Reflections from the Supervisor’s Chair: 30 Years in, and Still Learning

Reflections from the Supervisor’s Chair: 30 Years in, and Still Learning

By Jenni Avidon, Principal Clinical Psychologist of NorthStar Academy

After more than three decades in clinical practice, I’ve come to appreciate supervision in a whole new way—not just as something I once received, but as something I now deeply value offering to others.

These days, my work is primarily focused on supervision—both individual and group—and I consider it a real privilege to walk alongside fellow therapists as they grow, reflect, and find their footing in this complex, rewarding field.

My own career has been diverse. I’ve worked across settings, client groups, and therapeutic frameworks. I’ve experienced the emotional highs and lows that come with the territory: the breakthroughs, the burnout, the ethical dilemmas, the deep human connection. I’ve also been on the receiving end of supervision that changed how I saw myself—not just as a clinician, but as a person.

It’s that depth of lived experience I bring into my supervision practice today. I know what it’s like to sit in uncertainty. To feel stuck in a case. To wonder if you’ve done enough, or too much. And I know how grounding it is to have a trusted space where those questions can be explored with honesty and curiosity, not judgment.

Supervision, to me, is less about giving answers and more about creating a space for reflection, self-awareness, and professional growth. It’s about slowing down and tuning in—to your clients, yes, but also to yourself. Because the most powerful work often starts with insight into our own patterns, triggers, and blind spots.

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your practice, I believe supervision should be a place where you feel safe enough to be real. A space to unpack the emotional load, celebrate the wins, sit with the challenges, and stay connected to the heart of why you do this work in the first place.

In group supervision, I’ve seen the magic that happens when therapists realize they’re not alone in their experiences. There’s something powerful about shared insight and mutual support—especially in a profession that can sometimes feel isolating.

I don’t take it lightly that other clinicians invite me into their professional world. Whether we're exploring clinical dynamics, ethical tensions, or simply navigating the personal toll this work can take, I approach supervision with warmth, respect, and a deep commitment to your growth.

If you’re looking for a Board Approved Supervisor with both experience and heart, I’d love to connect.
I offer individual and group supervision for therapists at all stages, and I’m happy to have a conversation about what you’re looking for. Get in touch here or book a free 15-minute consult to see if we’re a good fit.

Because no matter how long we’ve been doing this work, we all need space to reflect, recalibrate, and keep learning.

Post Author

Jenni Avidon

Principal Clinical Psychologist of NorthStar Academy
BA (Psych) (Hons), MA (Clin Psych), MAPS, MACPA

With over 30 years of invaluable experience, our Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor, Jenni Avidon, hails from the diverse landscapes of South Africa and has seamlessly woven her wisdom into the Australian therapeutic tapestry for the past four years.  Guiding and mentoring psychologists with a blend of international insights and local expertise, let Jenni be your compass to finding your true north as a psychologist.