Postmodern Supervisory Models: A Solution-Focused Approach

RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) Andrea Bates Northcentral University Note (I could not get the reading material to pull up via ncu site, so I didn’t know who the readings were from, I contacted the IT help desk, no email back so I went with the founders of SFBT) 1

RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) Solution Focus Brief Therapy with Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg What systemic supervision looks like from Solution Focus Brief Therapy? Shazer - Since adapting to my 1986 SFBT approach to the clinical supervision of therapy trainees, solution-focused supervision (SFS) assumes that the progress is already present, contrary to medical or problem-based supervision models. An assumption of the model is that competency comes from every aspect of the trainee’s life not just from their professional experiences. Therefore, even therapy trainees in their first semester of practicum have competencies they may build upon and use. The use of finding exceptions, goal setting, and complimenting can help the therapist trainees to stay focused on positive professional development and growth rather than potential failures that could possibly come into play. Supervisors can help the trainees in identifying areas of success and exploring the mechanics of how each particular intervention was successful. Together as one, they can investigate those components of therapist action which supports the growth and development of not only the client’s strengths and ability to solve problems, but also of the therapist’s therapeutic skills. It has been suggested that supervision is a primary contributor to clinical self-confidence and proposed that emphasis on supervisee strengths is a key experience in the first stage of supervision. It can be concluded that by using strengths-based approaches and techniques, therapy educators may be more effective in helping students to reduce their anxiety and develop clinical self-confidence. The framework of solution focus supervision allows the supervisors to create and sustain supervisory relationships that are both positive and encouraging. Indeed, solution focused supervision has been found to increase the self-efficacy of the therapist trainees, 2

RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy of continued growth and feelings of success. (Bruhn & Stark, 2014) Berg - If we are just looking at a postmodern way and not just SFBT, then I believe systemic supervision from this type of approach emphasizes heavily on collaboration and exploring through curiosity. The supervisor can work with the supervisee to help with understanding the different perspectives that are within the supervisory relationship itself, and co-create meaning and focus on the language rather than just techniques or interventions. This builds a wonderful alliance between the two (supervisor and supervisee). What are the key differences between postmodern and modern approaches to systemic supervision? Shazer- I think that modern approaches tend to highlight the utilization of techniques and interventions, while postmodern approaches prioritize dialogue and exploration of meaning. “Postmodernism characterizes the movement away from a quest for, and belief in, ultimate foundations in any areas of our lives. This movement is evidenced by the expanding appreciation of multiple points of view and realities, an increasing awareness of the worth of differing cultural values, a dissatisfaction with inflexible norms in all areas of life, a heightened awareness of the effects of our own and others’ psychological makeup on our perceptions and beliefs, and an expanded realization of the influence of individual points of view and their usefulness” (Bobele, Biever, Solórzano, & Bluntzer, 2014) Berg- I think another difference is that modern approaches often perceive the supervisor as an expert who has the answers, while postmodern approaches views the supervisor and supervisee 3

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RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) as co-creators of meaning during supervision. I also think modern approaches focus more on individual pathology or deficits, while postmodern approaches focus on understanding the context and systems that influence the supervisee's work. What are the possible impacts of those differences? Shazer- I believe that the impact of the differences can be very important considering that postmodern approaches to supervision can help the supervisees feel empowerment which, in turn, can make them more active supervisees because they feel like they have more ownership over their own duties. Burg- I believe that it can also lead to a more intense understanding of the surroundings where the supervisee works and a more refined understanding of the clients that they see. I think the differences can also cause a dispute with some supervisors who are more complacent with traditional views and approaches to supervision. What are the ways that postmodern approaches address cultural diversity, social justice, and ethics? Shazer- I would have to emphasize that postmodern approaches are aware of issues of social justice, ethics, and cultural diversity. These approaches motivate the supervisor and supervisee to be aware of their own assumptions and biases culturally and examine how these things can impact their work with their clients. Burg- I also believe that postmodern approaches see that power dynamics are always exist in all relationships (including the supervisory relationship) and give effort to make sure that these power dynamics are addressed. Furthermore, postmodern approaches seem to prioritize a 4

RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) collaborative and respectful point of view to supervision keeping ethical and client-centered functions in mind for a fluent therapeutic experience for supervisor and supervisee, and their clients. . 5

RUNNING HEAD: Assess Postmodern Supervisory Models (Discussion Summary) References Bruhn. R, Stark, M. (2014). Practicum Student Experiences of Solution-Focused Supervision: A Pilot Study. Pg. 2 & 3. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/article_74.pdf? sfvrsn=c0117e2c_11 Bobele, M., Biever, J. L., Solórzano, B. H., & Bluntzer, L. H. (2014). Postmodern approaches to supervision. In T. C. Todd & C. L. Storm (Eds.), The complete systemic supervisor: Context, philosophy, and pragmatics (pp. 255–273). Wiley Blackwell. 6

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