The Focus in Supervision. Understanding the Three-Ringed Model
One of the most common questions I hear is: “What exactly is supervision?” It’s a great question—one that often sparks curiosity, especially from those who are new to the idea. Rather than just explaining it in words, I wanted to show you my version of the Three Ringed Model which was developed by Susan Marcuccio to provide a clear, visual understanding of what supervision is and where the focus lies.
The Heart of Supervision: Your Work Life
At its core, supervision is about your work life—whether that’s your profession, vocation, business, or ministry. However, none of us live or work in isolation. Our personal lives and spiritual lives naturally overlap with our professional roles, influencing the way we show up, make decisions, and care for others. The Three-Ringed Model highlights this overlap and helps clarify how supervision differs from other types of support.
A Balanced and Holistic Approach
Effective supervision happens in the overlapping spaces:
Work Life & Personal Life – We explore how personal challenges impact your work, offering space for reflection and self-care. However, supervision doesn’t cross over into counselling or therapy—instead, it helps you navigate personal struggles in relation to your professional role.
Work Life & Spiritual Life – We reflect on how your faith and spiritual beliefs inform your work, helping you stay grounded in your values. But supervision isn’t spiritual direction or a replacement for your faith community—it’s a space to integrate spirituality in a way that strengthens your professional practice.
Why This Matters
Supervision provides a structured, supportive space to reflect on your work while acknowledging the broader context of your life. Unlike other forms of support, it keeps a clear focus on your professional role while recognizing the personal and spiritual dimensions that influence your well-being.
So, if you’ve ever wondered where supervision fits into your life, the Three-Ringed Model provides a simple but powerful answer: It’s about your work—but never in isolation. It’s a space where you can reflect, gain insight, and grow—so that you can continue to serve others with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
Curious about working together? Feel free to fill out the form below with your question or comment and I’ll be in touch soon!
