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Consultative Supervision

Supervision at The Way Forward Centre, Swansea, is provided by Kirsty Bilski, she holds an MA in Consultative Supervision from The University of South Wales, Newport. As a BACP Accredited Integrative Counsellor Kirsty brings together a blend of theory which enables her to be responsive to the needs of each individual supervisee no matter what their preferred theoretical leaning. She offers the ability to explore clinical experiences in a nurturing environment, from the perspective of sound ethical practice, based on her extensive experience of counselling adults, children and young people.

Kirsty also holds an MA in Counselling Children and Young People and is currently working towards a PhD in the school of Psychology, Early Years and Therapeutic Studies at the University of South Wales, Newport. Kirsty works with supervisees of all levels of experience, from those starting out in their first supervised placements to those who have gained significant experience over may years.

For those of you who want the theoretical detail Kirsty's therapeutic approach is largely Humanistic (Person Centered, Gestalt and Existential), with the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard very much at the foundation of her work. A lot of her creative approach is placed within a Gestalt frame although she also integrates aspects of Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systemic Theory, Solution Focused Approches, Motivational and Psychoeducational Techniques.

Within Supervision Kirsty refers mainly to the 7 eyed model (Hawkins & Shohet 2012), whilst also acknowledging the 3 step model (Van Ooijen 2013), and the Cyclical Model (Page & Wosket 2013).

If you are an experienced and qualified therapist you may be interested in finding out about the job opportunities we have at the Way Forward Centre. Please follow the link below to find out more.

Creative Supervision

Kirsty is naturally creative and uses aspects of this creativity in her style of supervision and is particularly well known for her use of sandtray as a reflective technique in supervision. There is no pressure to work creatively, she will always offer choice, however this style of working can bring another level of insight to the therapeutic relationship, a more in depth appreciation particularly for aspects of transference and counter-transference in the relationship. Supervisees who take the opportunity to work creatively are often suprised by the depth of insight achieved, it can enhance the therapeutic relationship and open up a whole new level of awareness of self as a practitioner. By using creative techniques in supervision you will gain the confidence to be more creative with your clients.

Although creative supervision is aimed more at exploring your clinical experiences creatively, and is therefore not therapy, have a look at the pages on this webistes which refer to creative approaches and the use of sandtray as they will give you an idea of what to expect when using these approaches and the resources you might use.

If you are using creative methods with your clients which include art or sandtray therapy, then it is essential to receive supervision with a supervisor who is trained and experienced in these methods.

Supervision of Counselling Students

Kirsty works carefully alongside all training institutions in order to support the learning of her student supervisees. As a student you can be assured of a suportive, warm and holding supervisory relationship. Supervision creates an extended learning environment to complement your educational needs, building your confidence with client work and sound ethical practice. Kirsty encourages and mindfully inspires students, nurturing self awareness and identity as an emerging therapist.

Kirsty has also taught on counselling courses in further and higher educational settings, and as the Director of the Way Forward Centre takes the lead on providing quality therapy training. Kirsty is able to use her experience to gently support you in developing your confidence with clients. She takes great pride in seeing students grow into competant practitioners and embrace their unique abilities.

As long as you are registered on a recognised counselling qualification, you will be able to enjoy a discounted fee for student supervision for the duration of your course.

Group Supervision

Kirsty provides a whole range of group supervision and professional development services. If you are already part of a group but require a facilitator then please feel free to contact Kirsty to explore the options available, expressions of interest from organisations searching for a group facilitator are also welcome.

Please follow the links below if you are interested in continued professional development opportunities (CPD) and events, along with counselling training. Also, due to the development of the Way Forward Centre, there are some job opportunities which you may be interested in, particularly if you are an experienced therapist. Please follow the appropriate link below to find out how you can apply.