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September 23, 2008
Transformative supervision
I'm reading from Passionate Supervision, edited by Robin Shohet, and in one chapter by David Owen he invites us to reflect on the following questions:
"If supervision were to be more transformative than it currently is for you, how would you need to change, how would your supervisor be different, and how might your professional organisation alter in its view of the provision of supervision?"
Owen highlights the significance of what he describes as "transformative supervision", where rather than concentrating on getting everyone up to a certain level, here is an opportunity to tap into the potential of the individual to excel beyond the norm, or for them to take the risks of being different.
As I read the chapter, I reflected on my own practice as a supervisor. Am I stuck in certain modes – e.g. an educative or supportive mode? How do I feel about being a "transformative supervisor"? And what does this look, sound and feel like? What feedback do I need to invite from my clients that will enable us both to shift and learn and grow? And as I write I realise that we could spend more time reflecting on our joint process of working together, rather than necessarily reviewing the client work specifically.
I was with a supervisee the other day and we explored some of these questions. It was challenging and exciting, and my sense is that I need to reflect further on our dialogue and revisit this when we meet again.
Posted by Alison at September 23, 2008 10:08 AM
