My Supervision Experiences

I’ve had a pick and mix of supervision experiences. From supervisors who take the time to consistently and regularly ensure a safe space for reflection to times when line and case management is prioritised. I’m sure you’ve had a bit of a mixed experience too.

In social work, we are constantly told that critical reflection and good supervision impacts the work that we do. Yet, external pressures such as timeframes, lack of skilled workers, minimal training for managers providing the supervision, and focus on case closures and numbers means that critical reflection and supervision doesn’t even get a look in.

These external influences are in addition to our own feelings towards supervision. For me, I know supervision helps me be a happier, healthier person, who can give more in my personal and professional life. Yet, there is still that block.

I get worried and nervous about being vulnerable, admitting when maybe things aren’t going so well, are a bit tough, or out of my experience level. At the same time, I feel like there is this expectation that we should have the answers and have things under control. The supervisors that can help me contain this multitude of emotions and external pressures are the ones that I’ve enjoyed sitting with again and again.

It takes courage to be vulnerable and the best place I’ve had to do this has been with external supervisors who understand the field but don’t have a line managers responsibility for me. Here, I have the time to focus on my learning, development, and well-being. For that hour, it is all about me!

I’ve found professional supervision to be something that is encouraged within the field, but not always actively supported. It is still something of a luxury, and I think this needs to change to keep more fantastic social workers in the field.