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 suit practitioners who:

feel stuck in an experience that analytical discussion has not resolved;

think visually, relationally or metaphorically;

want to explore professional identity and use-of-self;

are carrying emotionally or ethically complex practice;

want to notice tacit knowledge, alternative meanings and neglected perspectives.

 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 visual reflective diary documenting changes in their understanding, professional identity and practice. The practitioner remains the author and interpreter of their images. The supervisor does not diagnose or assign psychological meaning to the artwork and the visual diary ordinarily remain with the practitioner. Images should not contain identifiable client information, and the supervisor retains only the minimum supervision record required by the agreement.

 Process 

Preparation

Safety and wellbeing check-in
Establish current wellbeing, capacity and consent to use the creative method.

Choose a practice situation
Clarify the professional experience, relationship, decision or organisational issue the practitioner wants to explore.

Create an image
The practitioner draws or paints the situation as they currently experience it.

Practitioner-led description
The practitioner explains what they have made and what its elements mean to them. You facilitate reflection without imposing an interpretation.

Identify what should remain or change
Explore strengths, tensions, absences, relationships, constraints and alternative possibilities.

Reframe visually
The practitioner changes the image or creates another image from a different perspective.

Connect meaning with practice
Relate the reflection to theory, ethics, professional standards, cultural and community knowledge, and the practitioner’s existing strategies and skills.

Identify action
Decide what the practitioner will retain, approach differently, discuss further or act upon.

Closing check-out
Revisit safety and wellbeing and ensure the practitioner is ready to leave the reflective space.

 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.