Scope 

An exploratory approach using story, metaphor, images and creative processes to make less-visible aspects of practice available for reflection.

This could help practitioners externalise a situation, recognise competing narratives, examine how they position themselves and others, and identify knowledge or possibilities obscured by dominant organisational accounts.

It may particularly suit practitioners who:

want a repeatable structure;

are developing reflective-writing skills;

need to connect practice evidence with professional standards;

feel overwhelmed by a complex event and need to slow it down;

prefer a clear movement from experience to action.

 safeguards 

The supervision agreement should address:

education, support and accountability;

independence from line management;

confidentiality and its exceptions;

session frequency, availability and cancellation;

recordkeeping;

de-identification of client and organisational information;

ownership, storage and disposal of artwork;

permission to pause or decline creative activities;

circumstances requiring referral or escalation;

the distinction between supervision, organisational decision-making and therapy.

Over time, the practitioner develops a written reflective diary documenting changes in their understanding, professional identity and practice. The practitioner remains the author and interpreter of their words. The supervisor does not diagnose or assign psychological meaning to the discussion and the reflective diary ordinarily remain with the practitioner. Descriptions should not contain identifiable client information, and the supervisor retains only the minimum supervision record required by the agreement.

 Process 

A practitioner brings a particular event, decision or interaction and works through:

what happened;

thoughts and feelings;

what worked and what did not;

interpretation through theory, ethics and context;

learning and alternative possibilities;

an action plan for future practice.

 Frequency 

AASW supervision guidance recommends:

monthly, 60-minute supervision for experienced social workers working directly with clients;

ten hours over the year for experienced social workers not working directly with clients;

fortnightly supervision for newly qualified social workers and for experienced practitioners entering a new field or facing particular challenges. 

Frequency decisions are a collaborative practitioner decision, but it should also account for professional guidance, experience, role, risk and any employer requirements. There are two common patterns:

Ongoing professional supervision which is normally monthly, or more frequently when experience, role or circumstances indicate.

Focused reflective consultation which comprises one to four issue-based sessions, which should not be represented as a substitute for regular professional supervision where that is required.