My personal philosophy of supervision is gathered from my own clinical experience with clients as well as learnings gained from teaching hypnotherapy and other transformational change modules; my involvement in courses I have attended; my own personal therapy; from my network of peers as well as my relationships with different mentors and teachers in my life, friends, family and students.

In summarary these include…

• Modelling effective relationships

• Clarifying roles and managing expectations;

• Establishing a safe, open environment for learning in order to:

      o Enhancing awareness and expanding on ways of thinking;

      o Increasing therapeutic technical skills;

      o Ethics and responsibilities of being a mental health practitioner

Modelling Effective Relationships

I believe it’s important to be congruent and authentic in your relationship with your supervisees’, modelling the very same attitude, approach and theories that are used in any therapeutic relationship. Berger and Graff (1995) highlight the importance of keeping clear boundaries within the supervision relationship. This includes good time management skills along with an awareness of the supervisee’s own work/life balance and self-care practises.

Clarifying Roles and Managing Expectations

According to a number of authors, clarifying the roles and preparing supervisee’s for the process of supervision is fundamental to the process of supervision (Pearson, 2004). Being clear about the role of a supervisor and expectations of the supervisee should be clearly understood. I do this in a number of ways, beginning with an initial phone call to you and answering any questions you may have as well as explaining the process of how I work. During our first sessions of supervision we will also discuss how we can best work together and clarify our Supervision Agreeement.

Managing Expectation in any relationship is important, it increases the value for everyone involved. In an article titled “Getting the most of out of supervision” the author stipulates that it is beneficial to prepare supervisee’s by the process of self -evaluation and awareness for supervision, looking within themselves regarding their own behaviours and beliefs regarding:

OPENNESS – what are their own personal beliefs and do they demonstrate a willingness to grow?

ACCOUNTABILITY – Are they willing to take responsibility for consequences of their own behaviour?

CONTRIBUTION – Do they actively participate in supervision sessions?

EMPATHY – Do they demonstrate respect and appreciation for individual differences?

SELF-AWARENESS – How do they demonstrate an understanding of own personal dynamics as they relate to those involved in supervision sessions as well as their awareness in regards to their therapy sessions with clients.

I agree with Berger and Graff (1995) in that as your supervisor, my role and responsibilities vary dependant on the needs and desires of the you and or the supervision group at that time. As a supervisor it also includes monitoring and tracking your clinical work; providing consistent feedback as well as offering suggestions for ongoing development.

Establishing a safe, open environment for learning

Confidentially is essential for all supervision session. Creating a space where everyone feels accepted and respected will be determined by the growing and building relationships of supervision. I have found that those who are most comfortable within themselves and who hold a good rapport internally will be able to reflect that very same respect to all the relationships in their life.

Personally, I draw upon a number of different philosophies of Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP) and psychotherapy, holding a non-judgemental and respectful space allowing for everyone’s beliefs and ideas as an individual to be shared.

Just like it is when working with clients - How comfortable a supervisee’s feels to explore their own personal limitations; experiences; skill level or challenges may differ from moment to moment. Some will feel comfortable quickly and take great risks in self-disclosure whilst others will choose to be more conservative and that’s ok! Just as it is when working with clients – when they are ready, the best work will be done. We are constantly learning from each other.

“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.” James Thurber

Enhancing awareness and expanding on ways of thinking

My attitude and approach of curiousity has served me well, enhancing and expanding my own ways of being. I find that by asking more questions, being open and present with people assist to naturally bring out the wisdom and know how in others. By simply paying close attention to opinions and intentions through discussions, experiences, theories and ideas shared – it is possible to expand your own knowledge and skills.

"Supervision that is to encourage the therapeutic use of self by the counsellor will emphasise attention given to the person of the counsellor as he or she lives in relationship with the client....will focus primarily on the counsellor’s own dynamics and reactions to clients.....case discussion, analysis of client problems, case work management....skills and techniques...will need to take precedence on occasion (But)as a rule the counsellor will be principally encouraged to examine their own needs, drives, motivations and personal responses to clients as a way of developing their internal supervisor...and enhancing their use of self". Wosket, Val (P209, 1999)

Increasing therapeutic technical skills

Supervision may at times have an element of teaching through discussions, role plays, case studies as well as a multitude of resources and references regarding therapeutic skills. Having an ecliptic set of tools and ways of working with individuals can only assist in working effectively with clients and can assist to speed up the process of getting results with others. I feel that constructive feedback is an import part of supervision sessions this includes highlighting the supervisee’s strengths and asking more questions regarding their knowledge and skill – there is no absolute right or wrong way to do anything. I prefer to encourage supervisees to further their education on techniques and skills through the infinite means of resources and references available to us.

Ethical Responsibilities and adhering to the associations guidelines of organisations

Every professional organisation to which supervisee’s are members of hold important codes of conduct. They have specific requirement which are to be met in order to hold their membership with that organisation. Supervision is the perfect environment to discuss and ensure that everyone is up to date with the most recent legislations and laws regarding mental health as well as accountability and support regarding the obligations required as a mental health therapist.

In conclusion, I regard that effective supervision contains a variety of elements from: teaching, mentorship; facilitation; support; effective relationships; constructive feedback all with the aim and intention of expanding each supervisee’s knowledge and level of skill.
Essentially I see my role is to assist each individual in improving their own confidence and ability to work with clients to the best of their ability.

Who is Deborah Edwards?