Empowering reflection and growth: Supervision and education

About me

I am Zoë Gilbertson, a practising speech & language therapist, clinical supervisor, guest lecturer, podcaster and author.

Clinician

After qualifying as an SLT in 2008, I started working across an acute service and community neurological conditions team, treating people with single incident difficulties and progressive illnesses from diagnosis through to palliation. I then moved into an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation service where we also supported people with behaviours that challenge caused by brain injury. In 2015, I progressed into a specialist tertiary hospital, in a senior role working within inpatient rehabilitation and long-term disability management services for people with acquired brain injuries or progressive neurological conditions. 

I work clinically with adults with complex communication and swallowing difficulties, including those with tracheostomies, ventilator dependency, severe physical impairment and/or behaviours that challenge, requiring support from a range of health professionals. I am passionate about a positive behaviour support approach to understanding and supporting those who present with behaviours that challenge, recognising the pivotal role of communication support. I enjoy working within and supporting a close and creative team who are committed to a patient-centred, values-based approach to achieving the best quality of life for those we support.

Supervisor

Passionate about quality supervision, I have undertaken additional training with www.intandem.co.uk.

Supervision of others has been part of my clinical roles from early in my career. When I had the opportunity to join a network of therapists looking to improve access to quality supervision in 2022, I was excited to join the project and offer independent supervision.

The network continue to meet regularly to discuss how we can extend quality supervision practice through individuals, teams and services. We hope to develop a wider community of people who are committed to investing time and energy into quality supervision.

Podcaster

As part of the supervision network discussions, we were looking for an accessible way for people to learn more about quality supervision. A podcast is a quick and financially friendly way for busy clinicians to update themselves. I hope that "Speechies talk about..." inspires people to reflect on their own supervision and take action to make it work in the best way for them and their supervisees. 

Proud to be acknowledged as a resource in the RCSLT supervision resources, learning section https://www.rcslt.org/members/delivering-quality-services/supervision .

Educator

As a naturally curious person, I love to learn and facilitate others learning. Within my clinical roles I have always put myself forward to run training and workshops. Through these experiences I have developed a highly interactive style which helps personalise and embed learning for individuals even within a remote or auditorium context.

I thoroughly enjoyed my work as a university clinical tutor and continue to offer guest lecturing to universities.

Author

With my passion for sharing knowledge and patient-centred care, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to write for the "Working with..." series. Their easily accessible style and practical resources have been so useful to me throughout my career. In collaboration with Alexandra Henson who is a Speech & Language Therapist with a wealth of experience also, we have produced a book which we hope will help many others.

Committee member

An Acquired Brain Injury Forum for London (ABIL) executive committee member since 2024. I am proud to be part of the ABIL group of front-line professionals, policy makers, survivors of acquired brain injury, their relatives, and carers working to advance the brain injury agenda across London. Please find out more at www.abil.co.uk. ABIL is affiliated to the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF), a membership organisation and charity which aims to promote the understanding of all aspects of acquired brain injury, and to improve awareness of ABI through education and information. Find out more at www.ukabif.org.uk.