Supervision in the Americas: Working with Virtual Technology

Abstract

This chapter addresses a gap in the literature of virtual coaching supervision with particular emphasis on the Americas. The growth in supervision globally has been well documented and the COVID-19 pandemic has made the use of virtual technology in working widespread globally. Supervisors generally enjoyed their virtual work and expressed a preference for working virtually. Participant responses can be grouped under five main themes: Efficiency, global reach, connection, creativity, and self-awareness. The simplicity of setting up a virtual group makes it possible to deliver effective, group supervision across regions and time zones. Participants described a range of distractions both physical and technological. In the virtual environment, participants needed to find different ways to be with and hold intense emotions. In considering our body language, the experienced supervisors in the Americas urged us to be intentional about paying attention to the whole body and applied that to both the supervisor and the supervisee.