Publications from ODSW Social Work Supervsion | Seite 42

Workshop 1: Group Supervision in Social Work Practice: A Systemic Approach

Workshop 1: Group Supervision in Social Work
Practice: A Systemic Approach
Workshop Presenters:
Ms Ruth Chua
Executive Director
Counselling and Care Centre
Ms Rebecca Lo
Senior Therapist
Counselling and Care Centre

Introduction
Ms Chua opened the session by defining group supervision as “the regular meeting of a
group of supervisees with a designated supervisor, for the purpose of furthering their
understanding of themselves as clinicians, of the clients with whom they work, and/or of
service delivery in general, and who are aided by their endeavour by their interaction with
each other” (Bernard & Goodyear, 1998, p.111). It “is (also) a working alliance between a
supervisor and several counsellors (social workers) in which each social worker can offer an
account or recording of her work, reflect on it, and receive feedback and where
appropriate guidance from her supervisor and her colleagues.” (Inskipp & Proctor, 1993,
p.72)
She also expressed that the group supervisory system is different from individual
supervision. In group supervision, the supervisor not only supervises the social worker, but
also facilitates learning of the other group members during the supervision process. This is
done especially when group members are young supervisees who do not have many years
of experience. Therefore, the supervisor is also a group facilitator during group
supervision. The supervisor may take a more collaborative approach when the group
members have more work experiences in that group members are encouraged to come
forth with more feedback and comments to support the supervisee.
Group Processes
The group members’ experience of group supervision, group dynamics, processes and
interaction patterns in the group are all important elements in making group supervision
successful. These are important elements to consider in forming the group. How the
conversation starts, progresses and evolves are also things that the supervisor should note.
It can be hard to manage the needs of the presenter and the needs of the other members.
However, the advantage of group supervision is the ability to tap on the resources of the
other members to support the worker in supervision. It is a deliberate choice to take on a
group rather than an individual. Supervisors also have to focus on the group dynamics, the
interactions or lack of it. A practical question to ask is what might explain for how the
conversation develops.
Goals of Group Supervision
Ms Chua described the goals of group supervision as being twofold. Firstly, it is to
promote self-reflexivity: to establish a collaborative culture of sharing, giving, and receiving
feedback, peer-learning and mutual support. Secondly, it is to mobilise resources of the
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