Reflective practice through clinical supervision: implications for professional and organisational sustainability

ABSTRACT

In this small-scale study, we explore and highlight the value of reflective practice through the practice lens of clinical supervision, and propose issues and implications for professional sustainability. Focused opinions and perspectives from four experienced counsellors and supervisors were analysed to create a wider forum of debate regarding reflective practice as a positive individual and organisational force, as well as a source of empowerment. We emphasised identifying those factors that facilitate reflective practice within the context of clinical supervision at a family service centre in Singapore. We propose that the concept and practice of reflective practice be expanded to similar organisations in the caring industry who could utilise such practices as part of wider plans for resilience and sustainability.

KEYWORDS:

• Reflective practice
• clinical supervision
• sustainability
• resilience
• Counsellors
• Supervisors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dawn Koh

Dawn Koh is a counsellor at a Family Service Centre in Singapore, who works in community-based settings with children, adults and families. She is a Registered Counsellor with the Singapore Association for Counselling and has experience providing counselling, casework management and crisis intervention. Her areas of interest include clinical supervision, reflective practice, emotion focused therapy and systemic psychotherapy.

Geoff McNulty

Geoff McNulty, currently operates a People Development Consultancy from his UK base. He was formerly Senior Lecturer Education (Guidance and Counselling) as well as Program Manager for the Master of Guidance and Counselling Course at James Cook University, Singapore. He is a Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Supervisor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). He has been a practitioner, supervisor and counselling trainer over four decades within diverse national and international settings.

Hwee Leng Toh-Heng

Hwee Leng Toh-Heng is Learning Advisor, Degree Programs at James Cook University, Singapore. She provides consultancy and runs workshops for students who need assistance with writing and APA referencing. She is also a trained volunteer counsellor. Her research interests include collaborative learning using IT, and teachers’ beliefs in using IT in lessons.