Supervision: The Hidden Power Behind Effective Therapy

Supervision: The Hidden Power Behind Effective Therapy

By Jenni Avidon, Principal Clinical Psychologist of NorthStar Academy

As therapists, we hold space for so many—navigating trauma, grief, uncertainty, and transformation. But who holds space for us?

Supervision is often seen as a requirement—something we do to stay compliant or tick off CPD hours. But in reality, it’s so much more than that. It’s the foundation of sustainable, effective, and deeply ethical practice.

Over the years, I’ve come to see supervision as a quiet superpower in this profession. It’s where we slow down and process the emotional weight of the work. It’s where we reflect on what’s really happening in the room—not just for our clients, but for us. In supervision, there’s space to name the discomfort, explore the stuck points, and notice the blind spots we can’t always see on our own.

It’s also a place to reconnect—with our clinical intuition, our values, and our confidence. Because even the most seasoned therapist has moments of doubt. Supervision doesn’t eliminate that uncertainty—but it helps us navigate it with clarity and self-trust.

Whether you're early in your career or have been practicing for decades, supervision offers:

  • Clarity in Complexity – untangling challenging dynamics and ethical grey areas
  • Emotional Containment – processing the impact of holding space for others
  • Ongoing Growth – keeping your practice fresh, reflective, and aligned
  • Support and Accountability – especially in the isolating corners of private practice

For me, supervision has been a space of grounding and recalibration—a place to be human, not just the helper. It’s where I’m reminded that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

If you're looking for a supportive, reflective space to grow your practice and care for yourself as a clinician, I’d love to work with you.
Whether you're seeking regular supervision or just need a place to process a tricky case, feel free to reach out here or book a free 15-minute consult to see if we're a good fit.

Let’s make space for you—because the work you do matters.

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.