Supervisor’s Role in Active Experimentation

Encourage goal-setting:
Prompt “What’s one concrete change you will implement next time?”
Facilitate planning:
Provide tools (e.g. templates, checklists) for action planning.
Offer rehearsal opportunities:
Use role plays and simulations to build confidence before applying new strategies to live cases.
Support safe experimentation:
Create an environment where supervisees feel safe to try new methods, while ensuring strategies remain ethical and compliant with their obligations.
Monitor and follow-up:
Schedule check-ins to review outcomes, reflect on impact, and refine strategies.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (and Supervisors Response)

Skipping Planning – Rushing into practice without a plan.
Supervisor response: Slow down, co-develop a clear action plan.
Overconfidence – Trying too many changes at once.
Supervisor response: Encourage focus on one manageable goal.
Fear of Failure – Avoiding experimentation due to risk.
Supervisor response: Normalise learning from mistakes; frame supervision as a safe lab.
Lack of Follow-up – No review or adjustment after trying a new strategy.
Supervisor response: Build structured debriefs into supervision.

Observation (from reflection): Mediator noticed during reflection and conceptualisation that they dominate discussions.
Plan (Active Experimentation):
“In my next session, I will ask open-ended questions and limit my speaking to summarising and clarifying.”
Supervisor Prompt:
“How will you check whether this new approach works?” For example, will you track the proportion of speaking time between yourself and the parties?”