Supervisor training for psychologists

Deakin University is approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a provider of supervisor training.

Deakin's supervisor training program

We offer a state-of-the-art, competency-based full training program, as well as master classes, designed in accord with the training framework and standards of the board and as specified in the Psychology Board of Australia's 'Guidelines for supervisors and supervisor training providers'.

This program is designed to meet the needs of registered psychologists who seek or wish to retain supervisor endorsement for supervising:

  • higher degree practicum placements
  • registrar program leading to endorsement in Clinical, Health, Forensic, and Organisational areas of practice
  • 4+2 internship program
  • 5+1 internship program.

Register and enrol

To register and enrol in our Supervisor Training program or one of our Masterclasses, please visit our Supervisor Training website.


Full training program

This program is comprised of three successive components.

1. Knowledge assessment

This self-study online program provides participants with comprehensive coverage of the knowledge necessary for practising as a supervisor. This includes defining supervision and its purpose, models of supervision, supervisor competencies and requirements, evaluation in supervision, the PsyBA pathways and supervisory requirements, the National Psychology Exam and legal and ethical issues relevant to supervision.

The full content of this component is expected to take at least seven hours to complete. Short quizzes enable participants to assess their learning and be directed to areas needing revision.

A multiple choice test assesses your mastery of this fundamental knowledge; successful completion of this enables you to register for the next component.

2. Skills training workshop

The workshop involves face-to-face training, conducted in small groups, over two full consecutive days. Conducted by Deakin staff experienced in the training of supervisors, the workshop focuses on the development best-practice skills in supervision.

Discussions, small group exercises and other activities will build participants' competency in the delivery of high-quality supervision. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. Workshops are offered four times per year, subject to sufficient numbers.

Please note: Evidence of successful completion of a board-approved knowledge training component is required prior to commencement of the skills training workshop.

Workshop locations

Workshops may be offered at Deakin University's campuses in Victoria, according to demand:

  • Melbourne Burwood Campus
  • Melbourne City Centre
  • Geelong Waterfront Campus
  • Warrnambool Campus.

We look forward to offering workshops in further regional Victoria centres and other states in the future.

3. Competency-based assessment and evaluation

In this third component, participants submit a video of their supervision practice, together with a self-reflective analysis of the session. Examiners will provide participants with a competency-based assessment report. The video and reflective analysis must be submitted within 12 weeks of completion of the skills training workshop. Further details will be provided on enrolment.

Eligibility

Psychologists are eligible to enrol in the full training program if they are one (or more) of the following:

  • a fully registered psychologist (of at least three years) who wishes to supervise colleagues and/or provisional psychologists undertaking the internship program.
  • a psychologist who has held an area of practice endorsement for at least two years and who wishes to supervise provisional psychologists undertaking postgraduate professional training (Masters, DPsych, Master/PhD) and/or registrars seeking an area of practice endorsement.

Master Class training

Psychologists who are endorsed supervisors are eligible to enrol in the Master Classes.

These full-day workshops are conducted by Deakin University staff, who are experienced trainers.  The workshop will overview the seven supervisor competencies specified by the board, with an advanced practice focus on the development and enhancement of proficiency in particular areas, such as the evaluation of supervisee competencies, dealing with ethical issues in supervision, and self-care.

Depending on demand, subsequent Master Classes may include a focus on areas of endorsement (Clinical, Health, Forensic, and Organisational). Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. A master class will be offered every six months, subject to sufficient numbers.

One of the key roles of a supervising psychologist is to create an environment that assists the supervisee to gain, maintain and enhance the psychology competencies required of a practising psychologist. This Master Class will provide supervisors with a range of practical skills in evaluating supervisees' psychological competencies, as well how to provide both positive and corrective feedback to supervisees.

The workshop will include:

  • an understanding of competency based supervision
  • a theoretical and practical understanding of evaluative techniques including relevant measures
  • facilitating reflection
  • processes and methods to deliver feedback, including how to provide negative feedback effectively.

To enhance learning, the workshop utilises a range of experiential techniques such as group and pair exercises, video analysis and roleplays. The Master Class will also involve evaluation of supervisor competencies through short answer questions, peer evaluation of skills during exercises and participant self-evaluation before and after the day.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points are available for the Full Training Program and the Master Classes.

Our trainers

Dr Helen Mildred

Dr Helen Mildred has been a registered psychologist for 22 years and is endorsed in the practice area of Clinical Psychology. Across that time she has provided clinical service and supervision in a number of Victorian public mental health settings, as well as in private practice.

In the last 14 years Helen has held a collaborative appointment between Eastern Health Mental Health Service and Deakin University School of Psychology. Through this role she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses, clinically supervised psychologists and provisional psychologists.She has also trained psychologists and other health professionals in clinical theory and skill development including in the area of clinical supervision, and undertaken and supervised research into the field of clinical psychology. 

In the last five years she has occupied the position of Director of the Deakin Psychology Clinic, which trains the students in the Doctorate courses and is embedded within the Eastern Health Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

Helen has conducted numerous training workshops and seminars to a wide range of psychologists, mental health, health and other professionals. In the last five years she has co-developed and presented an APS accredited supervision training workshop to groups of psychologists working within mental health, health and Department of Education settings.

Other staff contributing to the program

Professor Jane McGillivray

Professor Jane McGillivray is a registered psychologist with endorsement as a Clinical and a Health Psychologist and with longstanding experience in the training of psychology students and psychologists.

As Director of the Post Graduate Professional Programs and Chair of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin University, she has overall administrative responsibility for the development, accreditation and conduct of our five postgraduate psychology programs: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical, Health, Forensic) and Masters of Psychology (Clinical, Organizational).

Jane is approved by the board as a supervisor of provisional psychologists – that is, for the 4+2, 5+1 and higher degree pathways, and including the registrar program leading to area of practice endorsement (Clinical and Health). Over the last two decades, she has undertaken supervision, including 4+2 interns and more recently in clinical and health practice areas for Doctoral students undertaking practicum placements. In addition, she remains active in private practice and the provision of peer support and supervision.

Dr Rebecca Diehm

Endorsed area of practice, Clinical Psychology.

Read Dr Diehm's profile

Dr Jade Sheen

Endorsed area of practice, Clinical and Health Psychology.

Read Dr Sheen's profile

Contact us

For more details, please contact the School of Psychology.

School of Psychology
+61 3 924 46844
Email the School of Psychology