Supporting Relational, Trauma-Informed Social Care Work with Autistic Adults: Evaluation of a Reflective Supervision Group Pilot

Abstract

There is a growing body of literature highlighting the need for reflective supervision to support the often complex and challenging practice of social care workers. The current study aimed to explore an Irish social care team’s experience of a pilot reflective supervision group. The study participants were six male social care workers supporting autistic adults in the community. The team met for four one-monthly group supervision sessions, facilitated by an external supervisor. A reflective, relational approach was taken to the supervisory work, using role-play, free association and the Seven-Eyed model of supervision. At the end of the four-month pilot, participants completed a brief questionnaire to evaluate the supervision group experience. Thematic analysis of the participants’ open responses revealed the following themes: (i) increased insight/empathy; (ii) experiential learning; (iii) enhanced awareness/skills in relational practice; (iv) personal resilience; (v) team resilience; and (vi) emotional challenges. The study results suggest the potential importance of reflective supervision in boosting resilience, motivation and emotional insight when supporting people with unique relational needs.