Supervision Stories: Why It Needs To Be FAT
I maintain that one of the most unsatisfying supervision experiences is the formulaic.
The supervision we have because we're mandated to have it. The supervision that becomes by rote; just going through the motions and ticking the boxes. This is the supervisor my mentor warned me about - heavily implying that was what all supervision was like.
No wonder I avoided supervision training for another decade.
Because for sure I've had supervision that feels like that. This supervision kept my practice safe - it gave me a space to present client experiences. It was friendly and pleasant, they were accomplished, they were experienced. It was polite.
But it didn't innovate. It didn't fill me up. I rarely left the sessions feeling inspired, and I rarely left the sessions feeling pumped in my capability, or reassured that my work was trustworthy and good. I simply left the sessions knowing that I had ticked that box for the month.
It wasn't particularly bad supervision, and she certainly wasn't a bad supervisor. And that's the problem - it's not bad enough to leave, but it's threadbare.
The problem with bad supervision, just like bad therapy, is that often it isn't bad; it's just... not aligned. It's just limited in scope.
It's just... lean.
I want fat supervision, abundant with possibility.
I want plump supervision, rich with potential.
I want juicy supervision, bursting with good humour.
I want thick supervision, bountiful with support.
I want broad supervision, expansive in its vision.
I want strong supervision, robust with loving challenge.
I want big supervision, generous in its deep care.
I want fat supervision, just like I want fat therapy! Supervision that isn't scared of size and scale, supervision that dreams and plans BIG. Supervision that is human, and relational, and loving. Liberation, depth, satisfaction, safety, joy, abundance.
And, if you're a therapist reading this, maybe you do too.
Supervision is coming in September 2025 and slots are limited. If you are interested in securing a space, do join the waiting list now to be the first to know when appointment availability is released.
Wishing you safety and joy
Vicky