Systemic Supervision: A Portable Guide for Supervision Training

As the training of family and systemic practitioners becomes increasingly more formalised, the issue of supervision and supervisory training has grown in importance. Systemic Supervision evaluates the practical and theoretical issues involved in implementing and maintaining effective supervisory training within a family therapy practice. The authors outline the UKCP requirements for supervision as interpreted through the Association of Family Therapy Guidelines, and provide an overview of a course designed to cover these requirements, including models of theory, structures for setting up supervised practice at work and a description of new models of therapy which have affected the processes of supervision.

Supervision may also create practical and ethical dilemmas, which may arise from personality differences, communication problems or social contexts. Systemic Supervision examines the relationship between supervisor and trainee in terms of power, gender, ethnicity and sexuality, and ways to deal with these issues. In their conclusion, the authors evaluate what new issues for therapy and theory the development of supervisor training creates.

Systemic Supervision is unique in examining supervision within family therapy, and in drawing out not just the theoretical implications but also looking at the practical questions involved. Its recommendations are based on the authors' experience of setting up and running supervisory practices. It will be essential reading for those at all levels working with families.

Damian McCann is the principal family therapist in a child and family mental health service unit, a supervisor at the Institute of Family Therapy and an honorary lecturer at University College, London.