Mary provided supervision in my role as a speech and language therapist (SLT), working in an inpatient rehabilitation unit. I worked with adults with acquired brain injuries, often living with multiple co-morbidities. Cognitive communication impairments were common, along with acquired language and speech impairments. I had worked with Mary previously and know her to be a highly specialist, knowledgeable, compassionate SLT, and experienced clinical supervisor.
I reached out to Mary for clinical supervision as I was working in a unit as the sole SLT. Negotiating the supervision contract was simple and efficient. Sessions were 90 minutes. For our first supervision session, Mary visited the unit which was great to build rapport in our new working dynamic and to give some context to the working environment. Other supervision sessions were carried out on Zoom which worked really well, whilst also reducing travel time and costs.
Mary was consistently so supportive of me and my clinical work; always curious and bringing her expertise and the evidence base to our discussions. Mary brought creative ideas to tricky situations. For example, how to integrate group therapy with a cognitive communication focus, in a setting where service provision was often changing. Mary is also very personable and found I could quickly build trust with her. I came away from every session feeling heard and respected, with actions I could take forward. I am so grateful to Mary and highly recommend her as a clinical supervisor.
Supervision with Mary has been a very helpful and positive process. During a time in which I have experienced a lot of changes in my professional context, Mary has provided a productive space in which to explore and develop ideas, as well as work through a range of clinical and managerial issues. Mary works in such a way to ensure that I have been able to keep in mind the big picture whilst also dealing with the small but important details of a situation. This balanced approach has resulted in useful reflections as well as practical plans of action to pursue, thus enhancing clinical practice.
Speech and Language Therapist (Band 8a)
My supervision sessions with Mary are invaluable because her knowledge, experience and approach have been so helpful to me as my independent speech and language therapy practice has grown. Mary provides me with clinical expertise, supported by evidence-based knowledge in my specialism of adult neurology. She offers invaluable support around some of the challenges, and rewards, of independent working. I respect Mary’s values, perspective, and experience. She knows how to ask the right questions which allow me to reflect on my practice, and I believe this is critical to maintaining a positive, healthy approach to work. Supervision sessions with Mary always leave me feeling uplifted and have increased my self-confidence.
Independent Speech and Language Therapist