Amy Colonna
I am a reflective and relational social work supervisor committed to supporting safe, ethical, and culturally responsive practice. I provide a supportive and collaborative supervision space where practitioners can critically reflect on their work, build confidence, and strengthen professional competence.
My approach is grounded in strengths-based and reflective practice, integrating theory with real-world experience. I aim to create a space of trust, respect, and accountability, where supervisees feel safe to explore complex practice situations, ethical dilemmas, and professional development goals.
I currently provide supervision to around twenty practitioners across Aotearoa New Zealand, working with a diverse range of roles, skillsets, and professional needs. This breadth of experience allows me to bring valuable insight into different sectors, increase awareness of available services, and support networking and referral pathways — all of which strengthen and inform practice.
Alongside supervision, I run my own private practice as a contractor. Through supervision, I also support others to develop the skills and confidence to establish and navigate their own contracting or private practice work.
My Approach
My approach to supervision is reflective, relational, and strengths-based, with a focus on creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space for professional growth. I aim to build trusting supervisory relationships where practitioners feel supported to critically reflect on their practice, explore challenges, and develop confidence in their decision-making.
I integrate reflective practice models, adult learning principles, and strengths-based approaches to support ongoing development, accountability, and ethical practice. My supervision encourages exploration of complex practice situations, risk, and professional responsibilities, while maintaining a focus on practitioner wellbeing and sustainability in the role.
I am committed to culturally responsive supervision that upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and respects diverse worldviews, including awareness of Te Ao Māori perspectives. I support practitioners to strengthen their cultural competence and responsiveness in their work with individuals, whānau, and communities.
I work with students, support workers, kaimahi, early career, and experienced practitioners across a range of practice settings, and tailor my supervision approach to meet individual learning styles, goals, and professional requirements. My aim is to provide a balanced space that supports both professional accountability and personal reflection, enabling safe and effective practice.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) - The University of Waikato
Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychology
Cert- Restorative Supervision Techniques for Professional Supervisors
Cert- Ethical Responsibilities & Liabilities in Supervision
Cert- CULTIVATING PROFESSIONAL RESILIENCE - Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing”
Cert- Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Cert- Advanced Suicide Risk Management
Cert- Single Session Family Consultation (SSFC) accredited
Cert- IFS PARTS WORK
Cert- Attachment Theory in Practice Diploma in Business Management and Administration
Over 200 hours of Post Graduate Professional Development in the areas listed in Professional Experience section
Professional Experience:
Placement Supervisor (Social work and Counselling)
Children and Families/Whānau Parenting and Family Dynamics
Relationship Coach/Counsellor
Social Work in Schools Supervisor
Care and Protection Knowledge
Youth Work
Mental Health and Addictions
Family/Whānau Violence specialist
ACC Sexual Abuse/Assault Counsellor & Social Worker
Bi-Cultural Social Work
Community Services Navigation
Leadership/Management
Education and Career Development
Community, Agency, and Project Strategy and Development
Senior Social Work Practitioner
Professional Practice External Supervisor (Social workers, Health Workers/Professional, Counsellors, Students (3 + years, over 30 supervisees)
Grief and Complex Trauma Specialist
Dissociative disorders
PTSD/CPTSD
Sexual Abuse
Polyvagal Therapy
Advanced Suicide Risk Management
CBT, Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic approach
Severe Trauma recovery and Dissociative Disorders
Internal Family Systems (IFS) modality
Resilience and Positive Psychology
Crisis Intervention
Task Centered Practice
Counselling and Psychotherapy Modalities
Attachment Theory in Practice
Suicide Bereavement and Prevention specialist (DHB Coordinator role 3 yrs)
Solution Focused Therapy
Creative Arts Therapy
IPV/Family Violence
Bicultural & Multicultural Practice
Community Development & Strategic Growth
Criminology & Human Development
Drug and Alcohol
Single Session Family Consultation (SSFC) accredited
Psychosocial program and workshop development and facilitation
Professional development trainer
Working with Neurodivergent children, youth and adults (Navigation support)
Mental Health and Needs Assessments
Profesional Association
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
Social Work Registration Board