Nov 17 / Rebecca Frost

One Supervisor or More? What Works Best During Your Registrar Program

Choosing the right supervisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a registrar. A good supervision relationship helps you grow your skills, reflect on your work, and develop confidence as an emerging psychologist.
But one question often comes up: should you work with just one supervisor, or is there value in having more than one?

At PREP, we’ve worked with hundreds of registrars over the years, and we’ve seen that a mix of supervision relationships can make a real difference to your learning and confidence.

Why More Than One Perspective Can Help

Every supervisor brings something unique; different experiences, areas of interest, and ways of thinking about therapy and clients. Having access to more than one supervisor means you’ll naturally encounter a broader range of ideas and approaches.

Many registrars find this helps them:
  • Build a more rounded skillset by seeing how different psychologists work.
  • Explore new therapeutic models or client groups.
  • Develop their own professional identity, rather than adopting just one way of thinking.

If you ever feel unsure about a particular issue or case, having another experienced person to check in with can be incredibly grounding.
In addition, it is important to have a plan for when your supervisor is on leave or unwell, and having this in place before a crisis happens.

The Benefits of Group Supervision

Alongside individual sessions, group supervision is a great way to learn from others. Up to a third of your supervision hours can be completed in small groups, and many registrars find this is where they feel highly supported.

Group supervision provides space to:

  • Hear about other registrars’ experiences and challenges.
  • Share strategies and ideas in a supportive environment.
  • Feel reassured that you’re not alone in facing common early-career hurdles.
  • Build a network of peers who understand what you’re going through.

At PREP, we find that registrars who participate in group supervision often describe it as one of the most rewarding parts of their program. It’s a chance to step back, learn from others, and feel part of a community.

Finding the Right Fit

There’s no single “best” way to structure your supervision. Some registrars prefer to work closely with one supervisor throughout, while others enjoy having a secondary supervisor or joining regular group sessions.

The key is to think about what helps you learn best. Do you prefer depth and consistency with one person, or do you like hearing multiple viewpoints? Would group discussion energise you, or do you prefer more one-on-one reflection?

PREP offers flexibility to suit both styles. You’ll have a primary supervisor who guides your program, and the option to include secondary supervision and group sessions as part of your hours.

A Supportive Network for Your Growth

Supervision is about more than meeting requirements, it’s about feeling supported as you develop your identity as a psychologist. Having a few different voices in that process can make the journey richer and more balanced.

If you’re considering your options, it’s worth thinking about how different supervision structures might fit your goals and learning style.

You can learn more about how PREP structures supervision and group learning on our website.