Supervision for Coaches and Mentors

I have been supervising internal and external coaches and mentors since 2005, and have an extensive background in coach development, delivering EMCC accredited qualifications through The OCM and CIPD. I passionately believe that a key role of supervision is to support coaches in finding and developing their own authentic yet robust approaches, and to support them to find ways of serving their clients flexibly and powerfully. I'm privileged to have worked with some amazing coaches, and I love what I do!

My model of supervision is described in my chapter 'The Self in Supervision' in 'Coaching and Mentoring Supervision: Theory and Practice' by Bachkirova, Jackson and Clutterbuck, and describes a person-centred, holistic and non-prescriptive approach which places particular emphasis on the self as instrument, as well as the self-care and reflective practices which coaches need to develop for themselves in order to keep their practice well oxygenated, life-giving, grounded and connected to their source.

Whilst I hold an approach to supervision which is about developing the coach's own authentic practice, I believe this also means being accountable to professional ethics and standards. I'm accredited as a supervisor via The OCM's Advanced Certificate in Coach-Mentoring Supervision (distinction). My supervisees are often in the process of completing various accreditations for themselves, and this can form part of the supervision content if relevant.

I believe that supervision works best when it comes in a range of formats, i.e. regular 121, ad hoc 'emergency', group, online etc and I believe it's important for me to work harmoniously with the other supports which a coach may already have in place. I see my role as being part of the bigger picture of a coach's overall development, offering a truly safe space to examine themselves and their practice to bring about the shifts they need to serve more effectively, flexibly and with ease and enjoyment.

I therefore offer both individual and group supervision, face to face and on skype. I aim to create packages which are tailored to the individual or group of coach's specific needs, availability and finances. I like to make sure that before entering an agreement that the coach(s) gain a clear sense of how I will work, and whether it will be compatible to their needs. After all - it's all about a good working relationship.

Feedback from Supervision Clients:

 'I have benefitted immensely from the work I have done with Katherine as my professional coaching supervisor.  Meetings with her both build my confidence and self-belief, and challenge me to think more deeply and experiment more boldly in my coaching.  She provides a tremendously safe space in which to explore the challenges of my coaching work, much of which is carried out in complex organisational settings.  She listens acutely and attentively, and is a curious, and where necessary, insistent questioner.  Her style combines stillness with warmth, and she models a creative, flexible and responsive coaching style which has enabled me to benefit both personally and professionally.'  JG, independent coach

'I have enjoyed a coaching relationship with Katherine for some time and I have found her to be the most valuable supervisor for my varied coaching practice (working in different contexts and settings). Katherine holds a truly safe space for me to empty my head and through her sophisticated approach and challenge she helps me to make sense of my experiences, thoughts and feelings so that I can develop and shape my learning. Apart from my personal experience and good fortune of having Katherine as my supervisor, I am also fully aware of her broader work in the areas of coaching supervision where I see her acting as both ambassador and guardian of good supervisory practice.'  AW, independent coach

'Without question, Katherine is one of the reasons I′ve remained committed to finishing my coaching qualification, which has come at one of the most challenging points in my life. Katherine has a quiet, unassuming style that is both supportive and empowering. I would always feel intact, valued for my effort and inspired to try again. She has also been incredibly patient whilst I′ve wrestled with the concept of there not being a right way to do things and has encouraged me to see other perspectives in a situation. She remains true to her wish to be present and offer a safe space, and always role-modelled this in our sessions. Katherine has made some quiet observations which have been some of the best feedback I have ever received - for being timely, relevant and non-judgmental. Her encouragement over the last few weeks has given me an incredible lift.' MS, independent coach

'Just two lines to tell you that my team coaching went very well.

Owing to our conversation, I felt calm, serene and at the same time full of enthusiasm in the perspective of exchanging experience and learning's with other people. Usually, I open the day by sending a tornado of  energy that can wake up  a "mummy" but that can also been experienced as very harsh and intrusive. This  time, I introduced myself and the programme with a  gentle, easy going approach. I think it  transmitted my positive energy and genuine "pleasure/interest" for working with them during the day. I feel I had the quality of presence that is more in line with the person I am today. I was not looking as I used to for feedback of approval but I felt 'ok' with  bringing the value of " who I am" and my difference. So you see, that I immediately put in practice the outcome of our  supervision.' SM internal coach