Supervision as Transformation: A Passion for Learning [Paperback]

A little while back, I reviewed another book on supervision - this one was from an existential point of view. And my main criticism of it was that it dealt very well with all the positive aspects of supervision, but had nothing to say about the negative. It is well known that there are three main tasks for supervision, traditionally known as Formative, Restorative and Normative. Formative is the educative function, where the supervisor fills in missing areas in the supervisee's map of the world; restorative is the supportive function, all about the professional development of the supervisee; normative is the administrative function, where the main concern is the welfare of the client - could the supervisee actually be doing harm? All the existential writers were good on the first two functions - and particularly on the restorative - but none of them mentioned the normative function at all.
Now here is another book which pulls the same trick. This time it is not the existential philosophy which takes the stage, but rather a spiritual approach which often mentions the Nondual. But again there is not a single mention of the normative function - it is as if there were no such thing. This is particularly remarkable because one of the chapters is by Michael Carroll, whose book on supervision (1996) is very clear about the three functions.
However, let us not harp on this one point, fascinating though it may be. What is this book like positively? I think it has to be said, that, like the one on existentialism (edited by Emmy van Deurzen and Sarah Young), it is at times quite inspiring. Michael Carroll says: "[These 11 insights] have helped me move from supervisor-led supervision to supervisee-led supervision, which returns supervisees to the centre of the supervisory process." He speaks of single-loop learning, double loop learning, triple loop learning and transformational learning. And he points out that there is an ethical point here: "I moved towards a relational ethics of faithfulness and fidelity rather than an external ethics that kept me right and safe and secure." This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Ann Rowe, in her chapter, tells us about the Family Nurse Partnership programme, which is doing good work with vulnerable young first-time mothers.
The next chapter is by Richard Olivier, who describes the evolution of the Olivier Mythodrama group, who eventually came up with the aim of helping to create "A world where leaders and organizations are awakened to their deepest purpose and serving future generations."
Then comes Joan Wilmot, writing on work as transformation through supervision. She was a contributor to the book Passionate Supervision, also edited by Robin Shohet.
Fiona Adamson writes about transformational learning in supervision. She introduces the idea of mindfulness: "A mindfulness approach is by definition a process that appears to slow time down and create a spaciousness within which trust can develop and consciousness can expand." She says that she has learned and transformed as much as her supervisees in the process. "What is being transformed is my capacity to let go of my self-image and be in the moment." Mindfulness has been creeping in everywhere recently, and it is interesting to see it surfacing here again.
Chapter 6 takes the form of an interview by Robin Shohet of Alan Rodgers. Rodgers works in Ireland, and quotes Antony de Mello, Jack Kornfeld and Eckhart Tolle.
Judy Ryle works with asylum seekers and refugees. She has found that she has needed to develop her own spiritual path to enable her to do this work, and quotes people like Encke, Fenner, Prendergast and Lumiere as having influenced her.
Mary Creaner writes about supervision practice, training and research. Christina Breene has an interesting chapter all about resistance. She speaks of "the paradox that the most resistant person can often be the most open, the level of resistance an indicator of the openness hiding underneath, perhaps protecting some deep sensitivity, requiring even more to keep safe, conceal and cover." She also speaks about the relationship in supervision. "Neither the superior nor the inferior position feels comfortable to me. In supervision I believe we are best operating as partners exploring together. Most supervisors do this." Well, maybe.
Chapter 10 is by Nicola Coombe, and deals with her journey to and within the interfaith seminary. The seminary came to London in 1996, having originated in New York in 1981. It was founded by the Rabbi Joseph Gelberman with the support of religious leaders such as Swami Satchidananda. This seems to be very interesting work.
The final chapter is again an interview - this time Robin Shohet being interviewed by Christina Breene - which is actually all about group supervision. Byron Katie is mentioned here, and also the Course in Miracles.
If you want to know about these more spiritual approaches, and how they apply to supervision, this is the book for you. It is very charmingly written, and quite inspiring at times. It would challenge anyone who had a more stereotyped view of supervision. But in the end I think it is a great pity that no one grasped the nettle of control. What do you do if one of your supervisees is seriously harming one of his or her clients, and seems unwilling or unable to change?
John Rowan 2011