Where to start with Supervision - part 2

How Can You Be the Best Supervisee?

Now that you’ve thought about what makes a good Supervisor, let’s turn the spotlight on you. The supervisor-supervisee relationship is a two-way street, and your approach to supervision can make a big difference in the quality of the experience. Here are some suggestions to ensure you’re getting the most out of the process:

1. Prepare for Each Session 

Before your supervision meetings, take some time to identify specific learning goals or practice issues where you need help. Reflect on your work and evaluate your progress between meetings so you can bring meaningful insights to the table.

2. Be Open and Honest

Share your work openly and without hesitation. Pastoral work involves both successes and challenges, and it’s important to be honest about both. The more transparent you are, the more effectively your Supervisor can guide you.

3. Engage in Active Learning

Don’t shy away from opportunities for embodied, active learning. This might include role-play, reviewing recordings of your practice, or exploring different scenarios. Being engaged in this way helps deepen your self-awareness and refines your practice.

4. Be Receptive to Feedback

It can be tempting to justify, explain, or defend your actions when receiving feedback. But the real growth comes when you’re able to receive feedback openly and use it to improve. Monitor your tendency to get defensive and instead focus on what you can learn.

5. Apply What You Learn  

Supervision is not just about reflecting on what’s going well or where you’re struggling. It’s about applying the feedback and insights you receive to enhance your practice. Ask yourself, "How can I integrate this into my work?"

6. Be Aware of Diversity and Power Dynamics

Pastoral work often involves navigating complex issues related to diversity and power. Use supervision as a space to reflect on how you’re working with these issues and identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills.

7. Address Ethical Issues  

Ethical challenges are a key part of pastoral work. Make sure that your Supervisor is helping you explore ethical dilemmas and opportunities for developing ethical maturity. Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s code of conduct and bring any concerns you have to supervision.

8. Give Honest Feedback

Supervision is a dynamic process that evolves over time. Regularly reflect on the quality of the supervision you’re receiving, and provide your Supervisor with honest feedback about what’s working for you and what might need adjusting.

The Benefits of a Well-Structured Supervision Process

When you find the right Supervisor and take an active role in the process, the benefits are clear:

• You’ll gain deeper self-awareness and insight into your professional practice.

• You’ll be better equipped to handle challenges, ethical dilemmas, and diverse situations.

• Your emotional and spiritual well-being will be nurtured, helping you stay grounded in your work.

• You'll improve your skills, increase your confidence, and continue developing throughout your career.

If you’re looking to explore professional pastoral supervision and find a Supervisor who’s the right fit for your unique needs, I’d be honored to work with you. Together, we can create a supervision experience that supports your growth, challenges you in productive ways, and deepens your professional practice.

This approach to supervision is designed to help you thrive professionally as you are seen, heard, and accompanied in your role. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey.

To book your session, click here