CBT Supervision for Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists and Clinical / Counselling Psychologists  

William Phillips – 
Consultant Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
MA PgDip (CBT) Dip (CBH) Cert (FST) EMDR (1-3) MBPS GQHP MBABCP (Acced) FCIPD


I am a practising Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor working in private practice in Sevenoaks and online by video-link. In addition to my roles at Sevenoaks CBT and Eire Therapy, I am the Principal Psychotherapist at Think CBT. 

I provide clinical supervision to Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists, Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors practising CBT in the NHS and private practice. I have advanced training and direct clinical experience in the following forms of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy:


  • Mainstream Formulation-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT.`
  • Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy – REBT.
  • Applied Behaviour Analysis – ABA.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – ACT.
  • Compassion Focused Therapy – CFT.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy – DBT.
  • The Comprehensive Model of Behavioural Therapy – COMB.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders – CBT-E
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia – CBT-I.


I have a special interest and experience in the application of Inference Based Therapy (IBT). This is invaluable in the treatment of OCD spectrum related problems and other primarily obsessional presentations. I have completed training and qualified in the Comprehensive Behavioural Model for the treatment of Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours -  COMB protocol and Fairburn’s Eating Disorders training with CREDO.

I am also qualified and experienced in the allied therapeutic models of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR 1-3), Clinical Hypnotherapy and  Systemic Therapy. I can provide supervision on the integration of these approaches into a wider CBT strategy.


My Background

My original Masters degree training in 1994 specialised in applied behaviour analysis, behavioural learning and  construct development. I went on to complete advanced BPS accredited Psychometrics training in the early 2000s and  I completed diploma and post-graduate diploma training in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy between 2009-2012. Since then I have engaged in regular CPD primarily within the third wave CBT field.


My Approach to Clinical Supervision

Whilst I can provide formulation driven supervision and treatment planning I have a strong orientation towards transdiagnostic models of CBT. This reflects the emerging research base and my own clinical work within private practice over the last 15 years or so.

Whilst protocol driven CBT frequently has a strong evidence base, in practice, this can sometimes limit flexibility, creativity and relevance to the individual client.

Transdiagnostic approaches are however not an excuse to work in an unstructured or reactive way. Good client work is always evidence based, focused on clearly defined  problems,  change goals and a collaboratively developed treatment plan.

Our work as therapists must be judged by the degree to which we efficiently facilitate change and improvement in our client’s outcomes, rather than by forensic adherence to procedure or protocol.


My Supervision Style

My approach is structured-informal. This means that we should always have a clear agenda for supervision, an understanding of what we are trying to achieve and an engaging and creative discussion. Supervision should be interesting, innovative and enjoyable.

I promote a Socratic method in supervision, as I believe we retain better what we discover for ourselves. Sometimes however and on a practical level, I find that supervisees just need guidance and direct advice on how to get unstuck with their clients. Good supervision sessions therefore combine discovery and guidance in equal measure.

I have been providing clinical supervision for over ten years on an individual and group basis. I also work as a senior  executive coach within the business sector.

My current supervisees include Clinical and Counselling Psychologists and Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists working across the different CBT modalities. Whilst I have worked with trainees in the past, supervision is best provided to experienced practitioners working at an advance or senior level.


CBT Supervision Charges

My normal charges are £85 for a 60 minute session. I offer discounts to therapists working within the NHS, charity sector or with ethical charging policies in the private sector.

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