Orientation — Page 2 of 6

Course at a Glance

Welcome to Your Learning Journey

This page provides an overview of the course modules, learning activities, and evidence requirements that support your development as a reflective supervisor in Family Dispute Resolution and mediation contexts.

Throughout the program you will move through connected modules supported by supervision practice, reflective activities, and portfolio development.

By the end of the course, you will have completed the learning modules, supervision practice activities, and evidence portfolio required for recognition as a reflective supervisor.

Course Overview

The program is organised into 8 core modules plus one bonus module. Each module builds progressively on the understanding developed in the previous one.

Module Focus Key Learning Outcomes
Module 1: Foundations of Reflective Supervision Understanding the purpose, ethics, and boundaries of supervision, and differentiating supervision from debriefing and management. Identify the functions of supervision, define professional boundaries, and articulate what makes supervision reflective rather than managerial.
Module 2: Establishing the Supervision Relationship Building trust, setting agreements, and maintaining ethical and cultural safety in supervision relationships. Develop skills to build reflective supervision relationships, manage power and boundaries, and apply the Tripod Model to balance learning, accountability, and wellbeing.
Module 3: The Tripod Reflective Feedback Model Using structured feedback to promote professional learning and reflective growth. Apply the Tripod Reflective Feedback Model to provide balanced, constructive feedback that reinforces strengths while supporting development.
Module 4: Debriefing in Mediation Practice Providing structured emotional support following challenging or high-conflict mediation sessions. Facilitate effective debriefings that support practitioner wellbeing, reflection, and resilience while maintaining ethical boundaries.
Module 5: The Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision Exploring relational and systemic dimensions of supervision practice. Analyse and apply the Seven-Eyed Model to understand multiple layers of the supervisory process — from practitioner–client interactions to the wider professional context.
Module 6: Applying Kolb's Experiential Learning Model Linking supervision practice to adult learning theory. Use Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle to support reflective learning and integrate theory with practice in supervision sessions.
Module 7: Application of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle Deepening reflective capacity through structured review of practice experiences. Apply Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to enhance critical reflection, identify professional learning themes, and plan for ongoing development.
Module 8: Workplace Evidence and Certification Process Submitting evidence demonstrating your ability to facilitate supervision and workplace debriefing. Compile and submit portfolio evidence required to demonstrate competence and achieve certification.
Bonus Module: Starting a Supervision Practice For practitioners interested in offering supervision services professionally. Introduces key considerations in establishing a supervision practice, including defining services, establishing supervision agreements, and building credibility as a reflective supervisor.

How to Use This Roadmap

Each module builds on the previous one — guiding you from foundational concepts, through relationship development and reflective feedback, to advanced supervision models and practical application.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive framework for supervision practice that is ethically grounded, theoretically informed, and adaptable to both Family Dispute Resolution and mediation contexts.

How the Course Works

Learning Format

The course is delivered 100% online, combining:

Time Commitment: Approximately 40 hours, with up to 6 months to complete.

Pace: Flexible — you control your schedule and progress.

Navigating the Course Platform

The course is organised into modules that appear in sequence on the course menu.

To move through the course:

Your progress will be automatically recorded as you complete each activity.

What You'll Need

Assessments and Evidence

Throughout the course you will develop a Portfolio of Competence demonstrating your supervision skills and understanding.

Your portfolio will include:

Tip: Think of your portfolio as both an assessment tool and a professional resource you can continue to use in your supervision practice.

Recognition and Pathways

On successful completion you will achieve:

These outcomes support your pathway toward Advanced or Leading Mediator roles and recognised supervisory responsibilities.

Support Along the Way

You are not learning alone.

Our facilitators and peer community will support you through:

The best email for contact is student-hub@mediationinstitute.edu.au