“Live” Supervision of Supervision: “Perpendicular” Interventions in Parallel Processes

Abstract

In a unique supervisory arrangement, pre-doctoral psychology interns supervise master's level social work interns in a university counseling center setting. A supervision of supervision group (SOS group), which is conjointly led by a psychology intern supervisor and the social work intern supervisor, monitors and advances the professional development of the supervisors-in-training (s-i-ts) and indirectly facilitates the professional growth of the social work supervisees. The most dynamic aspect of the SOS group is the ''live'' supervision of the in vivo encounter between the psychology intern and social work supervisee. The identification of repetitive themes occurring in the therapeutic, supervisory, and supervision-ofsupervision systems (parallel processes) provide the foundation for the development of interventions that disrupt rigid patterns.We would like to thank all of the current and previous psychology and social work interns who have helped shape the live supervision of supervision process.The interface of the therapeutic, supervisory, and SOS systems offer interventions that promote the growth and development of the psychology and social work interns. This approach is illustrated through theoretical discussion, methodological description, and case vignettes.

Finding Shelter in the Storm

“…Just as social work is an academic discipline built on multiple theoretical frameworks, we offer our case study experience as one that is inclusive of our stories. Rather than a thematic analysis, our stories reflect the parallel process (Haber et al, 2009) that emerged from self-exploration and collective connections within the evolution of our case study.…”

Cyber Counselling: An Innovative Field Education Pilot Project

“…These educational placements usually involve students providing services under the supervision of a licensed and experienced practitioner (Coll et al, 2003;Gourdine and Baffour, 2005;Masters et al, 2005;Chui, 2010). There is little documentation of internships for social work students in university counselling centres (Vonk et al, 2000;Haber et al, 2009). The social work profession has historically valued and embraced an ecological approach that includes understanding clients in the context of their environments and intervening not only with the individual but also with relevant systems.…”

Education and employment opportunities among staff in Aboriginal family service agencies

“…In addition, combined individual and group supervision approaches have been used with success (Walter & Young 1999). The training of supervision through supervision of supervised practice has been described as an important means to develop practice (Haber et al 2009). An effective supervisor-supervisee relationship addresses challenges in supervision for the benefit of the trainee (Mishna & Rasmussen 2001).…”

“…In addition, combined individual and group supervision approaches have been used with success (Walter & Young 1999). The training of supervision through supervision of supervised practice has been described as an important means to develop practice (Haber et al . 2009).…”