Written by experienced coaching supervisors, this book offers a kaleidoscope of wisdom drawn from a complex professional field. Theoretical concepts, practitioner research, models and techniques are brought alive here through the lived experience of the authors.
As coaching supervisors continue to develop their practice, those wishing to extend their skills into group work step into a new context which stretches and strengthens their own learning, as well as that of supervisees, in this mutual, intentional learning environment. Coaching supervisors are encouraged to begin with the inner journey, developing their own knowledge as each chapter offers a new perspective, enabling readers to gain a philosophical understanding of the process, which will guide them on their journey through the unpredictable terrain of group work.
Coaches, mentors and other practitioners looking for a Supervision Group experience will gain insights into the range of opportunities available, opening myriad possibilities for furthering personal and professional learning.
Foreword Fiona Adamson Introduction Jo Birch 01. Coaching supervision in groups: framing the encounter Jo Birch 02. Group supervision with executive coaches: a psychodynamic approach David Rothauser 03. No way is the only way Louie J N Gardiner 04. Meaning-making encounters: the strength of peer supervision Ana Pliopas 05. The terror and transformation of coaching supervision groups Leanne Lowish 06. Nature as dynamic co-partner in group supervision Catherine Gorham 07. Moving bodies: countering digital disembodiment Louie J N Gardiner 08. Virtual small group supervision – research informing practice and practice being the research Kathryn M Downing 09. Using creative approaches in group supervision Jo Birch 10. Group Supervision using the Mirror model Olga Rybina 11. Linking learning: a peer supervision chain Barb Udale and Brenda Routt 12. Tastes of supervision Jeannette Marshall 13. Fifty-plus years of supervision: individual, group, peer and community, the development of a distinct profession Joan Wilmot Shohet
Biography
Jo Birch brings 20 years’experience providing supervision to coaches, psychotherapists and leaders. She is a passionate member of several international professional, research and practice communities. As Director of Crucial Difference, she leads an international team providing cutting-edge supervision training for coaches around the world.
'This important and exquisite addition to the field of coach supervision extends the supervisor’s range of possibilities, reaches into new territories and broadens our understanding of what is possible in the supervision experience. These richly varied chapters explore supervision processes ranging from the analytic to developmental, spanning the terrain of creative approaches, and widening our view on several innovative modalities that will make the supervision accessible to more coaches. This contribution to the field of coaching is particularly relevant at this new stage in the field of coach supervision, when we are ready for diverse perspectives and approaches that provide new milieus for every coach’s development.'
Pam McLean, Ph.D., MCC, CEO, Hudson Institute of Coaching, US'Thank you Jo for bringing this work together. A truly delicious text that draws the reader to enquire further, deeper, wider, taller and more wholly into themselves and their group supervision practice. The Simple Rules aptly set the stage for what follows – hearing from multiple voices in the field, refreshingly international in their tone and experience. I will savour the book’s wise companionship as I navigate the complexities of my work.'
Michelle Lucas, Lead Coach and Coach Supervisor, Greenfields Consulting Limited'The image of a prism or cut gem best conveys how this book enables the reader to enter an exploration of group supervision from different perspectives and angles, each quite different, though resonant, each shining a different light on practice and process. One enabled surprisingly swift deep enquiry for me into a place of stuckness with a supervisee. Others provided practical guidance, scaffolding for different processes. Some opened new horizons or took me deeper into familiar concepts. It is inspiring to learn from the learning of the very different authors who share doubts and dilemmas as well as seasoned insights.'
Carolyn Mumby, Chair BACP Coaching Division, Coach-Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer'This book has something for everyone (practitioners and participants) who engages in Group Supervision. The different perspectives the authors chose to approach this subject has connected with me from the head, heart or gut and in some chapters all three. You will find stimulus on developmental, ethical or good practice and heartfelt connected support on the subject after reading this collection of generous and supportive writings. The eldership of Joan Wilmot to supervision flows through in her chapter that was written with depth, experience and humility is truly inspiring.'
Felicia Lauw, Director, Reflect4Ward Pte. Ltd., EMCC Global Accreditation and Supervision Workgroup, AoCS APAC Regional Co-ordinator'A range of authors, some writing for the first time, introduce us to their personal journeys as a supervisor facilitating groups of coaches/supervisors exploring with reflective honesty the joys and intricacies of facilitating the dynamics presented in a group. Reviewing the development of coaching supervision over 50 years through to chapters on different models which enhance the group experience includes eco-therapy principles, mirror model, peer supervision/chain and the theory "U" model. Developing virtual group supervision and the digital disembodiment that can be experienced and a standard toolkit of creative approaches gently encourages you to first experience them yourself. For the new supervisee coming to group supervision there is an illuminating chapter describing what you might expect in taster group sessions. A wealth of experience is generously shared by seasoned supervisors encouraging you to be curious and explore new approaches in group supervision'
Carole Davidson, Accredited Executive Coach & Supervisor, EMCC Global Accreditation Volunteer and Accreditation Assessor'This book is a compendium of approaches for those considering running supervision groups, with lots of practical exercises, insights and structural tips, from 12 experienced practitioners, backed by their actual experience, theory and/or research. The book is structured in 3 stages: overarching principles, specific modalities and peer groups. Solid theory is explained in a jargon-free way with a lot of insightful and real experience of running groups provided. A wide range of topics await the reader, including psychodynamic approaches, complexity principles and practical aspects like how to set up and provide tasters for a supervision group. Working virtually is a recurring theme and some ways of overcoming barriers to online communication are identified. There are some refreshingly new topics like working in nature, creativity in groups and adapting existing theories and models for both the experienced and less experienced group leader to try. A useful addition to the coaching supervision bookshelf enabling the application of a range of techniques and practical aspects to running supervision groups.'
Peter Welch, AoCS Co-Founder, Executive and Team Coach, Coach Supervisor and Thinking Partner
