over 12 months.
This varies between clients and contexts, and will depend on what you agree with your supervisor and/or organisation.
Many supervision relationships renew yearly, depending on the preferences and needs of both parties.
Do you offer counselling?
While some of our team have a psychology background, the PSA is focused on Pastoral Supervision and Coaching. For more information about Christian relationship counselling, spiritual guidance and physical wellbeing we recommend contacting Life to the Full.