🌱Supervision Spotlight: From Trainee Counsellor to Thriving Private Practice - How Safe, Supportive Supervision Shaped Rachel’s Journey through Clinical Supervision with Sarah Tombs

“I always leave supervision feeling held, grounded, and confident.”

“Your warmth absolutely radiates from you, Sarah.

It helps me to be my real self -no part of me has to hide."

Finding the right clinical supervisor is about more than ticking a box - it’s about finding a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

In my Supervisory Spotlight Series, I sit down with some of my wonderful supervisees to share their experience of our work together - the growth, the insights, and the impact supervision can have both personally and professionally.

Here, I’m joined by Rachel, a counsellor who began supervision with me as a trainee and has since grown into a confident, grounded practitioner now running her own thriving private practice.

It has been a privilege to collaborate with Rachel and I cannot wait to see what's next for her.

Here’s our conversation.

Watch Rachel's Video Testimonial here:  ⬇️

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Can you tell us a little bit about you and your counsellor Journey?

We started working together when I was a student, a trainee counsellor and I stayed with you as my supervisor when I qualified.

You’ve seen me through the whole journey - from training into being a newly qualified counsellor.

I’ve just set up my own private practice now, which our sessions helped me to do and I really value your input and support as I move through this next stage. It’s so exciting to see what the future holds.

What drew you to want to work with me as your Supervisor?

Your warmth just absolutely radiates from you and that's what drew me to you!

It’s really strange how things work - I was looking for a placement with the NHS at the time and your video popped up on social media as you were working there at that time.

I remember thinking how friendly and inviting you seemed, even through the screen. I just knew I wanted to get in touch and work with you directly, Sarah.

Then when we met in person during my training, your experience, your wisdom, and the way you share things - it's so nurturing and warm yet professional and that really stood out.

I think because I can sometimes lack confidence, I needed someone who would gently challenge me, someone I could trust and who wasn’t critical in their approach. That was really important to me.

Do you mind sharing a little bit about your experience of supervision and how it’s been so far?

I really look forward to my supervision sessions with you. You hold the space so beautifully - it allows me to really connect with what I’m thinking and feeling about my client work.

I love that we look not only at how things feel for my clients, but also how they feel for me. You give space for both - my professional and personal worlds, because they influence each other.

Since qualifying, supervision has really supported me in trusting my intuition and working in a more heartfelt, authentic way. You’ve helped me grow my confidence and self-belief.

Before, I would’ve stuck rigidly to the three modalities I was trained in. Now, I trust myself to work integratively, to bring in what’s best for my clients without fear. That’s been a huge shift for me.

How would you describe me and my supervision style?

You’re so gentle, empathic, and understanding - nurturing but also really professional and full of wisdom.

Those two qualities together are rare and they make the space really special.

I feel genuinely held and heard. You help me reflect on my work without ever feeling criticised. I always come away with broader thinking, new perspectives, and more confidence in how I’ve worked.

I can bring my real self - no mask, no pretending, and that’s really important to me. You’ve seen me in all my vulnerabilities and that’s what makes the relationship authentic.

You’re also incredibly reliable. We meet regularly each month and if I ever need to check in sooner about something urgent, you always make time.

That sense of safety is invaluable, especially now that I’m working in private practice.

What would you say to other counsellors, therapists or coaches considering supervision with me?

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. I’d say - contact Sarah! It’s so important to find a supervisor you can connect with and be your real self around.

Just like I can with you!

I’ve really benefited from your care, your experience, and your expertise.

I’d highly recommend you to any therapist or counsellor looking for supervision.

Is there anything else on your heart or in your mind, that you'd like to share?

I just want to say thank you for being you and for being so real.

You share yourself authentically, and I really value that.

Our supervision feels holistic, deeper than one-dimensional professional work.

You’ve created a space where I can be fully me, and that’s had such a positive ripple effect.

My clients benefit from our supervision because I take what we explore together into my therapy room - everyone gains from it. So, thank you so much!

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Ready to feel held, supported & confident in your practice?

It’s been a joy to walk alongside Rachel - from trainee counsellor to thriving private practitioner and witness her confidence, intuition and self-belief expand.

If you’re a therapist, counsellor, or coach looking for BACP-aligned clinical supervision, that is trauma - informed, nurturing and grounded in both compassion and professional growth, I love to invite you to work together ⬇️

Whether you’re a trainee navigating placements, newly qualified, or an experienced practitioner exploring private practice or working within organisations, I adapt my integrative and intuitive supervision style to meet you where you are.

Together, we can cultivate confidence, authenticity, and reflective practice, so you can show up fully for your clients while supporting your own growth.

Take the next step toward building a confident, grounded, and effective practice.

Complete the supervision application form below to share your needs and preferences. Once reviewed, I'll be in touch to explore collaboration and ensure alignment.

Your invited to apply using the form below ⬇️

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With love & gratitude,

Sarah