Neuropsychology supervision: A survey of practices in Quebec and a cross-cultural comparison

Supervisors in neuropsychology have an ethical responsibility to continuously improve their ability to supervise. Despite a growing interest in the field, there exist little data on the actual practice and few guidelines to help the practitioner through the process of neuropsychology supervision. This study aims to characterize neuropsychology supervisors and their practices in Quebec, Canada and compare these with supervisory practices of supervisors in the United States, with the ultimate aim of offering recommendations to supervisors.

Seventy-nine neuropsychology supervisors responded to the 20-question online survey of supervisory experience, education, practices, and familiarity with and use of supervision models that was inspired by Shultz and colleagues.

Experience in clinical supervision ranged from 0.12 to 35 years and from having supervised 1-150 supervisees. About half of respondents reported having received continuing education in supervision and about two thirds were familiar with at least one type of supervision model. Some supervisory practices were associated with experience, but not with familiarity and utilization of supervision models. Supervisors from Quebec and the U.S. reported a similar frequency of addressing most of the various supervisory competencies with their supervisees.

Based on the competency-based approach we offer a portrait of neuropsychology supervision in Quebec while highlighting some cultural differences with the U.S. Recommendations include focusing more on certain foundational (e.g. reflective practice) and functional competencies (supervision most notably). Neuropsychology supervisors are also encouraged to devote more time to continuing education opportunities in supervision in order to ensure supervisee development and quality care.