Professional Supervision in Wellington and Wairarapa

‘Professional supervision’ (also sometimes called ‘non-clinical supervision’) refers to a process of regular, focussed meetings with another practitioner to discuss and reflect on specific cases and one’s practice in general. For some — counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, the clergy, and anyone working in the fields of mental health, addiction or palliative care — professional supervision is a well-established and lifelong part of professional life. For doctors, nurses and health professionals in other areas, it is increasingly recognised as an essential tool in navigating the pressures and demands of a responsible and satisfying occupation.

Supervision fulfils several purposes. It plays a central part in continuing professional development and facilitates learning-in-practice. It has a ‘restorative’ function, providing support to the practitioner in dealing with challenging situations; helping to process the ‘vicarious trauma’ that may be experienced as the result of exposure to patient or client suffering; and preventing or mitigating the burnout that is so common especially in those working in the public health sector. Finally, in many professions, supervision is a mandatory requirement for ongoing registration and quality assurance.

A major component of this type of supervision is the facilitation of reflective practice. ‘Reflective practice’ refers to the process of examining and evaluating events or experiences, drawing links with ideas from different domains, theories or literature, and thus improving understanding and practice. It is closely linked to the concept of ‘experiential learning’ described by educationalists such as David Kolb and is widely recognised as a fundamental part of ongoing professional development.