What is Supervision?

“At its simplest, supervision is a forum where supervisees review and reflect on their work in order to do it better.” Dr. Michael Carroll

“Supervision provides a safe confidential learning space where all aspects of the self, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual can be explored and developed to enhance client care, professional practice and organisational change.” Dr.Geraldine Holton

Supervision – An Emerging Profession

Supervision has evolved from its historical meaning of overseeing and line management to a more collaborative process between supervisee, supervisor and the organisation.

Within the helping professions supervision has had a uni–professional history, as a field of practice within each profession where each discipline developed its own supervision tradition and literature.

While this practice is commonplace in most clinical and counselling contexts it is not that regular for those working in other helping relationships such as adult education, pastoral care, police, spiritual guidance, complimentary therapists or carers. 

In response to this emerging need and to promote a culture that values supervision within such areas, the practice of cross– professional supervision has developed.

What is Cross-Professional Supervision?

Cross-Professional Supervision, a term coined by Dr. Geraldine Holton involves working across professions, across disciplines and across modalities.

Within this approach supervision is accepted as a profession ‘in its own right’ with a unique set of skills, tasks and competencies.

The role of the supervisor is facilitator of learning, change and transformation to enhance client care, practitioner personal/professional development and organisational change.

Being a supervisor does not mean imposing a particular perspective on a supervisee but involves facilitating the development of the supervisees clinical wisdom and experience in the best interest of the client.

What are the benefits of Supervision ?

  • Potential for growth and transformational learning

  • Develop clinical wisdom and skills through reflective practice

  • Identify learning challenges and goals

  • Uncover blind spots and work creatively with blocks, and limitations that may impact practice and well being.

    Links with Europe

    SAI has forged links with ANSE the  Association of National Supervisors in Europe and is a full member since 2007 giving Ireland a voice in Europe. Through membership of ANSE , SAI seeks to support collaboration, research, mobility and exchange within Europe.

    CPD and Events

    SAI hosts two events each year-One online and one in person. There are also a number of CPD Workshops, and Masterclasses

    ‘At its simplest, supervision is a forum where supervisees review and reflect on their work in order to do it better.’ Michael Carroll