APS Supervisor of the Year 2024 Award

I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have been recognised as the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Supervisor of the Year for 2024. This award is a testament to my passion for supervision and my commitment to supporting the next generation of psychologists in their professional journeys. It has also prompted me to reflect upon my journey in psychology so far and to think about the good, bad and the ugly of my own supervision throughout the years.

A Bit About Me

I wish I could say that I had a noble desire from an early age to assist people, but my path into Psychology wasn’t that profound. I enjoyed both Arts and Science subjects at school and when my aptitude test results pointed me to psychology as a potential profession, I became curious about that career pathway.

I ended up travelling a convoluted pathway through neuroscience and forensics, before completing my Clinical Doctorate. Throughout my early career my own supervision was very mixed. I remember having some fantastic supervisors, as well as some that were so awful that I questioned leaving the psychology profession all together.

My first role as a qualified clinical psychologist was working in a secure forensic unit where I was privileged to supervise a number of provisional psychologists. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and found that this supervision really kept me on my toes with having to stay up to date with research and be able to provide rationales for the work that we were conducting. I learnt early on that I worked best when I was working with people who challenged me and questioned the evidence base.

Over the years, my career has evolved to include a greater focus on supervision—a role I truly cherish. I believe supervision is more than just a requirement for psychologists; it should be a collaborative and enriching experience that fosters growth, confidence, and competence. Having experienced both excellent and damaging supervision, I am always aware of the importance of crating safe spaces where supervisees feel comfortable to explore challenges, build on their strengths, and develop their own unique style as practitioners. Whether we are navigating ethical dilemmas, refining therapeutic techniques, or discussing career development, I strive to provide guidance that is both practical and inspiring.

Why I Love Supervising

Supervision holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to:

• Foster Growth: Witnessing supervisees gain confidence and competence is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to guide them as they take their first steps into this meaningful profession.
• Promote Excellence: I am passionate about maintaining high standards in psychological practice and helping supervisees develop skills that will serve them and their clients well throughout their careers.
• Build Connections: Supervision is a two-way learning experience. I learn as much from my supervisees as they do from me, and this mutual exchange enriches my own practice and understanding. I also love developing connections with those in the mental health field whose knowledge I can draw upon for years to come.
• Champion Wellbeing: I emphasise self-care and resilience in supervision, ensuring supervisees have the tools to thrive personally and professionally.

Looking Ahead: Supervision Opportunities in 2025

As I reflect on this achievement, I am excited to continue supporting new and early career psychologists through supervision in 2025. If you are looking for a supervisor who values collaboration, authenticity, and professional growth, I would be delighted to work with you.

Appointments for 2025 are now open and can be booked through our Tweed Heads clinic. For inquiries or to secure your spot, please contact reception.tweedheads@succoris.com.au

Let’s work together to ensure your journey as a psychologist is fulfilling, rewarding, and impactful. I can’t wait to be part of your story!

Thank you once again to the APS for this incredible honour, and to all my supervisees past and present for trusting me to be a part of their professional development.