Supervision as a mutual growth process

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the supervision process as a space in which the mutual growth process of the supervisor and the supervisee, or all participants in the supervision process, takes place. Insights from research on the importance of supervision for supervisees show that supervision is a necessary support for the supervisee's professional work. The main purpose of supervision is to support the supervisee and his/her professional work. The attachment that is established between the supervisee and the supervisor has a major impact on the effectiveness of the supervision process. We have defined supervision as a co-constructed professional relationship that aims to protect the public good and helps the mutual professional and personal development of the supervisor and supervisee. The characteristics of poor supervision process are presented.  A good supervision process is illustrated by a good example from practice, which the participants evaluate after the conclusion, emphasizing the importance that this process had for them and for mutual growth. The paper concludes that supervision is a mutual space for growth under certain conditions when it is a space of secure attachment in which the participants work together with an openness to professional and personal growth. Supervision as a space for mutual growth could benefit from in-depth research that would demonstrate its importance.