Clinical Supervision for Counsellors in Ireland: ICPHAA Requirements and How to Choose a Supervisor
Clinical supervision is a condition of ICPHAA membership at every practising level and one of the first things reviewed at accreditation and renewal. This guide sets out the ratios confirmed by the Board on 25 October 2026, what a good supervision arrangement looks like, and how to choose a supervisor.
Why supervision is required
Supervision protects clients by giving the practitioner a regular, confidential space to reflect on the work with an experienced colleague. It supports ethical decision-making, helps practitioners notice risk and the limits of their competence, reduces isolation and burnout, and provides the signed supervisor report that accreditation depends on.
ICPHAA supervision requirements by category
Membership category | Minimum supervision |
Pre-Accredited | At least 1 hour for every 8 client hours |
Accredited Counsellor | At least 1 hour for every 10 client hours, and no less than 12 hours a year |
Accredited Addiction Counsellor | As Accredited Counsellor, with a supervisor experienced in addiction work |
Accredited Addiction Support Worker | At least 2 hours a month of supervision or structured line management with reflective practice |
Accredited Trauma Support Worker | At least 2 hours a month, with a supervisor experienced in trauma-informed work |
Accredited Bereavement Support Worker | At least 2 hours a month, individually or in a group |
Student | Client work only within a supervised training placement agreed by the training provider |
These are minimums. Practitioners working with complex presentations, high caseloads or in isolated settings are expected to arrange more.
What the supervision arrangement should cover
A written contract naming the supervisor, their qualifications and accreditation, the frequency and format of sessions (individual, group, in person or online) and the fee.
Confidentiality, including how client material is anonymised and how concerns about risk or safeguarding will be handled.
Record keeping: dated supervision hours, the client hours they relate to, and the supervisor's periodic signed report.
Review points, so the arrangement is revisited as the practitioner's role, caseload or specialism changes.
Choosing a supervisor
Accreditation as a supervisor. ICPHAA's Accredited + Supervisor category identifies members accredited to supervise. The current members are listed on the accredited clinical supervisors page.
Relevant experience. For addiction and trauma categories, ICPHAA requires a supervisor experienced in that field.
Fit and challenge. A supervisor should be supportive and prepared to challenge. Ask how they work and what they expect of a supervisee.
Practicalities. Availability, location or online option, fees and how reports are provided for accreditation and renewal.
Records for accreditation and renewal
Keep a dated log of supervision hours alongside your client-hours log, and ask your supervisor for a signed report at the intervals the accreditation requirements set out. If you change supervisor, record the dates and reasons and inform the Association through the member portal.
Frequently asked questions
Does group supervision count?
Yes, where the category allows it. For the support-worker categories, two hours a month may be individual or group. Record the format in your log.
Can my line manager act as my supervisor?
For Accredited Addiction Support Workers, structured line management with reflective practice can meet the requirement. For counselling and psychotherapy categories, clinical supervision must be with an appropriately qualified supervisor.
Is online supervision acceptable?
Yes. Supervision by video is accepted provided confidentiality is protected and the arrangement is recorded in the same way as in-person supervision.
I want to become a supervisor. What is required?
Supervisor accreditation is a distinct designation. Applicants hold an eligible professional accreditation, hold a supervision training qualification, have relevant clinical and supervision experience, have supervision of their own supervision work and hold current indemnity insurance. Contact the Accreditation Department through the member portal for the current application route.
Information correct at 8 November 2026. This article is general guidance from ICPHAA and is not legal advice. For the statutory position, check coru.ie.
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