Case Study Quasi-Qualitative Analysis of Peer Group Supervision of a Child Trauma Recovery Program in Occupied Palestine

Ian G Barron,Unni Heltne,Ghassan Abdallah

doi:10.1007/s40653-016-0127-7

Ian G Barron, Unni Heltne + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-016-0127-7

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Abstract

This case study explores the impact of peer group supervision (PGS) for counselors delivering Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), a group psycho-social program for traumatized adolescents. Interviews were conducted with seven school counselors, from villages near East Jerusalem in occupied Palestine; a skilled supervisor; and an international trainer. A quasi-qualitative analysis was conducted to quantify responses and themes along with a measure of inter-rater reliability. Participants reported that even in a context of military violence, PGS provided a reflective process inclusive of formative, normative and restorative functions. Locally available PGS was viewed as essential within a geographically fragmented context. Counselors’ reported PGS led to a trusting environment in contrast to military practices and gender norms. War stressors and lack of Training of Trainers led to low counselor confidence in training others in TRT. PGS and Trainer of Trainers were recommended as core aspects of program delivery and to support training of colleagues.

Highlights

Peer group supervision (PGS) has been used with a range of professions, including occupational therapy, nursing, social work and psychology and professional levels, such as PGS has been defined as Bthe regular meeting of a group of supervisees (a) with a designated supervisor or supervisors, (b) to monitor the quality of their work, and (c) to further their understanding of themselves as clinicians, of the clients with whom they work, and of service delivery in general
PGS compared to program delivery, is a context of greater intimacy and trust, where counselors can be challenged to disclose their thoughts and feelings more so than adolescents in a group (Bradley and Ladany 2001)
The case study had two goals: 1) to explore counselor, supervisor and trainer perception of PGS in supporting Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) delivery to adolescents in the violent military context of occupied Palestine, and 2) to seek counselor perception of whether PGS increased the likelihood of them delivering TRT training to other counselors

Summary

Introduction

Peer group supervision (PGS) has been used with a range of professions, including occupational therapy, nursing, social work and psychology and professional levels, such as PGS has been defined as Bthe regular meeting of a group of supervisees (a) with a designated supervisor or supervisors, (b) to monitor the quality of their work, and (c) to further their understanding of themselves as clinicians, of the clients with whom they work, and of service delivery in general. These supervisees are aided in achieving these goals by their supervisor(s) and by their feedback from and interactions with each other^ (Bernard and Goodyear 2009, p.244). PGS, can provide a context to help counselors reflect and resolve such incongruities

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