As social workers, we are committed to ethical, client-centred practice for our clients - but what about support for ourselves?
Starting out as a new career social worker, or transitioning into private practice, can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. Whether you're a newly qualified social worker, an experienced practitioner seeking support, or you’re exploring the possibilities of private practice, professional supervision is an essential part of your career development.
Supervision provides a safe and structured space to reflect, learn, and build confidence in your skills, ensuring you can continue to provide the best care for your clients while maintaining your own wellbeing.
Why is professional supervision important for social workers?
Social work is a profession that requires deep emotional presence, resilience, and a commitment to supporting others through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Professional supervision offers you space to pause, reflect, and process - not just for professional development, but to ensure you remain emotionally present and fulfilled in the work you do.
Active participation in professional supervision is also a core practice standard for social workers, as outlined in the AASW Practice Standards (2013).
Good clinical supervision provides:
Clinical Reflection – Helping you navigate client-related challenges, ethical dilemmas, and complex cases.
Skill Development – Supporting you in deepening your therapeutic approaches and expanding your expertise.
Workplace & Career Support – Whether you work in an organisation or are starting private practice, supervision helps manage workplace challenges, professional transitions, and career growth.
Self-Care & Wellbeing – Social work can be emotionally demanding. Supervision ensures you have a space to reflect, debrief, and prioritise your own mental health.
Supervision requirements for social workers
The AASW Practice Standards require Accredited Social Workers to complete a minimum of 10 hours of professional supervision per financial year.
Supervision is an essential part of maintaining professional accreditation and ensuring continued growth in your practice.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Supervision helps ensure yours stays full.
Supervision for social workers in private practice
For those moving into private practice, supervision is particularly valuable. Running your own practice comes with unique challenges beyond clinical work, including:
Setting up and structuring your business – Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities, fee setting, and creating a sustainable practice model.
Marketing & client attraction – Learning how to connect with clients in an ethical, professional, and sustainable way.
Navigating systems & local market knowledge – Understanding referral pathways, funding options (such as NDIS), and how to position your services effectively.
Developing handouts & resources – Creating materials that support client work and professional practice.
What to expect from social work supervision with Evonne Jones
As an AASW Social Worker, I provide supervision that aligns with AASW standards, ensuring your professional development meets accreditation requirements. I maintain annual accreditation and membership with the AASW, reinforcing my commitment to high-quality, ethical supervision.
I offer flexible and supportive supervision tailored to your needs, whether you are in an organisational setting or getting started in private practice.
My approach is:
Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based – Supporting you to develop your practice in a way that aligns with your values and expertise.
Holistic & Neuro-Affirming – Recognising the importance of self-reflection, wellbeing, and sustainable professional growth.
Practical & Insightful – Offering hands-on guidance on private practice, navigating systems, and ethical considerations.
Supervision options
Ongoing Supervision: Regular monthly or fortnightly sessions to support your professional development and clinical growth.
Ad Hoc Supervision: Flexible sessions as needed to navigate specific challenges or professional transitions.
Supervision for Social Work Students & New Practitioners: Specialised support for those starting their careers, including guidance on casework, ethics, and career planning.
Private Practice Consultancy – Strategic guidance on practice development, marketing, and growth.
Incorporating Play Therapy into your social work practice
I am also an experienced Play Therapist with over 20 years experience supporting children, young people, and their families across government, community and private practice settings.
For social workers who support children and families, Play Therapy can be a powerful tool to help young clients express emotions, process experiences, and develop key social and emotional skills. Whether you’re new to this approach or looking to integrate it into your existing practice, Play Therapy offers a structured yet flexible way to engage children in meaningful therapeutic work.
However, as with any therapeutic modality, applying Play Therapy effectively requires guidance, reflection, and professional support. That’s where clinical supervision comes in - offering a space to refine your skills, navigate challenges, and continue growing as a practitioner.
I am currently working towards my registration as a Play Therapy Supervisor. In the meantime, if you’re seeking supervision for Play Therapy and don’t require a registered Play Therapy Supervisor, I can help. I’d love to connect and chat further about your goals and how I can support you.
Where we offer social work supervision
🌏 In-Person Supervision – Available at our office in Success, Perth.
💻 Online Supervision – Accessible to social workers across Australia.
Ready to invest in your growth?
Whether you need professional supervision, business guidance, or support in navigating private practice, I’m here to help. Learn more here.
Book a session today and take the next step in your social work career with confidence.
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