In this article, the development of a process for group supervision is outlined, and placed in context. Most of us, as Family Therapists, spend time participating in group supervision, whether because of the mandatory requirements of training and qualifications, or because we regard supervision groups as an important vehicle for support, professional development, and accountability. Peer supervision groups particularly, and group supervision generally, have been under‐explored in the literature. As a ‘supervisor,’ I developed this structure with the aim of facilitating a group process that is empowering for the therapist presenting his/her work, and creatively involving for the group members.
Augusto Boal's theatre of the oppressed (TOTO) techniques have been used in education, health, welfare, and prison systems world-wide. However, the link between family therapy clinical supervision and training and TOTO has not been explored, either in Australia or overseas. This innovative action research project explores the ways family therapists and supervisors apply these theatre techniques in their everyday practice. Employing a group-based, cooperative inquiry method, 12 experienced family therapists from the Bouverie Centre, Melbourne, reflected on what these techniques have to offer family therapists and counsellors, applied these theatre techniques in their work, and contrasted TOTO with other action techniques used by family therapists. The researchers found that TOTO provided a safe and grounded process that brings 'action' into both therapy and supervision in ways that enable clients, families, students, and therapists to explore their own agency in a range of settings.
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