Why I Engage in Clinical Consultation
Since starting my private practice in 2013, I have found it particularly helpful to regularly engage in clinical consultation. This involves meeting with a clinical counsellor who has been working in the field longer than I have and discussing anything related to my work as a counsellor, including how my work affects me. She is someone who also has an ethical and legal responsibility to protect the confidentiality of my clients. Clinical consultation is sometimes called clinical supervision, although the term supervision is now used more specifically to refer to situations where a registered counsellor oversees the work of a student counsellor. Recently I spent time reflecting on the qualities that I think have made my experience with my clinical consultant especially helpful and have encouraged me to offer consultation to newer counsellors.
A Consultee-Centered Approach That Builds Safety and Trust
From the outset, she has taken a consultee-centred approach, regularly checking in about how I’d like to use our time together and what kind of support I need in any given session. This sense of shared influence and mutual respect has helped me feel both empowered and comfortable within our relationship.
Compassionate, Encouraging Support for Counsellor Growth
What I’ve especially valued is her compassionate and encouraging presence. She offers feedback and guidance in a way that builds confidence, rather than undermines it, which has been essential in moments of self-doubt or professional uncertainty. Her non-judgmental stance has created a space where I can bring forward complex client work and uncertainties without fear of criticism. This kind of safety has made it possible to grow more deeply and authentically in my role as a counsellor.
Holding Space for the Whole Person: Personal and Professional
I also experience her as very supportive, not only of my clinical work but of me as a whole person. I’ve felt comfortable bringing my full self into our sessions, including sharing how my work has intersected with my personal life. One memorable example was when we discussed how my counselling background was impacting my dating life, specifically my tendency to analyze a new potential partner’s attachment style! Her warmth and openness in these moments helped me reflect with curiosity and humour, rather than self-judgment, reinforcing the belief that consultation can hold both the professional and the personal with care.
Humility, Collaboration, and Mutual Learning in Consultation
Additionally, her authenticity in acknowledging her own knowledge gaps has also contributed to trust building, reminding me that consultation is a space for mutual learning rather than perfection. Rather than positioning herself as the expert with all the answers, she models humility and a genuine curiosity. This openness has fostered a sense of collaboration, an environment where I feel supported in exploring, questioning, and growing. It’s been a powerful reminder that effective consultation is not about having all the right answers, but about showing up with honesty, empathy, and a willingness to learn together.
A Protective Factor Against Compassion Fatigue for Counsellors
Ultimately, I believe this relationship has been a significant protective factor against compassion fatigue (more on that in another blog post :) ). Having a space where I feel consistently trusted and understood has helped me sustain emotional resilience and continue showing up for my clients. The trust we’ve built has allowed for honest conversations and meaningful reflection, and I’m truly grateful for the grounding and growth that this relationship has provided.
