Louise Sue Professional Supervision
What is Professional Supervision?
There are varying definitions of supervision throughout the literature, however this definition by Bond & Holland (2011, p15) resonates with me:
“Clinical supervision is regular, protected time for facilitated, in-depth reflection on complex issues influencing clinical practice. It aims to enable the supervisee to achieve, sustain and creatively develop a high quality of practice through the means of focused support and development. The supervisee reflects on the part she (he) plays as an individual in the complexities of the events and the quality of practice. This reflection is facilitated by one or more experienced colleagues who have expertise in facilitation and the frequent, ongoing sessions are led by the supervisee’s agenda.”
Supervision Approaches
I am continually learning and developing my supervision toolbox. The following are some examples of the professional supervision models and tools that I am familiar with and utilise in my practice.
Reflective Learning Model
Davy's & Bedoe's Reflective Learning Model (2020) is a person-centred approach, in which the supervisor assumes that the supervisee has the personal and professional resources to examine the issue at hand and come up with potential solutions. The solutions that emerge when using the RLM during supervision are “discovered and owned by the supervisee rather than taught by the supervisor”. The supervisor is a facilitator and co-explorer during the reflective process, while also responsible for maintaining safety.
Developmental Approach
Consideration is given to the supervisee's knowledge and experience. The supervisor modifies their style and approach as the supervisee progresses in their career.
Seven-eyed Model
Hawkins and Shohet's (2012) seven-eyed model of supervision is predominantly a relational model featuring two interlocking systems; the client work system and the supervisory system along with the wider context that these two systems float within