Brid Commins (13)
Welcome

Group supervision for Psychotherapists & other Professionals.

‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field.
I will meet you there.’ - Rumi

Group Supervision: a Learning Sanctuary

Group supervision provides:

  • A secure base to learn and grow with other professionals in a safe, confidential space
  • A haven where you are supported and challenged to be the best you can be and offer the best possible service to those with whom you work
  • A refuge where you can bring your struggles and concerns without judgement or rebuke
  • A place to celebrate and share your achievements, your skills and knowledge with others
  • A quiet retreat to recharge, be nurtured, resourced and replenished 
  • A hub to connect with other professionals in a creative, fun learning environment that breaks the isolation of working solo
  • A platform where you experience solidarity with other professionals, our common humanity, and ultimately reconnect with your deepest self.

About me

From a very early age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I did an Arts Degree in Trinity College, Dublin, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. I quickly experienced a sense of frustration with the education system that failed to address the emotional needs of students and teachers. So I went in search of a career that would give me the skills and knowledge to address these issues. Over an eight year period I studied Process Oriented Psychology, which qualified me to work with individuals, couples and groups. I later completed my formal education with a Masters in Cross Professional Supervision from the National University of Ireland.

For the last 35 years I have had a private practice working with individuals, couples and groups in Ireland. I have been involved in group facilitation and training in Ireland, Europe, US, Africa and India.
I have, for a number of years, worked in Adult Education developing and delivering Leadership and
Conflict Facilitation training courses. I have also worked within the corporate sector facilitating leadership and team development and running business forums.

In recent years, I have become aware again of the need for more group support in ongoing professional development for those working in the caring professions i.e. psychotherapists, psychlogists, nurses, social and community workers, teachers, amongst others. I have experienced first hand the huge benefits and advantages that arise when professionals come together and support one another in a safe learning environment. I therefore specialise in group supervision and have developed a unique style of working with professionals that combines deep emotional, somatic awareness with practical skills and a broad range of theoretical frameworks.

From a very early age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I did an Arts Degree in Trinity College, Dublin,
followed by a Higher Diploma in Education in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. I quickly experienced a
sense of frustration with the education system that failed to address the emotional needs of students and
teachers. So I went in search of a career that would give me the skills and knowledge to address these
issues. Over an eight year period I studied Process Oriented Psychology, which qualified me to work
with individuals, couples and groups. I later completed my formal education with a Masters in Cross
Professional Supervision from the National University of Ireland.

For the last 35 years I have had a private practice working with individuals, couples and groups in
Ireland. I have been involved in group facilitation and training in Ireland, Europe, US, Africa and India.
I have, for a number of years, worked in Adult Education developing and delivering Leadership and
Conflict Facilitation training courses. I have also worked within the corporate sector facilitating
leadership and team development and running business forums.

In recent years, I have become aware again of the need for more group support in ongoing professional
development for those working in the caring professions i.e. psychotherapists, psychlogists, nurses, social
and community workers, teachers, amongst others. I have experienced first hand the huge benefits and
advantages that arise when professionals come together and support one another in a safe learning
environment. I therefore specialise in group supervision and have developed a unique style of working
with professionals that combines deep emotional, somatic awareness with practical skills and a broad
range of theoretical frameworks.

Testimonials

I have attended Group Supervision with Brid for almost 10 years.  I prefer the dynamic process that comes with group work as I have been exposed to multiple ways of managing a practice while gaining extraordinary insights into various modalities of therapies and an exposure to a whole range of expertise and experiences from other therapists.  Brid supervises the group with a seasoned eye and a balanced approach and is always open to hearing about and adapting to the needs of the group.

Michael R.

MIACP, Counsellor/Psychotherapist

Working in private practice can be isolating, so it is helpful to meet with other therapists in group supervision rather than attending individually.  Brid is an excellent supervisor who offers a safe and nurturing environment, whilst allowing each participant the space to explore the challenges of their work.  Pooling skills, experience and knowledge creates a richness that improves the individual work but also creates a supportive group dynamic.  Listening to other therapists speak about their work is inspiring, enriching and offers exposure to a broader range of clients.  There is also an opportunity for feedback, support and validation from peers.  Group supervision is also more cost effective.

Mary L.

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist

I have been attending Group Supervision with Brid for a number of years having previously only attended one-to-one supervision.  I find it overall to be very beneficial to work in a group.  I find the group format to be very supportive, and it also enhances my learning as you are getting feedback from all group members rather than only the Supervisor.  You are also hearing the other counsellors dilemmas and can be supportive of them.  Overall, the learning is multiplied and very beneficial to my practice.

Colm S

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist

What I like about being part of a group is the support of the group.  I have learned from the vast knowledge and experience of other therapists and how they work within their disciplines.  The impact on my work has been positive.  Over the years I have noticed that my confidence has grown and that I trust my own intuition more.  Being part of Group Supervision is a very enriching experience and I could not see myself ever returning to individual supervision.

Kate M.

Integrative Psychotherapist, CBT, Mindfulness

I have been in group supervision for a number of years and have chosen it because of the wealth of experience it brings to my therapy work.  Hearing other therapists views and understanding of a situation, the ability to look at things from a different perspective, all add to the richness of the group experience.  The great added bonus is the tremendous support I feel from my fellow supervisees.  The whole being a very positive, holding space.

Vicki L.

