Beginning a session.

When it was mentioned to me about doing the cross professional supervision course, uncertainty and doubt crept in. I began to think I wasn't able for it. I had observed a talented colleague complete the course; able, creative, and highly reflective.

In the face of this self-doubt, I accepted the challenge.  What followed was the need to push myself beyond comfort and safety towards creativity, expression, and vulnerability. The learning involved engaging with a range of creative modalities and it made me wonder what I could use; a modality that could facilitate a conversation with a supervisee where they could explore their inner world. 

I would like to share some helpful experiences that have challenged me to grow as a supervisor.

To begin a session of pastoral supervision, I have learned to have something to hand which is both thought provoking and interesting. From my own experience I know that poetry can elicit feelings in me and I wondered if this could also work with a supervisee. Something which can act as a beginning, a middle and an end.

For me, poetry is like scaffold.  Built on to the side of a building allowing a builder to get to work.  Poetry can scaffold into a situation, and scaffold out of a situation. It can build a bridge or a pathway into a subject and or help someone return and focus or end on a theme. I’ve tried to rework this paragraph but not sure what it is you’re trying to say.

I’m learning that creative approaches help explore situations in new ways, enabling fresh insights into challenges or dilemmas. Cross-professional supervision involves diverse fields, and creativity bridges differences, finding common ground or innovative solutions that benefit all parties.

During the course I have been open to exploring a range of creative techniques including art used as a visual prompt, storytelling, or metaphor. Often these approaches can make it easier to communicate complex or sensitive issues across professions.

On a few occasions, I have used this poem which I, and my supervisees, have found helpful.

Masons, when they start upon a building, are careful to test out the scaffolding;

Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points, secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.

And yet all this comes down when the job’s done. Showing off walls of sure and solid stone.

So, if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be old bridges breaking between you and me

Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall Confident that we have built our wall.

‘Scaffolding’ by Seamus Heaney is a favourite poem of mine.  It is a thoughtful poem that uses the metaphor of construction to explore the nature of relationships, particularly the marriage between Heaney and his wife, Marie. The poem describes the temporary structures used by builders to ensure the stability of a building, drawing a parallel to how couples lay a foundation for their relationship. Heaney emphasises the importance of trust, communication, and mutual support, suggesting that just as scaffolding is crucial in the construction process, these elements are vital for a lasting partnership.

I have found that by using poetry, specifically this poem which is simple and clear, it can reveal underlying emotions or perspectives that might not surface in traditional discussions. Having it there as a beginning to help the person reflect and ask them to go back to it in the session and ask if there is anything more resonating with them about their life or situation. And finish off by returning to it and saying what have we learned?

I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this creative modality and would encourage others to do so.

Please try it.

Scaffolding by Seamus Heaney