“Supervisors must practise the same self-reflection they expect from mediators.”
What This Lens Focuses On
Lens 6 directs attention inward to the supervisor’s own thoughts, emotions, values, and biases. Just as mediators bring their inner world into client work, supervisors bring their own history, assumptions, and reactions into the supervisory relationship.
This lens invites supervisors to reflect on how their tone, style, preferences, and triggers shape the supervisee’s learning space. By recognising these influences, supervisors can model transparency, humility, and ethical practice.
Purpose of the Lens
Supervision through this lens supports supervisors to:
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Recognise their emotional responses and manage them constructively.
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Reflect on how biases, assumptions, or values influence their feedback and interactions.
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Monitor power dynamics and their own use of authority.
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Model reflective practice for supervisees by demonstrating openness and self-awareness.
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Ensure supervision remains ethical, balanced, and supportive.
Application in Supervision
Supervisors can apply this lens by asking themselves:
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“What am I feeling right now, and how is it affecting my responses?”
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“Am I giving feedback based on the supervisee’s needs, or my personal preferences?”
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“How might my cultural background, values, or experiences be shaping this conversation?”
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“Am I modelling the reflective awareness I want my supervisees to develop?”
This lens also emphasises the importance of ongoing professional development and self-care for supervisors. Reflecting on their own strengths and growth areas helps supervisors remain grounded, ethical, and effective.
Why This Lens Matters
Supervisors are not neutral observers — their inner world shapes the supervisory process. By cultivating self-awareness, supervisors prevent their own biases or emotions from distorting learning, while modelling the reflective capacity they expect in mediators. This ensures supervision remains trustworthy, ethical, and genuinely developmental.