Creating a Space for Acknowledgment and Generativity in Reflective Group Supervision

Abstract

Small group supervision is a powerful venue for generative conversations because of the multiplicity of perspectives available and the potential for an appreciative audience to a practitioner's work. At the same time, the well-intentioned reflections by a few practitioners in a room can inadvertently duplicate normative discourses that circulate in the wider culture and the profession. This article explores the use of narrative practices for benefiting from the advantages of group supervision while mindful of the vulnerability that comes with sharing one's work among colleagues. The reflective group supervision processes described were modified from the work of Tom Andersen and Michael White to provide a venue that encourages the creative multiplicity of group conversation while discouraging unhelpful discourses which constrain generative conversation.

Defensive patterns in reflective group supervisions at Child Health Centres

“…Another advantage is that workers become “exposed to the wide range of personal responses from other group members” (O'Rourke, , p. 170). As Paré () emphasized, “There are always multiple descriptions or interpretations of any event” (p. 273), and each participant can come up with a facet that adds to the picture. In addition, when predicaments are shared with colleagues, the nurse may feel less lonely and confirmed and empowered (Holm, Lantz, & Severinsson, ).…”

“…“To know that others have experienced similar emotions, and that constructive outcomes are possible, is comforting” (Emde, , p. 667). Group supervisions also contribute to team‐building of the staff by creating a “context in which practice is collectively developed and professional identities forged” (Paré, , p. 273).…”

“…For example, some feel sorry for a mother ill‐treated by her “terrible husband” while others pique her as being “submissive.” Contrasting views on a difficult case are thus projected onto subgroups of nurses. Paré () observed similar phenomena in family therapy group supervisions. Daunted by a case's complexity, participants may

steer the task at hand toward diagnosis, or fall back on the familiar refrain “Have you tried … ?”… .

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“…Paré’s () examples are equally applicable to RS for nurses, as in Kate's group. Unless detected, acknowledged, and worked through, they can end up in patterns of group functioning that Bion () named basic assumptions , which are patterns of thought and communication that cement and obstruct optimal group work.…”

Editorial: Narrative and Poststructural Perspectives in Couple and Family Therapy

“…The final article in this section, “Generativity in Reflective Group Supervision,” is from Paré (), and is somewhat of a reprise of the lead article on reflection. The reader will find some similarity in the historical backdrop of reflecting teams, but where Weingarten delves into the reflective (and reflexive) process as a relational engagement both in clinical practice and everyday life, Paré illustrates the use of good reflections, ones that are generative rather than discouraging, in specific group supervision practices.…”