What type of things can staff talk about in supervision?

Staff working directly with young people and families are managing increased risk and vulnerability, particularly as it has become harder to access specialist services (for example child and adolescent mental health services and social care).  The emotional load on staff in teaching, youth settings and other caring professions is high.

Staff can use supervision to:

~ Reflect on specific dilemmas / difficulties with cases

~  Seek psychological consultation on specific cases which can be particularly helpful when feeling ‘stuck’ or very emotionally impacted by a case

~  Discuss the personal impact of work e.g. talk about how they are feeling when dealing with distressed students and the impact this has on their own life

~  Reflect and be supported in solution-focussed thinking

~  Be supported with their own emotional well-being and to develop coping strategies

~  Consider how their role fits with the rest of the school/other services and the community (systemic issues)

~  Identify achievements and good practice which can be built on

Is supervision therapy?

Supervision is not therapy or counselling for staff, it is very much focused on supporting staff to do their job to the best of their ability.  A supervisor may recommend that the supervisee accesses other services, for example counselling or personal therapy, but will not provide this directly.

What is the difference between supervision and line management?

Clinical supervision does not replace line management supervision and we do not carry the responsibilities related to staff decision-making, performance or workload.  It involves a trusting relationship between supervisor and supervisee away from any form of appraisal system.  It is important that staff are able to be open and honest about the impact of their work.