Supervision as a secure base: the role of attachment theory within the emotional and psycho-social landscape of social work supervision

ABSTRACT

In recognition of the importance of relationship and working alliance for effective social work supervision, psycho-social factors serve to influence the relational dynamics, impacting on functions such as case discussions and decisions and practitioner welfare and learning. Attachment theory provides an insightful lens for understanding these pivotal aspects of social work supervision and how supervisors may adapt their approach. This paper synthesises the literature linking attachment theory to supervision in social work and the allied discipline of psychotherapy, which is relevant to this lens. Consideration is given to the implications of the different adult attachment patterns of supervisors and supervisees, for their working alliance, the supervision process and social work practice more generally. Further thought is given to the notion of supervision within organisations as a secure base and the impact this may have for supervision practice and future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Attachment theory
• adult attachment
• secure base
• social work supervision
• supervision relationship
• supervisor

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Williams

Jo Williams currently works at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust as a Senior Lecturer in the Social Care, Leadership and Management Portfolio. She is also the Delivery Lead for the national (England) Department for Education funded Practice Supervisor Development Programme. Key areas of teaching specialism are social work supervision, leadership and management; including anti-racist leadership approaches, reflective practice, direct work and communication with children and applied research methods in social work. Key theoretical frameworks include psycho-analytical, psychodynamic, relationship based, systemic and restorative practice and leadership concepts. Jo has worked in a social care and social work settings for 30 years, initially in the community with adults with a physical and learning disability, before moving to social work with children and families. Her specialist practice knowledge in social work is within adoption, permanence and supporting children in care and leaving care, working across the whole statutory spectrum of social work with children and families. She is a PhD student at the University of Sussex and her research interest is in reflective social work supervision; specifically the psycho-social and emotional aspects of practice and how reflective supervision can be achieved in child and family social work. Her PhD focus is on how practice supervisors navigate relationships with their supervisees, using observation and psycho-social methods.