In this episode, Gilly speaks with osteopath and supervisor Ruth Walton about the role of professional supervision in osteopathic practice.

Ruth shares her journey from working in social work to becoming an osteopath, and how her experience led her to value reflective, supportive dialogue in clinical settings.

They explore how supervision—distinct from therapy, coaching, or managerial oversight—offers a confidential space for osteopaths to process challenging cases, offload emotional weight, and grow both personally and professionally. Ruth explains that supervision can help practitioners avoid burnout, increase confidence, sharpen clinical and interpersonal skills, and maintain joy in their work.

Importantly, supervision isn’t about being told what to do—it’s about being met where you are, asking high-quality questions, and working collaboratively with someone who holds space for you without judgement or agenda. It’s a tool for sustaining longevity and wellbeing in a caring profession.

🕒 [07:45] – Ruth shares her transition from social work to osteopathy and the moment she realised she could become an osteopath herself.

🕒 [22:30] – The turning point: Ruth explains why she sought out supervision as an osteopath and how it helped her hold space for difficult experiences.

🕒 [39:10] – What supervision is NOT – Ruth clarifies the difference between supervision, therapy, business coaching, and line management.

🕒 [56:05] – The real benefits: Ruth and Gilly discuss how supervision can boost confidence, prevent burnout, and bring more joy to clinical work.

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CONTACT METHOD

https://www.instagram.com/gillywoodhouse/
gilly@osteobiz.com
https://facebook.com/Osteobiz/

ABOUT THE HOST

Since 2013, Gilly Woodhouse has been inspiring and developing Osteopaths, other healthcare professionals and their clinics. With a wealth of entrepreneurial skills gained over a lifetime of creating businesses from scratch both in the UK and abroad, Gilly shares these experiences as well as illustrating how her clients have vastly improved their practices by streamlining operations and improving their marketing skills. The Osteobiz team of six now comprises Osteopath clinic owners or members of an Osteo family and together support over 100 worldwide clinic owners.

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