The Development of Consciousness Through the Supervision Process

Abstract

The process of supervision can be regarded as an integrative process that enables the development of consciousness, since it helps counselors become aware of problems and search for ways of solving them. In this article the processes of supervision that lead towards growth and development of the professional and personal selves of an individual are examined. The process of supervision is related to several theoretical concepts that explain development in adulthood. Special emphasis is given to wisdom as a potential, natural stage of adult development, to the systemic or 'construct aware' stage of reasoning and to an attitude of self-questioning.

Who attends clinical supervision? The uptake of clinical supervision by hospital nurses

“…whether those who most need CS are less likely to engage in it and find it useful. CS helps participants to obtain professional insights instead of struggling to make sense of challenging work experiences and using defence mechanisms such as cynicism, which prevent them from directly engaging with and resolving the difficult situations at work (Žorga 2007).…”

Systemic–Developmental Supervision

“…Systemic supervision seeks to promote self-awareness and skill acquisition by helping the supervisee understand the dynamics of the client/counselor relationship and the supervisor/supervisee relationship (McDaniel, Weber, & Mckeever, 1983). Through increased awareness, supervisees are able to conceptualize how they may be responding to client issues in session at a subconscious level (Zorga, 2007). Furthermore, intentionality in work with clients becomes possible for the supervisee, as higher levels of differentiation are attained (Bowen, 1978).…”

“…Counselors at the Experienced Family Counselor level are no longer receiving supervision and leave the previous level with more insight, self-confidence (Stoltenberg & McNeill, 2010), and increased in-depth awareness of self. As a result, Experienced Family Counselors have attained high levels of differentiation and may continue seeking higher levels of differentiation of self through the remainder of their professional career (Zorga, 2007). In addition, Experienced Family Counselors display sound judgment and an understanding of their limitations; therefore, counselors at this level of development may seek consultation upon encountering client issues that are unfamiliar.…”