Development of a training for mentors of supervised practice of psychologists
A comprehensive program for the training of mentors of supervised practice was developed in the project. It consists of three modules. Module 1 was built upon the existing 40-hour training course for mentors that involves the use of competence approach in supervised practice. Module 2 is a new 40-hour program that equips mentors with a broader perspective on the process of supervision, train them to establish a safe mentoring environment and to support professional growth of psychologists beginners. In Module 3, a new 80-hour program for mentors as well as other psychologists was developed that focused on various aspects of mental health, on identifying problems and directing clients. Themes: addiction, suicidal behaviour, depression, violence, motivational interview, defusing, burnout, self-care (mindfulness, relaxation techniques, self-reflection, problem-solving strategies, time management), counselling at difficult events, ethics.
Establishment of supervised practice and supervision of mentors
After the first part of the training in Module 2, mentors practiced supervision. Through practical experience they developed skills of supervising a mentoree. Psychologists beginners worked at their workplace, while they regularly twice a month reflected on their work with their mentor, also with the use of a developed online platform. In supervision for mentors, supervisors and mentors reflected on the mentoring process every two months, and they also consulted Norwegian experts.
Evaluation and development of guidelines
All parts of the training of mentors of supervised practice (Module 1, Module 2, all parts of Module 3), the implementation of supervised practice and the supervision of mentors were evaluated. The evaluation was based on participants’ satisfaction with the selected content, their opinion about the quality of implementation and on other indicators of efficiency of trainings, supervised practice and supervision of mentors that will be previously defined. Based on the evaluation of the project components the final evaluation of the project was carried out and a cost-effectiveness analysis was made.
A book on all steps of the project was prepared. Guidelines for the implementation of supervised practice and supervision of mentors and training of mentors were developed. They were published in Slovene and English and will be of interest to wider European psychological society. We planned steps towards sustainable implementation of supervised practice in Slovenia.
The book The Development of the Supervised Practice of Psychologists in Slovenia
The developed Guidelines for the Implementation of the Supervised Practice of Psychologists can be found on pp. 313-350 of this book.
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
| 5.–7. 2. 2015 | 1st meeting of the project Steering Committee |
| 13.-14. 3. 2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 1, Part 1 |
| 20.-21. 3. 2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 1, Part 2 |
| 23. 3.–12. 6. 2015 | Implementation of internship within Module 1 |
| 1. 4. 2015–31. 3. 2016 | Implementation of supervised practice |
| 9.4.2015 | Education programme for supervisors of mentors |
| 10.-11. 4. 2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 2, Part 1 |
| 12.4.2015 | Education programme for supervisors of mentors |
| 1.–2. 6. 2015 | Presentation of the project at TRIPLE i, Piran, Slovenia |
| 6.6.2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 3, Part 1 |
| 10.6.2015 | 2nd meeting of the project Steering Committee |
| 12.6.2015 | Breakfast with journalists; Presentation of the project at the conference Days of Slovenian Psychologists |
| 13.6.2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 1, Part 3 |
| 9. 7. 2015 | Presentation of the project at the 14th Congress of Psychology in Milan, Italy |
| 9.9.2015 | Presentation of the symposium about the project at the European Congress to Slovenian colleagues at the event Milano after Milano |
| 12.9.2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 3, Part 2 |
| 24.9.2015 | Education programme for supervisors of mentors |
| 25.-26. 9. 2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 2, Part 2 |
| 27.9.2015 | Education programme for supervisors of mentors |
| 30.9.2015 | 3rd meeting of the project Steering Committee |
| 17.10.2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 3, Part 3 |
| 7.11.2015 | Education programme for mentors: Module 3, Part 4 |
| 18.11.2015 | Interrim conference |
| 9.1.2016 | Education programme for mentors: Module 3, Part 5 |
| 5.-6.2.2016 | Education programme for supervisors of mentors, Part 3 |
| 10.2.2016 | 4th meeting of the project Steering Committee |
| 9.4.2016 | Closing meeting for active project participants |
| 2.6.2016 | Closing conference |
| 29.6.2016 | Symposium on supervision |
| 24.9.2016 | Presentation of project results at the 7th Congress of Slovenian Psychologists |
| 29.9.2016 | Presentation of project results at the 12th Alps-Adria Psychology Conference |
| 26.10.2016 | Presentation of project results at the national conference From Projects to Systemic Solutions (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia) |