No matter how experienced we are, we all benefit from stepping outside our own perspective and reflecting on our work with others. Supervision, intervision, and collegial consultation each offer a way to do this, helping us refine our skills, navigate challenges, and grow as professionals. While they share a common goal—professional reflection, learning, and ethical practice—they differ in structure and approach.

Supervision provides a structured space to reflect, led by an experienced supervisor who helps us think critically about our cases, interventions, and ethical considerations. In many countries and organizations like FEPSAC and AASP, supervision is a requirement for certification and professional development, ensuring that sport psychologists have ongoing support as they refine their practice. Beyond professional obligations, however, good supervision is a game-changer—it challenges our thinking, helps us navigate complex situations, and ultimately makes us better at what we do.

Intervision, on the other hand, is peer-led. Instead of working with a formal supervisor, sport psychologists come together in structured discussions to share insights, challenge each other’s perspectives, and offer support. These sessions foster a sense of professional community, helping us learn not just from experts but from each other. While less directive than supervision, intervision can be incredibly powerful—sometimes, a fresh set of eyes or an alternative perspective from a colleague is all we need to see a challenge differently.

Then there’s collegial consultation—the most informal of the three. This could be a quick phone call to a trusted colleague, a WhatsApp exchange about a tricky situation, or an impromptu discussion over coffee (for example, during the ​Virtual Coffee Breaks​ or ​VSP+ Office Hours​). While less structured, these moments of shared reflection still serve a vital purpose. They remind us that we’re not alone in our challenges and that sometimes, even a short conversation can spark a new insight or solution.

Each of these approaches offers value in different ways, but the real question is: how often do we actively seek them out? In the same way that we encourage athletes to reflect and learn from their experiences, we owe it to ourselves to do the same. Whether through supervision, intervision, or informal consultations, creating space for reflection isn’t just a professional necessity—it’s a commitment to growth, both for ourselves and for the people we support.

As sport psychology professionals, we navigate complex human interactions, high-pressure environments, and ethical dilemmas—and we rarely get to step back and reflect on our own. That’s why supervision and intervision aren’t just helpful; they’re essential.

One of the biggest challenges in our field is ​emotional labor​. We work closely with athletes, teams, and coaches, often absorbing their struggles and stress. Without structured reflection, burnout creeps in quietly—disguised as exhaustion, frustration, or even self-doubt. I’ve been there myself. Regular supervision and peer discussions help me offload, process, and regain clarity, keeping my motivation and effectiveness high.

Beyond emotional well-being, supervision sharpens our skills and ethical awareness. When we discuss our cases, strategies, and dilemmas with others, we challenge our blind spots and gain fresh insights. Just a few days ago, in a discussion with sport psychology professionals at the regional Olympic Training Centers, we explored how to respond when an athlete confesses to having used prohibited medication. Obviously, we all stand for clean sport—yet, at the same time, psychologists are legally bound to confidentiality, unless there is imminent danger. Discussing such topics can transform an ethical gray area into a clearer decision-making process with the help of a second or third perspective. By actively engaging in professional reflection, we not only strengthen our decision-making but also reinforce the standards of excellence in our field.

But perhaps the greatest benefit of all is connection. Supervision and intervision remind us that we’re not alone. No matter how experienced we are, there will always be moments of uncertainty. Knowing that we have a trusted network of colleagues who understand our challenges and support our growth makes a difference—not just for our work, but for our confidence and resilience as professionals. For example, after the Paris Olympic Games, I found myself questioning whether I had done everything in the best way possible. To be honest, I doubted that I had. I needed an outside perspective, so I called a trusted colleague and asked for supervision. That conversation helped me gain clarity, reflect on what I had learned, and understand how I could grow from the experience. Looking back, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without supervision.

Making supervision and intervision a regular part of your professional practice doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a willingness to prioritize reflection and connection.

If you haven’t already, the first step is to find a supervisor. Many national sport psychology associations offer directories of accredited supervisors (such as ​AASP​) who specialize in different areas. Whether you need guidance on complex cases, ethical dilemmas, or professional development, there’s someone out there who can support your growth. Or, if you want to keep it simple, VSP+ offers two group supervision sessions per month, where you can discuss cases and receive independent feedback from both peers and a supervisor.

If you prefer a peer-driven approach, consider joining or starting an intervision group. Gather a few trusted colleagues and commit to regular discussions, whether it’s once a month or more frequently. At the Olympic Training Centers where I work, we meet twice a year for three-hour sessions to discuss cases, questions, and topics that matter to us. But these sessions don’t have to be that long—even a one-hour conversation can provide valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in your challenges.

Beyond benefiting your own practice, introducing structured reflection to coaches, clubs, and federations can have a powerful ripple effect. Many teams and organizations face high-stakes decisions, leadership challenges, and complex team dynamics—all of which can improve through professional reflection. By offering supervision or intervision sessions tailored to their needs, you can help create a culture of learning, self-awareness, and continuous improvement—not just for yourself, but for the entire sports ecosystem.

Athletes have coaches to guide their development. Teams rely on analysts to refine their performance. Business leaders turn to executive mentors for strategic insight. As sport psychology professionals, we dedicate ourselves to helping others grow—but who do we turn to for our own professional reflection?

Supervision, intervision, and collegial consultation aren’t just nice-to-haves—they are essential tools that strengthen our practice, sharpen our thinking, and help us navigate the complexities of working with athletes, teams, and coaches. Taking the time to reflect with others isn’t a luxury; it’s a commitment to excellence, ensuring that we continue to show up as the best professionals we can be.

When people ask me what my number one recommendation is for their own professional development, my answer is always the same: go and get supervision. It has been an absolute game-changer for me.

What has been your experience with supervision or intervision? Have they shaped your work in meaningful ways? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you’re interested in exploring a recent scientific perspective on supervision in sport psychology, I highly recommend the ​ISSP position stand by Poczwardowski et al. (2023)​.

…and if you’re interested in joining a group, ​let’s connect​. We have different opportunities available inside and outside VSP+. Because we always need to remember: while we can be powerful alone, we are always better together.