Towards an Interactional Map of the Supervision Session: An Exploration of Supervisees and Supervisors Experiences

Abstract

This article examines the inner workings of the supervision session through the descriptions provided by supervisees and supervisors of their sessions. The aims of this paper are: (1) to explore the supervision session from both sides of the interaction; (2) to propose an interactional map of the supervision session; and (3) to provide supervisors with a practical checklist for the interactional process of the session. Thirty-four participants were interviewed regarding their experience of a recent supervision session and their experiences of sessions generally. These experiences were thematically analysed. Results show that supervisees and supervisors proceed through particular stages and phases in their supervision sessions and there is a ritual to the session. The session process mirrored the social work interview and involved discussion and problem-solving. Variations to the process were made to accommodate individual and cultural differences. The implications of the results are: (1) an interactional map of the stages and phases of the supervision session; (2) practical guidance for supervisees and supervisors on navigating their way through sessions; and (3) a working framework through which supervisees and supervisors can evaluate their sessions. The article concludes with a practical checklist for supervisors to use within their sessions.