Towards evidence-based clinical supervision: the development and evaluation of four CBT guidelines

Clinical supervision is central to evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuing professional development (CPD), but the evidence base has made little impact on supervision, a major form of CPD. We unite the two by developing four evidence-based guidelines for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) supervision. The guidelines were designed to address the supervision cycle (i.e. collaborative goal-setting; methods of facilitating learning; evaluation and feedback) within the context of the supervision alliance. Guideline development followed the National Institute for Clinical Excellence approach, including a representative stakeholder working group (with local service users and supervisees), a national group of supervisors and supervisor trainers, plus an expert reference group. A total of 106 such participants completed an ad-hoc guideline evaluation tool, designed to provide a multi-dimensional reaction evaluation of the guidelines. The guidelines were all rated favourably, satisfying the key initial criteria of accuracy and acceptability, and were judged to represent a CBT approach to supervision. It is concluded that the use of the guidelines might help CBT supervisors to better meet demands for CPD (including specialization in supervision) and EBP.