presupervision

Presupervision is the preparatory phase preceding formal supervisory engagement. It comprises activities intended to ready supervisees and organizations for ongoing oversight, with the goals of ensuring practitioner competence, ethical conduct, and client safety. The term is used in fields that involve direct practice with clients or students, including social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, education, and other healthcare and human services professions. Depending on the setting, presupervision may be embedded in a formal onboarding process or occur as a distinct early phase of supervision.

Key elements typically addressed during presupervision include: clarification of roles and responsibilities; assessment of the supervisee's current competencies and learning needs; case selection and caseload planning; risk assessment and safety planning; consent and confidentiality; establishment of supervisory objectives and evaluation criteria; and documentation and record-keeping standards. It may also cover ethical guidelines, local regulatory requirements, and the expectations of clients and organizations.

Practices during presupervision often involve pre-reading materials, case briefings, initial risk reviews, observation or shadowing, and the development of a supervisory contract or agreement. The aim is to align expectations, identify gaps, and set a practical plan for how supervision will proceed, including frequency, methods, and feedback mechanisms.

Benefits of presupervision include improved readiness, clearer goals, better alignment with professional standards, enhanced client safety, and reduced anxiety as supervisees begin supervision. Challenges can include limited resources or time, variability in how presupervision is implemented, and power dynamics between supervisees and supervisors. Effective presupervision relies on clear guidelines, consistent documentation, and transparent communication to support ongoing supervision.