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist

Brid unifies the group from the get go through meditation, aligning mind, heart and body, focusing inward through breath and deepening connection to the earth.  There is an unconscious sense of separating limitations of mind and an invitation through creative processes into the heart and body centres.  The group members, in their sharing of perspectives, with the client being brought into focal point, validates the concept that 'it takes a village to rare a child', as it brings the entire inner landscape of each group member, including Brid, into the process and keeps the connection to the client whole.  Throughout a group supervisory session, Brid attunes and engages hooks as they unfold, and wraps up with the red threads for the group as we prepare to re-emerge into the world once again.  A rich tapestry of process in learning and development in the field of client and therapist.

Vanessa S

Dramatherapist

I have been in group supervision with Brid for 10 years.  My clients and I are in safe hands. The focus on what is happening, in the client/therapist/supervisor/supervisee dynamic, can go in unexpected directions but always yields a deeper understanding of the client's world.  Brid's humanity, sense of fun and holding support this process.  I feel privileged to work with her.

Caroline B.

Counselling & Psychotherapy, Adolescent Psychotherapy

Group Supervision has provided me with a space to explore in a broader creative way aspects of the therapeutic process within a trusting, safe environment.  I feel that group supervision is unique as group members' interactions, facilitated by Brid, enhance learning and growth as a therapist, thereby strengthening the therapeutic relationship.  There is an opportunity to learn new perspectives on client issues from other group members through active engagement at all levels.  

Veronica, McB.

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist

I work from a humanistic and integrative perspective.  I was attracted to group supervision as I was curious about a different way of working in supervision.  As a lot of my work is one to one, I was interested in the different energy a group would bring.  I learn a lot from working in a group – we learn from each other.  We also give each other a lot of support, which I find invaluable.  The learning and support I get from my colleagues and my supervisor in group supervision has made me more confident in my work and more open to different ways of working.

Justine D.

Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist

I've attended group supervision fortnightly for over five years facilitated by Brid.  I find Brid's care, along with the openness and honesty of the group very supportive on a personal and professional level.  This in turn allows me to be a better therapist to my clients.

Grainne S.

Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapist

frequently asked questions

Every professional who is committed to their own growth and professional development and is seeking to provide the best possible service to their client, team or organization. Anybody who wants to develop more self awareness, better relationship skills, greater expertise, knowledge and theory. Anyone who is particularly interested in working with systems, wants to look at the individual within the context of the broader external evironment and culture, rather than as an isolated separate part. Everyone who enjoys exploring and reflecting with others and the fun and creativity that emerges when people combine their collective wisdom and imagination.
The supervisee in group supervision benefits from the collective wisdom and expertise of other professionals from diverse backgrounds and professional modalities. The experience of working as a team and working with team dynamics creates a rich learning experience. It is reassuring and comforting to connect with others with similar struggles, doubts and confusion. It reduces the sense of isolation for those working in private practice, or within teams where there is little honest sharing of work challenges. Group supervision supports a more collaborative experience and reduces the rank difference between supervisor and supervisee. Finally it is less expensive, better value, giving supervisees more learning time for less money.
Peer supervision refers to a reciprocal arrangement where peers work together in self directed learning. It does not involve a designated and qualified supervisor with responsibility for clear contracting, managing time, structure and supervisory process, with particular attention to safety, confidentiality and any group issues which might impact negatively on individuals’ capacity to share and learn together. In group supervision the supervisor ensures that individual and group needs are met and professional and ethical standards are maintained. One of the main benefits of having a supervisor is that professionals are allowed to feel the relief of being able to drop responsibility for others and be nurtured and supported to receive and take care of themselves. This also facilitates them to really trust and follow their own emotional experience without any pressure to make sense of it or any concern about the dynamics in the group.
To gain from the richness of working and learning with other professionals from diverse backgrounds. To benefit from the depth and breadth of working with themes that emerge in group dynamics that mirror external working situations. To enjoy the fun and creativity that emerges when working with others and feel the reassurance and comfort that others have the same struggles, doubts and challenges that you experience.
Time is managed so that each supervisee gets time to present a case if they so wish. Invariably, a theme emerges between the case presentations and, as each supervisee is engaged with the exploration of each issue, everyone is learning from one another throughout the supervision session. Also every case that is presented will mirror our own clients and situations that we have met, or may encounter in the future.
Invariably, the learning experience in group prepares you to address and work with all of your clients and organizational issues. There is often a blind spot, created by transference or countertransference, in the supervisee that not only relates to one client, and when explored with the group brings new insights which can be applied to various clients and situations.
Confidentiality is essential in all supervision. It is standard ethical and professional behaviour. Confidentiality is discussed with all group members and terms are agreed at the contracting phase of the group.
Group supervisees are invited to share their needs in order to feel safe in the group at the contracting phase. In order to create a safe and open learning space, issues such as honesty, openness, giving and receiving feedback are addressed at the outset as part of the learning contract. The sharing of vulnerability is part of an honourable agreement between group supervisees and if this is broken, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to address the issues with all group members. Supervisees are also invited to give feeback to the supervisor if they feel unsafe or judged as this is essential for a healthy learning relationship.
Some supervision groups meet fortnightly and others meet on a monthly basis, depending very much on work load, stress and availability.
A group of four supervisees meets for two hours. The numbers in the group will dictate the length of each session – the general guideline is to allocate half an hour for each member.
At present, because of Covid restrictions, all groups meet on zoom. It is envisaged that both face to face and zoom options will be available going forward.

‘You must be the change you want to see in the world’

Mahatma Gandhi

info@bridcommins.com

Tel: (086) 839 3623

Copyright © 2021 Brid Commins , All rights reserved.

*Commins and Parrin