Supervision Stories: The good
And so what about when supervision is good?!
What about supervision affirms and strengthens you, as a practitioner and a person, and you leave feeling absolutely buzzed for the work you're doing?!
I have that supervision myself, and that's how I know the value of good supervision. That's how I know how to offer what I'm offering myself.
So here's the thing... I told my supervision I was interested in offering supervision. She didn't try and warn me off, we both already understood that we would build supervision like we build therapy - made it rad, make it real, make it human! Instead, she was interested in how I could make this offering work for me. It was facilitative, and generative, and I left feeling excited. Over months, we returned to the idea - growing it, tending to it - with recommendations of training, with intense and exciting conversations that helped me grow my ideas for this work.
My supervisor gave me the idea for these supervision stories.
'Tell stories about what supervision actually means to you. Give meaning to your work. Share it with the people in your network'.
And, of course, it was good advice. I have loved writing these stories, and it's really helped me to map out exactly what a supervisory experience with me could look and feel like. I hope it's really helped you to connect to this offering as well. I know it will resonate with the right people, and I feel so good about that.
So, really, how do I know my supervision is good supervision? Well, firstly, I wanted to work with my supervisor. She wasn't the most local, she wasn't the cheapest, she wasn't the most available. But she was the one I vibed with, and the one whose own work inspired me. She had a practice I respected, and I admired her - I wanted to hang out with her. So, at the beginning, it worked because I honestly just really wanted to be there!
And now we've been working together for some time, and our work has deepened in familiarity, in partnership, in mutual respect. I value her deeply, and I know she values me. When I'm in our sessions, I feel seen, I feel heard, I feel encouraged. The work meets me where I'm at, cares for me, nurtures me. The work supports me and stretches me. I still leave feeling fired up for the honour of doing this work.
This is good supervision.
I don't feel scrutinised, or scared - it's not fear based. This is supervision that is rooted in humanness and joy.
And it really does pay off. I know how much my work has deepened since we have been having supervision together. It's been an investment in my practice, and I see the value of it week upon week, month upon month. My practice is securely held by my supervision, and my clients benefit so much from this rootedness.
I know my supervisor takes her responsibility seriously, and at the same time she's not trying to be a superstar. She's offering her skills and talents, she's gifted and human, and she invites me to have the courage to do the same.
That's my offering - good supervision.
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