Focusing-oriented supervision: the duck shuffle mode in psychotherapy and medicine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Clinical supervision for advanced supervisees has more similarities than differences across therapeutic modalities. Research shows that supervisors, regardless of their therapeutic approach, use many common methods in their work. In the present paper, we describe the traits and aims of focusing-oriented supervision, which is suitable for many therapeutic approaches. We also examine two multi-approach supervision models with large acceptance in the scientific community, the developmental model with six stages by Skovholt and Rønnestad and the seven-eye process model by Hawkins and Shohet. Finally, we propose a combined model that includes both the developmental and the process character of supervision and which also incorporates the bodily process, which is facilitated by focusing-oriented supervision. It is appropriate for careful and tentative approaches with back-and-forth movements elaborating the supervisee’s blind spots, nuclear beliefs and psychological resistance. This model, metaphorically called ‘the duck shuffle mode’, is best suited for supervision with experienced therapists of almost any psychotherapeutic approach. Focusing-oriented supervision is also very useful for medical and health settings as it helps to protect the practitioner from compassion fatigue, stress and burnout and helps to improve the patient’s medical outcome.