Applying the Principles of Anti-Oppression to Group Work Supervision

ABSTRACT

While clinical supervision is an accepted and essential means by which to promote group worker competence, as well as safeguard group members, little has been written about the practice of anti-oppressive group work supervision (GWS). This article aims to advance the use of anti-oppressive approaches to the practice of GWS. The article provides a contextual framework for GWS, models of supervision, and the targets of anti-oppressive action in the practice. Additionally, it describes the application of ten principles of anti-oppression to the practice of GWS, emerging practices, cautions, critiques, as well as implications for group work training and research.

KEYWORDS:

• Anti-oppression
• group work
• group work supervision
• clinical supervision

Disclosure Statement

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

Supplementary Data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01933922.2023.2190775.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jane E. Atieno Okech

Jane E. Atieno Okech, Ph.D., is a professor of Counselor Education and Supervision in the Department of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science, College of Education and Social Services, at the University of Vermont.

Deborah Rubel

Deborah Rubel, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Teacher and Counselor Education, College of Education at Oregon State University.

Maya Jamaleddine

Maya Jamaleddine, MS., is a pre-licensed Counselor, Department of Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Vermont Psychological Services, Burlington, Vermont.

Crystal Hutchinson

Crystal Hutchinson, MS., is a pre-licensed Counselor, Department of School Services, Howard Center, Burlington, Vermont.

Liana Redmond

Liana Redmond, MS., is a pre-licensed Counselor and Director, Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Spectrum, Youth and Family Services, Burlington, Vermont.