Purpose
What is this group designed to do—and what is outside its scope?
Find the right room
Choose a group by purpose, not label.
Group spaces can support learning, reflection and connection in very different ways. A clear description helps you understand what you are joining.
One useful question
“What will this group ask of me?”
Consider attention, time, preparation, vulnerability, confidentiality and cost—not only the topic on the invitation.
Four common purposes
The name of the group is only the beginning.
Ask how the group is actually structured. Similar language can describe relationships with very different professional implications.
Supervision
Clinical supervision group
Led by a clinical supervisor and structured around supervision. If hours or regulatory requirements matter, verify the current criteria and documentation.
Education
Learning or skills group
Centred on a topic, modality or professional skill. Education can be valuable without being clinical supervision.
Consultation
Peer consultation group
Colleagues think together about practice questions. Roles, accountability and confidentiality still need to be explicit.
Connection
Community or support gathering
Connection, mutual support and shared experience are the focus. The gathering should be described accurately and held with clear boundaries.
Before joining
Make the invisible structure visible.
Leadership
Who facilitates it, and what role do they hold in relation to participants?
Privacy
What may be shared, recorded or discussed outside the room?
Rhythm
How often does it meet, for how long, and what preparation is expected?
If you need hours recognized, ask before the first meeting.
Confirm whether the facilitator meets the applicable criteria, whether the structure qualifies, how attendance and content are documented and which forms will be completed. STEP cannot determine whether a group arrangement will be accepted by a regulator or program.
How supervision worksLooking for peers?
Consultation has its own purpose and boundaries.
Explore how peer consultation groups can be framed without confusing consultation with clinical supervision.