The Power Of Peer Supervision - Tools For Coaching Supervision Groups
The Power of Peer Supervision
Aly McNicoll
Overview
Peer supervision differs from more traditional forms of supervision in that it doesn’t require the presence of a more qualified, identified expert in the process – a supervisor. Peer supervision usually refers to reciprocal arrangements in which peers work together for mutual benefit where developmental feedback is emphasised and self directed learning and evaluation is encouraged (Benshoff, J.M. 1992). There are a number of things that can and do go wrong if individuals are left to lead their own supervision processes and maintaining the quality and effectiveness over time is a challenge. This paper discusses peer group supervision and the factors that impact on its effectiveness, identifies common pitfalls for peer supervision groups and discusses how to maintain the quality and effectiveness over time so that the process does fulfil the purpose and functions of supervision for supervisees.
Introduction
Peer supervision differs from more traditional forms of supervision in that it doesn’t require the presence of a more qualified, identified expert in the process – a supervisor. Peer supervision usually refers to reciprocal arrangements in which peers work together for mutual benefit where developmental feedback is emphasised and self directed learning and evaluation is encouraged (Benshoff, J.M. 1992). A growing body of evidence exists to support the potential contributions of peer supervision for both trainee and experienced counsellors, the latter express a preference for collegial supervision relationships, seeing them as a viable adjunct or alternative experience to traditional approaches to supervision ( Hansen, Robins & Grimes 1982 ). In other sectors there is insufficient research to evaluate the effectiveness of peer supervision but evaluations from client organisations of the New Zealand Mentoring Centre show that it has the potential to offer valuable professional support for staff and...
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