Systems Approach to Supervision

Overall, I attempt to have a relaxed approach to the relationship. I do not want to supervise by force, or to extend beyond the acceptable scope of my role in exerting too much control or power over a supervisee. SAS discusses the role of the power dynamic of the supervisor and supervisee (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019) as important to navigate and be aware of through the phases of the relationship. I aim to be attentive of the relationship and the power dynamic especially as I work with supervisees to navigate through the dimension of the supervisory process. This approach with my overall personality helps to keep me fluid through the supervisor functions.

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When learning about the SAS model and how my therapeutic approach fits within it, I was reminded of my draw to positive psychology and Martin Seligman’s admissions of being a natural pessimist (Seligman, 2002). This concept of feeling the weight of the negative, but then stretching and seeking out the positive ways to improve or to help others in spite of, or in rebellion away from pessimism, fits my model of helping and how useful it can be. To be real with clients and supervisees while being present is sometimes to sit with the discomfort and to let them acknowledge that things are challenging or hard but then guide them to identifying their inner strengths and how they are Good Enough. This is where my relaxed personality style allows the supervision relationship to grow; supervisees do not need to be perfect to work with me. They can be flawed, as we all are, but welcomed and treated fairly.