Publications from ODSW Social Work Supervsion | Page 43

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

group to resolve “stuckness”, ethical dilemmas and issues presented for supervision, and
the supervisor’s role is to facilitate this process.
Qualities of A Group Supervisor
There are 3 qualities that Ms Chua described as required of a supervisor. Firstly, the
supervisor should have an understanding and experience of practice. Secondly, the
supervisor should have the ability to utilise the role and position of supervisor to enhance
group learning. Lastly, the supervisor should have facilitative skills in working with group
processes.
The Use of Systemic Concepts in Group Supervision
1. Context
It is paramount to be mindful of the context of the group. The context of the group refers
to the organisational hierarchy, in essence, how safe a supervisee feels when presenting in
front of the supervisor and the group. Secondly, it also involves the composition of the
group. This refers to how homogenous or mixed the group is. Third, it involves group
dynamics. Lastly, the supervisor has to be mindful of the persons and developmental
stages of the supervisees.
2. Circularity
The supervisor should be mindful of the feedback loops and interaction patterns of the
group.
3. Parallel Processes
In terms of parallel processes, the supervisor should observe content and processes, look
out for parallels in relational and interactive patterns (eg. stuckness) as well as emotional
tone (eg. affirming, critical).

Structuring Group Supervision
Ms Chua also highlighted 3 main foci in the structure of group supervision.
1. Contracting
The supervisor should begin by contracting with the supervisee on a few areas. Firstly, they
should agree on both the goals and roles of supervision. Secondly, they should be able to
balance between didactic material, case conceptualisation and interpersonal processes.
Lastly, they should contract on the evaluation of the supervision process. The supervision
contract should set the climate and ground rules for safety and sharing of vulnerabilities
and anxieties without put-downs, advice-giving or preaching. People may be traumatised
by bad supervision experiences. It is therefore paramount that supervisees do not feel
criticised and put down.
2. Feedback
Feedback in the form of observations, comments, questions and goals should be
structured. For instance, to validate each comment by stating observations first.
3. Acknowledgement
Group processes and dynamics should also be acknowledged and processed. For instance,
if there is collusion between two members of the group, the supervisor ought to
acknowledge it as well as to process it with the members of the group.
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