David Linford-Smith
Coaching & Psychotherapy
Pastoral Supervision
As a qualified clinical and coaching supervisor, I provide supervision, and space for reflective practice, for coaches, therapists, and those working in the helping professions.
Exploring spirituality can be an important element for many of my clients, which has led me to offer pastoral supervision which is tailored for clergy, chaplains, lay ministers, spiritual directors, and those providing spiritual accompaniment - suitable for those who work in both church settings and spiritually-focused organisations.
Click here to see my BACP supervisor profile.
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Sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes for individuals, often monthly, depending on personal needs and professional requirements. I also provide supervision in small groups.​​​​​​​​​
Pastoral Supervision for Christian clergy
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Pastoral supervision for Christian clergy can be an important aspect of ministry that supports the well-being and effectiveness of clergy in their roles. It provides a space for nurturing the holistic development and sustenance of clergy, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of their pastoral roles effectively and faithfully. Here are some areas for consideration within a supervision setting:
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1. Spiritual Formation
• Ongoing spiritual development and deepening of personal faith.
• Practices that nurture and deepen the clergy’s relationship with God.
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2. Theological Reflection
• Reflecting on theological issues and their implications for ministry.
• Integrating theological insights into practical ministry.
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3. Self-Care and Wellbeing
• Addressing physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
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4. Ethical Considerations
• Support from ethical guidelines and addressing any ethical dilemmas.
• Maintaining integrity and accountability in ministry.
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5. Pastoral Skills
• Developing skills for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
• Enhancing competencies in counselling and conflict resolution.
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6. Leadership and Administration
• Effective church management and leadership techniques.
• Vision casting, strategic planning, and team building.
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7. Cultural Competence
• Understanding and engaging with diverse cultural contexts.
• Addressing issues of inclusion, diversity, and social justice.
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8. Boundary Management
• Establishing and maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
• Recognising and responding to potential boundary challenges.
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9. Vocational Discernment
• Ongoing reflection on spiritual calling and ministry direction.
• Support for navigating transitions and changes in ministry.
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10. Support Systems
• Building and maintaining supportive relationships within and outside the church.
• Utilising networks for peer support, mentoring, and professional development.
Pastoral Supervision
With qualifications as a clinical and coaching supervisor, and working across a range of helping professions, I bring a wealth of experience to those seeking personal and professional support and reflective practice in a religious and spiritual setting. My spiritual roots are diverse, but grounded in Christianity, Buddhism and non-religious spirituality. I have a wide understanding of other religions such as Judaism, Islam, Sufism, Sikhism, and Hinduism, allowing me to offer a rich, inclusive approach to pastoral and spiritual supervision.
Whether you seek support in your spiritual practice, guidance in your ministerial role, or a deepened understanding of your spiritual work, my holistic and creative approach to spiritually and psychologically informed pastoral supervision is designed to nurture and support you in your spiritual work and professional development.
I am a member of The Association for Pastoral Supervision and Education, promoting good practice in pastoral supervision. I am also a member of the BACP Spirituality Division.
My Core Qualifications
Diploma in Clinical Supervision: UK Level 7
Diploma in Coaching Supervision: UK Level 7
MSc Psychology (BPS-Accredited): UK Level 7
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy: UK Level 7
​Diploma in Integrative & Transactional Analysis Psychotherapeutic Counselling: UK Level 6
​Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy
​Certificate in Therapeutic Work with Children & Young People
Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis
Certificate in Performance Coaching
Certificate in Life Coaching
​Brainspotting Practitioner: Phase 1 & 2 (Brainspotting UK)
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My Professional Accreditations
BACP Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor
Member - BACP Coaching and Spirituality Divisions
Graduate Member - British Psychological Society
"Supervision is the interaction that occurs when a coach or mentor brings their work experiences to a supervisor in order to be supported and to engage in reflective dialogue and collaborative learning for the development and benefit of the practitioner, their clients and their organisations."
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“Supervision provides practitioners with regular and ongoing opportunities to reflect in depth about all aspects of their practice in order to work as effectively, safely and ethically as possible. This requires adequate levels of privacy, safety and containment for the supervisee to undertake this work.”
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
“Our aim is to help you integrate both multiple schools of thought and practice into your work and, at the same time, to integrate supervision into you as a person and a professional helper... to help coaches get better, be happier and become more effective for everyone involved.”
International Centre for Coaching Supervision
My Supervision Practice
At the heart of my practice is a set of well-defined principles underpinned by a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. My supervision centres around the Relational, Humanistic and Integrative approaches, and aims to foster an atmosphere of trust and support, offering a collaborative approach to personal and professional development.
One model I love to use in supervision is the ‘three core functions of supervision’ (Proctor, 2008):
Normative
Upholding and maintaining professional standards, reviewing our workload, exploring issues and ethical decision-making, and ensuring the welfare of those we work with.
Formative
Facilitating the ongoing development of skills and competencies, providing a space for learning, reflection, and growth.
Restorative
Creating a supportive environment to explore the emotional impact of the coaching work, offering support, validation, and strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout.
For my own practice, self-awareness is pivotal through reflective practice, effective supervision, continuing professional and personal growth, as well as regular supervision consultancy.