Supervision Essentials for a Systems Approach to Supervision

The heart of clinical supervision is the relationship between the supervisor and supervisee. Elizabeth Holloway's systems approach to supervision conceptualizes this all-important relationship as consisting of several key dimensions, or systems, which interact and together help create and maintain the supervisory relationship.

These systems include the client, the trainee, the supervisor, the functions and learning tasks in supervision, and the institution in which the supervision process is taking place. As the author compellingly argues, for clients, trainees, and supervisors alike, our decision-making and actions are always consciously or tacitly embedded within these systems. Understanding the dynamic interplay of the interdependent components of each system is essential to building a strong and thriving supervisory relationship.

With detailed case examples (including excerpts and analyses of real supervision sessions with real trainees, as demonstrated in the author's DVD Systems Approach to Psychotherapy Supervision, also available from APA Books), the author skillfully demonstrates the various roles supervisors play, from monitor and advisor, to role model, consultant, and mentor.

The unique importance of supervisory competencies, including counseling skills, case conceptualization, ethical practice, intra and interpersonal awareness, and self-evaluation, are examined in full depth.

Foreword to the Clinical Supervision Essentials Series

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Essential Dimensions of Systems Approach to Supervision
2. Case Illustration of Process in Supervision
3. Handling Common Supervisory Issues
4. Applying the SAS Model to Teaching Supervision
5. Future Directions and Conclusion

Suggested Readings

References

Index

About the Author

Elizabeth L. Holloway, PhD, professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University, has more than 25 years' experience as a teacher, researcher, and consultant in relational practice with educators, trainers, organizations, and mental health clients.

She is a fellow of APA and diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology.

She has conducted workshops on her model of clinical supervision and a systems approach to workplace civility throughout the world.

She can be reached by emailopens in new window or on the Antioch University PhD in Leadership & Change websiteopens in new window.

Without reservation I recommend this book and the accompanying DVD to any supervisor (qualified or in training).
—PsycCRITIQUES

• Systems Approach to Psychotherapy Supervision
  

  This DVD demonstrates the systems approach to psychotherapy supervision. In addition, the host interviews the therapist and her supervisee about their work together, exploring the constructs of this model as they emerge in this supervisory session.